11 years OptraGate: This is how you can treat patients with even more efficiency!

Do you already use OptraGate? Since its market launch eleven years ago, the lip and cheek retractor has effectively helped many dental teams to facilitate their treatment procedures.

How has the little helper been faring in clinical use? What lies behind its continued popularity? Read about how a satisfied user answered these questions: Dr Niklas Bartling (Switzerland), dentist, who has been using OptraGate for many years in his clinic.

Dr Bartling, when did you first use OptraGate in your practice?

Dr Bartling: I have known Optra Gate since it was launched. At first, I used the product quite cautiously. However, I soon learned to appreciate its benefits and would not want to do without it today. OptraGate has become part of our "standard tool set" for many treatments.

In which treatment situations do you especially like using OptraGate?

Dr Bartling: First of all, I want to mention the vast field of pediatric care where a rubber dam can often not be placed. OptraGate comes in very handy for such situations: sealings and fillings can be applied more quickly. The device is also a work-facilitating auxiliary in orthodontic uses, particularly when bonding brackets or retainers. Another use that should not be forgotten is the treatment under general anaesthetic, where OptraGate is instrumental not only in keeping the mouth open but also in protecting the lips and adjoining soft tissues.

In your opinion, what are the specific advantages of OptraGate?

Dr Bartling: OptraGate niftily opens up the vestibule and retracts the soft tissue from the buccal and labial aspects of the teeth. An open view of the treatment field is easily attained. The "battle" with soft tissue is minimized. Only the tongue needs to be kept in check. Easy access is also pleasant for the patient, as anyone who has ever had a mirror poked deep into their gingivobuccal fold will be able to confirm.

Overall, with OptraGate in place, you can focus on the actual work at hand. The treatment is more relaxed and more efficient.

More efficient?

Dr Bartling: Yes, because a lot of treatment time is spent retracting the soft tissue from the treatment field and ensuring a dry restoration or impression site. To make matters worse, patients from time to time feel the urge to close their mouth and they gradually reduce their mouth opening as the treatment goes on. Children can be particularly tricky in this respect. We end up spending part of our treatment on getting access to the treatment field and keeping the treatment site clear. This takes away time and attention from the actual treatment.

Overall, OptraGate performs this task for us by providing a clear view and easy access to the treatment field. This, in my opinion, helps us increase our efficiency.

How would you describe OptraGate in one sentence?

Dr Bartling: If you want to stay in the medical realm, I would describe OptraGate as an oral stent, or as a stent that assists dentists in keeping their patients' mouth open.

What are your concluding thoughts on OptraGate?

Dr Bartling: A handy auxiliary that is an essential tool for your practice and allows the treatment to be a great deal more relaxed.

These instructions show how easy it is to position OptraGate in the patient's mouth.

An extended version of this interview was published in the German professional magazine “Recall” (Issue 8/2015).