Composite Syringes - REALITY Publishing Company

Composite SyringeseZCentrix(4.1)2Cost: $63.95Fits most handsSteel barrel much better than plasticMost tips still don’t lock in barrelWhat’s its real name?Navy blue versionDescriptionEssentially a modified plastic version of the original Mark III. Offwhiteplastic or navy blue, same size as the S-Class, has moldedfinger grip. It will accept most tips. It has a stainless steel endwhere the tips insert. Even though the syringe itself is imprintedwith “ez”, the label on the plastic bag in which it is shipped indicatesits name is Mark IIIp E/Z. Autoclavable.Weight2.1oz/60.0gUseLoads from the top of the barrel. You are supposed to push the tipforward into the chamber to lock them into place, but this is notpossible with about half the tips we tried.DirectionsSingle sheet of plain paper in nine languages plus four illustrations.Includes information on all Centrix syringes except theJumbo.(4.0)Jumbo Syringe SystemCentrix3aCost: $71.95Saves timeCan be used with many materialsNeeds a fill lineHalf of tip is plungerDescriptionAs the name implies, the Jumbo is a large version of other Centrixsyringes. It is a cream color and the tip of the barrel has a metalreceptacle that will accommodate the Jumbo tubes, which looklike an amalgam capsule made out of photobloc orange with alarge gauge bent needle on the end. Resin and glass ionomer capsulesfrom 3M ESPE and GC will also fit. Autoclavable.Weight3.0oz/85.1gUseTips load from the top of the barrel by snapping into place. Largesize of tips accommodates enough composite for a large corebuildup or even syringe impression material (can hold enough for2–3 preparations).DirectionsSingle sheet of plain paper in nine languages. Warns about loadingthe tip more than half full — otherwise, the plug cannot beinserted all the way. It would be helpful to have a fill line on thetip, so you don’t have to estimate.©2005 REALITY Publishing Co. Vol. 19 The Ratings 193

Composite SyringesREALITYCompo-Ject has a solid feel and sleek appearance,feels comfortable in most hands, and operatesextremely well, allowing reasonably easy loading andunloading. Its metal construction helps minimize theforce necessary to dispense heavy-bodied, thick composites.Despite being stainless steel, it is much lighterdue to its open architecture compared to the S-Class,but not objectionably heavier than plastic versions. It isalso easy to clean, can be sterilized in any manner, anddoes not get that “gunky” look common to plasticsyringes after numerous uses and sterilization cycles. Inaddition, it is easy to load and remove the tips. While itis expensive, it should be quite durable and sturdy.However, you need two hands to place the tip. Oneevaluator also complained that, when you place compositeinto cavity and release pressure, the tip pops out.The eZ is mainly plastic, which keeps its weight lowand having the steel barrel allows more precise loadingof tips, most of which, however, don’t lock.The Jumbo is innovative, giving you a way to do largecore buildups without loading two or more smallertips, plus you can use it for impressions. It will alsoaccommodate the capsules from 3M ESPE and GC, ifyou are using any of those products. This means youdon’t have to keep the various capsule dispensers inthe treatment room.The S-Class has a professional look and feel and is relativelyeasy to clean, compared to plastic syringes.However, the S-Class is heavy and most tips still do notlock securely into its chamber.The Clearfil AP-X PLT Gun has the most unique look,very ergonomic “feel”, and innovative locking mechanismthat is very effective for virtually all tips exceptthose from Dentsply. However, some operators mayfind the spring-loaded ring difficult to retract and ifyou are not careful, your fingers could get pinchedbetween the lever action of the trigger and the stationarysection of the hand grip.The NuGun is quite similar to the Mark IIIp, but it islarger, making it a poor fit for small hands. Its mustardcolor also does not reflect a clean andprogressive image.Of the plastic syringes, the Compules Syringe is stillthe most versatile and easiest to load, use, and unload.In addition, most tips snap into it securely. However, itis not very sturdy and can disassemble spontaneouslyduring use. It is also somewhat difficult to clean.OTHER PRODUCTS IN THIS CATEGORYCavifil InjectorIvoclar VivadentC-PressUltradentMark ICentrixMark IICentrixProplace LineApplicatorSterngoldSpeed Line ApplicatorSterngold3-D Direct DispensingSystemVita/VidentUnidose Composite Gunsds/Kerr196 The Ratings©2005 REALITY Publishing Co. Vol. 19