The i2 Dryfield Illuminator offers some nice improvements over its popular, well-received predecessor, the Isolite. The Isolite was released in 2002 and offered a multitude of benefits to the dental team, including illumination of the oral cavity, aspiration of saliva and debris, and retraction of both tongue and cheek. All of these features are wrapped up in a lightweight, easy-to-use system that connects to an operatory high-speed vacuum line.
The core feature of this product is its patented mouthpiece assembly. It’s made of a soft, flexible, non-impinging polymer (Isoflex™) and is composed of a bite block and a built-in cheek and tongue retractor. The vacuum system portal is situated between the maxillary and mandibular portions of the bite block assembly and allows for continuous anterior/posterior and sublingual/buccal vestibule aspiration. The mouthpiece unit itself is disposable and thus easily complies with infection control protocol. The mouthpieces have a bilateral design allowing for use in any quadrant during procedures and they come in four different sizes: adult small, adult medium, adult large, and pediatric. The assembly is easily inserted within seconds and can be removed even quicker.
The original Isolite utilized a fiber optic light assembly that consisted of a six-foot fiber optic cord connected to a light box. This unit was designed to be placed on the countertop. Some of the complaints surrounding the old system were its cumbersome nature, especially in today’s modern dental operatory with limited countertop space and the desire for a more streamlined operation. With the new i2, the fiber optic assembly has been replaced by an LED light system that eliminates the need for any additional cables or control boxes. The improved LED light system uses bright, adjustable light that travels the entire length of the mouthpiece, wrapping light around both upper and lower quadrants. Because the assembly illuminates from within the oral cavity, the light cannot be blocked by the dentist’s or assistant’s head or hands, and there is no concern about light in the patients’ eyes. Improved ergonomics lead to less fatigue and a substantial decrease in the repetitive stress associated with retraction, suctioning, eyestrain, and reaching to adjust overhead lights or adjusting patients for better access or visibility.
By utilizing their system, Isolite claims to reduce dental procedure times by 25-50%. Because the system continually retracts, aspirates, and illuminates, easier access is achieved and treatments go uninterrupted. With the original Isolite, I immediately noticed an increase in operatory efficiency. The typical treatment delays associated with swallowing, spitting, closing of the mouth, and conversation were all but eliminated and a procedure that was taking us an hour to perform was cut down by at least 15 minutes. More efficient individual procedures equate to more procedures per day, and consequently, a more productive practice.
I have had almost unanimous positive feedback from patients using this system and the staff has loved it. Patients have reported that the mouthpiece is actually quite comfortable and the bite block dramatically lessens strain from staying open during procedures. Patients also report less foul tastes associated with so many dental materials. I have only received a small fraction of patient complaints from the use of the Isolite. One complaint was the continuous aspiration noises throughout the duration of the procedure, or the awkward nature of being forced to stay open throughout an appointment. I assume that like a lot of new technologies introduced to a dental practice, some patients are more resistant to change and will assimilate as they gain familiarity with this product. From a practitioner’s perspective, this product has virtually eliminated our need for overhead light or my fiber-optic headlight. The retraction benefits have eliminated the annoying tongue or cheek injuries that inevitably occur with conventional isolation techniques, and we have been able to maintain a much drier field necessary for modern day restorative techniques.
The i2 was launched at the ADA convention in Philadelphia (October 2005) and will be in stock by mid-November of this year. It will retail at $1,495 and includes 40 disposable mouthpieces in various sizes. Additional mouthpieces can be ordered separately and cost approximately $2 each. The LED light assembly has a life expectancy of 5,000+ hours without autoclave degradation. I was told by the folks at Isolite that a replacement LED assembly can be purchased for roughly $465, but 5,000+ hours would take most dental offices years to accumulate. Taking into consideration the improved procedure efficiency that this system offers, I feel these costs are well worth the price and I can’t wait to implement the new i2 system into my practice.
Review Synopsis
Product
The New i2 Dryfield Illuminator
The Good
Excellent illumination, retraction, and aspiration; improved comfort for patients; improved efficiency/production and ergonomics for dentist and staff.
The Bad
Increased overhead associated with disposable mouthpieces (albeit minimal); perhaps a few resistant patients; not a long track record of proven performance.
The Bottom Line
A great addition to any practice looking to increase operatory efficiency and comfort.