• DurAcetal
• DuraFlex
• VisiClear
• Equipment
• Stones
• General
• Other

FAQ's

If you do not see the answer to your question, please feel free to call 1-888-401-1126 or email info@cdmdental.com We will be continually adding content to this section of the Education center and so be sure to check back regularly to see the most up to date information.

 

DurAcetal

Q: Does DurAcetal bond to acrylic?
A: No. Mechanical retention must be used to secure a DurAcetal clasp to an acrylic partial.

Q: Can I use a laser to connect Acetal clasp to existing partial?
A: No. CDM Dental does not believe lasers are able to consistently bond DurAcetal clasps to existing partials.

Q: What type of acetal is DurAcetal?
A: DurAcetal is a Co-Polymer.

Q: How do DurAcetal clasps retain to frameworks/ partials?
A: Drilling holes to create mechanical lock/ retention, while using putty or injection system.

Q: When making DurAcetal framework/ partials, how do other materials retain to the framework?
A: By drilling holes in the framework to create mechanical retention.

Q: What specific types of framework materials can DurAcetal clasps be added to?
A: Acrylic, nylon and metal/chrome, most flexible partial materials.

Q: Can DurAcetal appliances be stained to replicate real teeth?
A: Yes. When using composite materials (ex. 3M Symphony), apply thin layers and light cure. Then seal the whole tooth with Biscover, this will give the tooth a glossy shine. Please call 888-401-1126 for more information regarding staining of DurAcetal.

Q: Can DurAcetal be used to create rests?
A: DurAcetal is rigid enough to be used for tooth born rests. These rests are best processed using the Hot Shot Elite system.

Q: Can DurAcetal be relined?
A: DurAcetal does not bond with itself or any other material which is why it does not absorb moisture and bacteria. DurAcetal frameworks with acrylic saddles can be relined since the reline area is acrylic.

Q: What is the best method to polish DurAcetal?
A: CDM Dental’s polishing kit is the most effective way to create a nice polished look for the finished case. It can be used on DurAcetal, DuraFlex, VisiClear, polycarbonates, nylons, acrylics, and virtually any thermoplastic material.

Q: What are the Insurance codes for DurAcetal?
A: For partial dentures (Including routine post-delivery care): #D5225 for maxillary partial denture – flexible base (including any clasps, rests and teeth.) #D5226 for mandibular partial denture – flexible base (including any clasps, rests and teeth.) For repairs to partial dentures: #D5630 repair or replacement of a clasp. #D5660 adding clasp to existing partial denture.

Q: What Temporary cement should I use with DurAcetal?
A: CDM Dental suggests any temporary cement for crowns that will be in for less then 3 months. If the crowns will be in for more than 3 months, CDM Dental recommends bonding. If the Dr. is worried about the bonder adhering too much to the tooth, making removal difficult later, he should not etch the tooth. Temp bond is one of the materials that work best.

Q: What is the best method of sprueing when using DurAcetal?
A: Use 3\16” utility rope wax. To reduce the chance of centerline porosity, taper the sprues as they enter the appliance. See the appropriate processing technique for more information and pictures. The techniques can be accessed by clicking the icons to the right of the FAQ’s button near the top of this screen.
 

DuraFlex

 

VisiClear

 

Equipment

Q: Can I set two temperature values on the Hot Shot Elite controller so I don’t have to scroll up or down to change the temperature setting?
A: No, the controller can only be set to one temperature at a time.

Q: What type of injection systems will CDM Dental cartridges work in?
A: Big Shot injection press, FlexPress™ injection Press, TCS injection press, Valplast® system, FRS system.

Q: What are the advantages of using the Hot Shot Elite over conventional injection presses?
A: The Hot Shot Elite greatly reduces the time/labor required for creating clasps. It also gives the user greater control over the amount of material being used. Since the sprues can be made shorter, less material is wasted. The Hot Shot Elite in conjunction with the putty matrix system eliminates the time required to allow investing stone to set up. The putty sets up in 5 minutes.  

Q: Do Valplast cartridges fit in the Big Shot?
A: No. Valplast cartridges are slightly bigger than the industry standard 1” cartridges and so they do not fit in the heating chamber of the Big Shot.  

Q: Do Valplast cartridges fit in the FlexPress™?
A: Yes. The FlexPress™ was designed to accept DuraFlex, DurAcetal®, VisiClear™, Valplast®, and TCS cartridges. Call CDM Dental 1-888-401-1126 if you wish to know if your material works in the FlexPress™.

 

Q: If my material injects a brownish color while using the Hot Shot Elite, what am I doing wrong?
A: This is usually a result of leaving the injection sleeve in the unit after the injection. Make sure to remove the sleeve after you have injected all the material and removed the injection rod. Even if the unit is turned off, the heating chamber is still very hot. The thin layer of material left in the sleeve will degrade and turn brown. Always remove the injection sleeve from the Hot Shot Elite after injection. THE SLEEVE WILL BE HOT! MAKE SURE TO USE THE HEAT RESISTANT GLOVES WHEN REMOVING THE ROD & INJECTION SLEEVE.

Q: How long to let the flask cool before opening?
A: Let the flask bench cool for 10-20 minutes prior to di-vesting.

 

Stones

Q: How do I set the teeth into the stone prior to injection?
A: Using a dot of super glue will help with placing the teeth back into the stone. This will prevent the teeth from shifting during the injection process. It is important to only use a small amount of super glue in order to not change the location of the tooth in the finished appliance.

Q: What type of stone do I use to pour up the flask?
A: For the bottom half, CDM Dental Investing Stone or any buff stone. For the top half, we recommend CDM Dental Investing Stone. The investing stone flows well into all areas of the flask reducing voids.

Q: When do I need to use Universal Stone?
A: If creating a DurAcetal® appliance such as crown, bridge or framework, the model must be duplicated in Universal Expansion stone. This stone accounts for the shrinkage of the DurAcetal® during cooling. DuraFlex and VisiClear™ do not require the use of expansion stones.

Q: What types of CDM Dental stones are used to make unilateral?
A: If creating a DurAcetal® appliance such as crown, bridge or framework, the model must be duplicated in Universal Expansion stone. This stone accounts for the shrinkage of the DurAcetal® during cooling. DuraFlex and VisiClear™ do not require the use of expansion stones.

Q: Do I need to use a stone separator between the two halves of the Flask?
A: Yes. We recommend using stone separator before pouring up the second half of the flask.

Q: What is the purpose of CDM Dental Universal Expansion Stone?
A: This stone was designed to account for the shrinkage of DurAcetal®. This stone should be used to duplicate the model for any appliance made from DurAcetal other than clasps. This includes frameworks, unilaterals etc. Universal Expansion stone is unnecessary when creating clasps with the Hot Shot Elite if the proper technique is followed. See the Hot Shot Elite processing techniques for details.

Q: How long do I need to allow the Universal Expansion Stone to set up prior to working on it?
A: CDM Dental recommends waiting at least two hours prior to beginning wax-up if the model has been duplicated in Universal Expansion Stone.

General

Q: How to prevent bubbles in the materials?
A: Bubbles are generally due to the model/ flask being too hot at the time of injection. Make sure to follow material procedures precisely. If you are experiencing bubbles in the appliance, reduce the time/temp of your preheat procedures until bubbles are no longer present.

Q: What temp to pre-heat model ?
A: Hot Shot Elite- Refer to the label on the side of the unit for model pre-heat times and temps.

     Big Shot- The model/flask should be preheated for 10min at 250F

     FlexPress- The FlexPress does not require the preheating of the flask prior to injection.

Q: Do we sell empty cartridges?
A: No

Q: How long does it take the putty to set up?
A: Approximately 5 minutes.

Q: What is the purpose of the release compound?
A: To lubricate the outside of the cartridge for a smoother injection. The release compound will prolong the life of the heating chamber. CDM Dental recommends coating each cartridge with a very thin coat of release compound prior to inserting the cartridge into the press.

Q: What size bur is used to create the sprue hole in the putty matrix?
A: #8 round bur which is included in the Finishing Kit. The finishing kit is located in the Lab section of this website.

Other

Q: How does CDM Dental ensure all its products are of the up most quality?
A: CDM Dental is certified to ISO 13485 as well as a registered medical device manufacturer with the FDA. ISO 13485 is the international standard for medical device manufacturing. CDM Dental is audited yearly to ensure all products and services meet the requirements of the international standard. You can be sure CDM Dental materials are safe to use for creating dental appliances.