Finishing and Polishing Ebook
In this eBook, TCS walks you through the most effective way to finish and polish TCS appliances.
Frequently Asked Questions about the TCS Resins
TCS offers three distinct resins to fabricate removable dental appliances for patients with missing teeth. The characteristics of TCS resins allow lab technicians to create thin and comfortable appliances. Unbreakable™ is a nylon thermoplastic material popularized for its unbeatable strength and excellent elastic memory. iFlex™ is a polyolefin thermoplastic material famous for its stain-resistant properties, and its simplicity to finish and polish. Karadent™ is a semi-rigid microcrystalline polymer praised for its strength, stability, and no volume shrinkage. Karadent™ is an upgrade from acrylic dentures that is ideal for full dentures, clear clasps, and frameworks. Meanwhile, Unbreakable™ and iFlex™ are ideal for flexible partial dentures. All TCS resins are capable of easily fabricating BPA and monomer free removable dental appliances that are aesthetic and durable for everyday use.
Although all three TCS resins are formulated with aesthetic, functionality, and patient comfort in mind, choosing the right material for a particular case comes down preference and indication.
Between iFlex™ and Unbreakable™, both offer the same characteristics and functionality for flexible partial dentures. However, iFlex™ offers higher translucency in comparison to Unbreakable™.
Unlike iFlex™ and Unbreakable™, Karadent™ is ideal when a full denture, clear framework, or nightguard is prescribed. Additionally, Karadent™ is excellent for partial dentures that require a rigid material, and for large cases where flexibility in the pallet area is not recommended.
All resins are BPA free and monomer free. For thorough indications and contraindications for each resin please visit Unbreakable™, iFlex™ or Karadent™.
All three of our resins are meant to last a lifetime. Although some of our resins are considered unbreakable, the longevity of an appliance will depend on how well the patient cares for their appliance. We recommend the TCS Concentrated Dental Appliance Cleaner to keep appliances looking and feeling like new.
TCS resins are high-quality thermoplastics that come in a variety of cartridge types and sizes with various shades. Prices will vary depending on the cartridge type and size. Furthermore, because TCS does not sell direct, prices will vary depending on the distributor you purchase from. For pricing on TCS resins please contact your distributor or one of our Authorized Distributors.
Unbreakable™ and iFlex™ are available in 5 shades: Light Pink, Standard Pink, Light/Dark Pink, Dark Pink, and *Natural. * The TCS Natural shade is a filmy white shade that is virtually invisible when used for a clasp near the abutment tooth.
Karadent™ is available in 3 shades: Standard Pink, Dark Pink, and Clear.
We offer free shades guides to use as a reference when matching a patient’s natural gingiva to a shade. Contact us to get your shade guide today.
Out of all the TCS resins, iFlex™ is considered the most flexible. However, depending on the thickness of an appliance, all TCS resins are capable of flexibility. Even Karadent™ may become slightly more flexible with thinness.
iFlex™ offers a slightly higher translucency than Unbreakable™ and Karadent™ finishes completely transparent in shade Clear.
Unbreakable™:
When using the TCS Manual Injector or the TCS Hydraulic Injector in conjunction with the TCS Digital Furnace or with any injector:
When using the TCS Automatic Air Injector 110V:
iFlex™:
When using the TCS Manual Injector or the TCS Hydraulic Injector in conjunction with the TCS Digital Furnace or with any injector:
When using the TCS Automatic Air Injector 110V:
Karadent™:
When using the TCS Manual Injector or the TCS Hydraulic Injector in conjunction with the TCS Digital Furnace or with any injector:
When using the TCS Automatic Air Injector 110V:
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.
Karadent™ full dentures can be relined with acrylic. Other Karadent™ appliances can repaired with re-injection or a bonding agent (TCS Fusing liquid is recommended) with acrylic. Small repairs with the TCS Hot Air Welder are also doable yet, serve as a temporary ~6-month repair.
Please contact us for further details and assistance.
The TCS Hot Air Welder can serve as an easy fix for minor air bubbles. Click here to view a Step By Step Guide.
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.
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.
Inaccurate injection: Premature injection or injecting at low pressures prevents the material from properly flowing through the diatoric holes.
Incorrect boil-out: Improper boil-outs leave behind remnants of wax inside the diatoric holes and block the flow of the material when injecting.
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.
In this eBook, TCS walks you through the most effective way to finish and polish TCS appliances.
Use a Brown Rubber Wheel to rubberize the entire TCS partial. This is a crucial step for achieving a high shine in the polishing stage.
Use a TCS Mini Fuzz Buff to further smoothen the partial for an enhanced polish.
Use a Pink Zirconia Bur or a Carbide Bur to gradually fit the partial for accurate retention.
Clasp adjustment tips included.
Use the Econo Cutter to remove sprues. The Rubberized Abrasive Wheel to trim edges.
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