The strips and pins consist of specially surface treated glass fibers impregnated with high viscosity light-curable resin matrix. The fibers are in the form or unidirectionally oriented bundle or braided multidirectionally oriented flat tape. The dimensions vary depending on the indication range of a specific product. The strip is slightly sticky and can easily be formed and adapted into the desired position. The strip is placed under the non-transparent foil in protective films and sealed in a blister with aluminium foil.

Over the years, we have followed the recommendations from our customers and set a standard length of the pre-impregnated strips to 6 cm. This length is optimal for the needs of most applications and for minimizing the waste.

During manipulation, it is recommended to use powder-free latex or vinyl protective gloves and to use non-contact technique. Do not touch the unprotected strip with bare hands. Avoid using direct and intense light in the working area as this could lead to the loss of application properties. Do not use the product if it becomes contaminated or otherwise damaged while being placed.

The strip can be cut using regular scissors. However, it is recommended to use clinical scissors. To avoid contamination, cut the strip when it is still placed in the protective films.

The strip can be formed and adapted in the desired position using standard instruments, such as tweezer, spatula, condenser and other composite filling instruments. Using of instruments with sharp edges should be avoided as they can damage the reinforcing fibers.

There is no need for additional treatment of the strips or pins. The fibers are already impregnated by dental resin matrix to enssure strong and reliable adhesion.

For optimal bonding, it is recommended to use a standard two-step etch-and-rinse protocol. Self-etching single step adhesive protocol is less desired and should be used in the case of short-term applications only.

Dentapreg® products are designed to be used in combination with any light or dual-curable resin composites  and cements available on the market today. The selection of a specific material depends on the given clinical situation and the dentist’s preferences.

Strips and pins must be covered with a composite along the entire length. This is necessary in order to avoid irritation of soft oral tissues by exposed fibers and to protect the integrity of the framework structure. In the case of splinting, if there are no points of contact, build them from condensable resin composite.

Dentapreg® products should be stored at temperatures between 4 and 25 ºC (39 to 77  ºF) in an intact blister away from direct light sources. Do not expose to temperatures higher than 25 ºC (77  ºF) for extended periods of time. Do not use after the expiry date stated on the packaging.

After opening the blister, unused parts of the pliable strip in the protective films can be stored in the light protection box included in the packaging. In this packaging, store the product in a refrigerator at temperatures between 4 and 10 ºC, and use it within four weeks. If no contamination occurs, Dentapreg® pins can be stored without any restrictions in the original packaging for the entire shelf life.

The strips with the multidirectionlly oriented fibers in the form of flat tape (Dentapreg® SFM and PFM)  are tightly interwoven and will not change the original dimensions upon forming. In the case of ultra-fine membrane (Dentapreg® UFM), the threads of fibers are loosely woven to provide flexibility and stretchability when adapted to a complex surface. The strips with unidirectionally oriented fibers (Dentapreg® SFU and PFU) allow for dimensional change of their cross-section due to limited flow of the impregnating resin matrix and corresponding movement of the individual fibers.

The type of curing light will not affect the properties of the final application, but affects the time necessary to cure the strip. Keep in mind that a successful application of splints, retainers or frameworks requires curing the strip along its entire length and hence multiple light exposure steps progressing from one side of the application to the other are required. When using standard LED curing light with power of around 700 mW/cm², the curing step for one tooth is 40 s. When using a high-power curing light, the light-exposure time can be adjusted accordingly.

In very rare cases, the use of Dentapreg® medical devices may be associated with an allergic reaction. The use is contraindicated in patients with known over-sensitivity to any of the components contained (especially methacrylate monomers and polymers). During application, avoid contact with eyes, skin and soft tissues and ingestion. In the case of a contact of an uncured strip with soft tissues, gently wipe the affected area with a cotton swab or gauze, and rinse with water.

Inform the patient of the necessity of following hygiene principles to preserve esthetics and reduce the risk of caries. Also, instruct the patient to see the dentist without delay in the event of functional failure.

The removal procedure is related to the specific type of application. The procedure of splint removal after it served its desired purpose has three steps. First, remove the covering layer of the composite by using a bur or using a polishing wheel to heat up the surface of the composite. The heated composite becomes soft and can be removed with a scaler. Next, remove the strip from the surface of the teeth. The easiest way is to use a scaler or orthodontic pliers and pull it from the interproximal spaces. Finally, clean and polish the teeth. The procedure of bridge removal has four steps. This includes cutting the retentions using a diamond bur, removing the pontic, removing the rest of the composite from the abutment teeth and finally, cleaning and polishing the abutment teeth.