All TCS resins are simple to work with. When it comes to finishing and polishing appliances made with iFlex™ and Unbreakable™, divide the partial into three sections and spend an equal amount of time in each section. Refrain from moving the partial in different directions, unlike acrylic dentures iFlex™ and Unbreakable™ should not be polished all at once. 

Technicians have found that iFlex™ is easier to finish due to its softness. Polyolefin based materials (such as iFlex™) grind easier with less pressure in comparison to nylon-based materials (such as Unbreakable™). 

Karadent™ is very easy to finish and polish because unlike acrylic, it requires less time to complete.

Unbreakable™:

For best results, we recommend using the TCS Pink Zirconia Burs to finish and the Green Hi-Shine polishing paste to polish Unbreakable™.  

Always apply Brown Tripoli with a clean Rag Buff on medium-high pressure before using Green Hi-Shine. Then apply the Green Hi-Shine using a dry Rag Buff at high speed with moderate pressure. 

iFlex™:

For best results, we recommend using the TCS Pink Zirconia Burs to finish and the iShine polishing paste to polish iFlex™. 

Always apply Brown Tripoli with a clean Rag Buff on medium-high pressure before using iShine. Then apply the iShine using a dry Rag Buff at medium-high speed with very light pressure.

Karadent™:

For best results, we recommend using the TCS Pink Zirconia Burs or any acrylic burs to finish and the Green Hi-Shine polishing paste to polish Karadent™.  

Always apply Brown Tripoli with a clean Rag Buff on medium-high pressure before using Green Hi-Shine. Then apply the Green Hi-Shine using a dry Rag Buff at high speed with moderate pressure.

For a step by step guide on finishing and polishing TCS resins, please view or download the Finishing and Polishing eBook.

Yes, a tooth may be added to any TCS appliance. All three TCS resins can be repaired in a laboratory procedure. However, a tooth can only be added using the same material as the original partial.

Unbreakable™ can be repaired with re-injection and a bonding agent, we recommend the TCS Fusing Liquid. View our step by step guide.

iFlex™ can be repaired with re-injection, no bonding agent (or fusing liquid) is needed but always overlap with existing material. Small repairs with the TCS Hot Air Welder are also doable yet, very difficult.

1. Waxing too thick: Waxing too thick is the number 1 reason bubbles often occur. Flexible partials should be waxed approximately 1.5mm thick for small cases with abutment teeth and 2.5 – 3mm where the saddle connects to the abutment teeth in free end saddles. If a thicker wax-up is unavoidable, try to wax as close as possible to the final case.
2. Incorrect spruing method: When spruing use 2 – 3 sprues at the tip end of a wax-up and be sure the connection between the sprue and the waxed model is thin. Adding too much wax to the connection may cause an air bubble. Avoid placing the sprues too close to the teeth, as this will also cause air bubbles underneath the teeth. Refer to the diagram below for proper placement and sprue thickness.
3. Not using enough pressure: Use the correct pressure when injecting TCS resins. Injecting slowly or with a low pressure may cause bubbles to develop.
4. Overheating the flask: If injecting Unbreakable™ or iFlex™, the flask should be at room temperature. (When working with a TCS Automatic Air Injector Unit, DO NOT leave the flask in the injecting position during the entire melt time. Alternatively, position the flask on top of the machine 1 minute before injecting).
5. Using the wrong cartridge size: Select the right cartridge size on a case by case basis. If a case is larger than the selected cartridge, the material will not fill the case properly, causing bubbles to cover the partial.

The TCS Hot Air Welder can serve as an easy fix for minor air bubbles. Click here to view a Step By Step Guide.

1. Consistency: For a consistent bite reference when waxing, articulate both the duplicate model and the master model to mirror each other. Additionally, practicing the design on the model will result in a consistent reference point. 
2. Overestimating: When preparing the model for investing, trim less of the wax-up than desired. It is best practice to have extra finishing room instead of risking a lack of coverage around the edges.
3. Flask condition: Double-check the condition of your flask before injecting. Your flask should touch metal to metal, and the screw inserts must be stable.
4. Lightly add separator or Vaseline: Avoid adding excessive amounts of separator or Vaseline. DO NOT apply separator or Vaseline in-between the metal halves as this may tamper with the metal to metal contact of the flask.
5. Use a buff stone: Avoid using anything other than a buff stone for investing. Mixing plaster with buff stone or using a material softer than buff stone is not recommended. Keep in mind that using a material harder than buff stone will make the de-flasking process more difficult. 
6. Using the TCS Putty correctly: Once a wax-up is invested, apply a thin coating of the TCS Putty around the replacement teeth. Make sure the cusp and incisor edges of the teeth are slightly visible. Before the putty hardens add retentive undercuts on the facial side of the putty.

1. Inadequate diatorics: One of the main reasons for tooth pop-outs is not having a distinct entrance and exit. Be sure to define the diatorics properly.

2. Separator not drying: If you use a separator that is not the TCS EZ Flow separator, be sure to apply thin layers and allow each layer dry completely. Additionally, avoid creating build-up around the teeth.  

3. Inaccurate injection: Premature injection or injecting at low pressures prevents the material from properly flowing through the diatoric holes.

4. Incorrect boil-out: Improper boil-outs leave behind remnants of wax inside the diatoric holes and block the flow of the material when injecting.

5. Blocked flow: Setting the teeth too close to each other prevents the material from flowing through the diatorics and securing the teeth to the partial.

6. Tiny Teeth: Using small teeth may result in a pop-out due to not having enough stability. It is best practice to avoid using tiny teeth.