Why one practitioner loves the Hu-Friedy XT Triple Bend Ultrasonic insert

Nancy Miller, RDH, BA, is a practicing clinician in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Since 1998, she has also been a Clinical Advisor for Jameson Management and a technical advisor/key opinion leader for several companies, including Hu-Friedy Manufacturing of Chicago. She has used ultrasonic instrumentation with thin or modified inserts for 25 years.

Here, she tells Dental Products Report what she likes most about the Hu-Friedy XT Triple Bend Ultrasonic insert.

Why did you start to use the XT Triple Bend Ultrasonic Insert?

I was already using their Swivel XT [Extra Thin] insert because of its ability to get to the bottom of deeper pockets and to finish scaling in tight spots like lower anteriors. Tip geometry makes a difference in aggressiveness in removing older, more mineralized calculus. A typical universal insert is round or oval in cross-section that allows the energy wave to flow smoothly around it. While the front and back of the insert’s working end exert more power than the lateral sides, an insert that has a ridge or “edge” on it concentrates the energy wave along that ridge which gives it a burst of increased power. This feature makes removing calculus much easier.

The XT Triple Bend is diamond shaped in cross-section, which creates bevels along the working end. This allows for fast and thorough removal of deposits and stains. Making the tip thinner than standard allows for better access to deeper pockets and tight, crowded areas.

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How does it compare to others on the market?

There are other thin tips on the market that work well and also allow access to the areas I mentioned, but I have always liked the alloys Hu-Friedy uses in its products. The metal seems denser and more compact, which allows for a much smoother delivery of the energy with less ”chatter” and discourages the tendency of the tip to get stuck between teeth or in tight areas.

The alloy in their XT Triple Bend (and XT) is manufactured to endure high power settings without creating excess heat or strain on the tip, decreasing patient sensitivity and increasing the rapidity of deposit removal. Hu-Friedy also has its exclusive Swivel Insert Mechanism that allows me to roll smoothly around line angles and easily go back and forth interproximally. Hu-Friedy has the XT Triple Bend in two styles: the Swivel Direct Flow option mentioned previously and a non-swivel option with a wide resin handle called Streamline Direct Flow.

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What have been results been?

Calculus removal is faster, easier and more complete than with a standard universal insert or using hand instruments. My patient’s perception is that their cleaning is faster and less aggressive on their teeth than with hand instruments. If I do have to resort to hand instruments in areas that I can’t get the ultrasonic tip angulated efficiently, there is a lot less scraping needed, which always makes the patient and me happier.

What benefits to your appointments have you seen since using the XT Triple Bend?

Less time spent instrumenting tooth surfaces translates to less wear and tear on my hand and the patient’s teeth.  Less time spent in instrumentation translates to more time to discuss treatment and health options with my patients.

Why would you recommend this product to your colleagues?

As a consultant, I have taught my colleagues what I have learned over my career. My mission is to help clinicians be as effective, efficient, and ergonomic as possible to bring more joy to their daily work and the best care to their patients. The XT Triple Bend fulfills those three parameters of my mission.