Flexi-Flange® Post System
Designed to significantly reduce the incidence of root and post fractures.
Flexi-Flange by EDS uses all the benefits of the patented Flexi-Post® while incorporating a countersunk flange to provide stability in situations where there is inadequate coronal dentin and excessive occlusal forces. The benefits of the patented Flexi-Flange include the fact that it cuts into dentin rather than pushing it away; it closes upon insertion to deliver maximum retention with minimal stress; and it removes all dentinal debris, enhancing ease of placement. The head is highly compatible with Ti-Core®, Ti-Core® Natural, other composites, and glass ionomers. The vertical and horizontal grooves eliminate rotation of core material.
The Flexi-Flange® Post System is a split-shank threaded post system (Figure 1) used to restore a tooth with little or no coronal dentin. The first step in using the Flexi-Flange system is employing a depth gauge in conjunction with an x-ray to determine proper post size. When using digital x-rays, at least 1mm of lateral tooth structure should be at the most apical end of the post. The post-hole preparation begins with the removal of the root filling material. A Gates Glidden drill is used to establish 100% of the post-hole length, and 90% of the post-hole width.
The next step is using a primary reamer to achieve the post-hole width. Because the Flexi-Flange fits optimally within a concentric hold, the number of entries into the post-hold with the primary reamer should be limited. Lubricating the canal with water or another suitable wetting agent simplifies post-hole preparation. The countersink drill (Figure 2) is used to cut two tiers in one operation. This prepares a seat (Figure 3) for the second tier and the seat of the flange.
Full seating of the post is then determined by making certain that the flange fits flush within the preparation (Figure 4). To achieve complete seating in highly curved canals, a diamond disk is used to remove sufficient apical post length to allow fill seating for the second tier and flange. The legs of the post should be shortened after the trial seating, to ensure the creation of threads in the canal with minimum stress.
Next, the Flexi-Flange is trial-inserted with the appropriate wrench. The post should be unthreaded completely from the canal. Flexi-Flow Cem® composite resin cement is placed in the post-hole and on the post shank. Using light pressure, the post is threaded back into the post-hole. The post will seat completely with minimum resistance. Excess cement should be removed to prepare for core build-up.
A bonding agent is used to enhance retention between the coronal dentin, the post, and the core build-up material. An opaquing agent should be used for aesthetic restorations (Figure 5). Using a core matrix, Ti-Core® Core build-up material is then placed and shaped (Figure 6).
Figure 7 shows the final x-ray of the Flexi-Flange split-shank threaded post system in place.
About Flexi-Flange
The Flexi-Flange Post System’s features include:
- Maximum retention.
- Minimal insertion and function stress in cases with little or no coronal dentin and excessive occlusal forces—anterior and posterior.
- A stabilizing flange that maximizes dentin-to-metal contact, distributing functional stresses over a larger area to minimize stress concentrations at any one point.
- A split-shank design that closes on insertion to deliver maximum retention with minimal stress.
- A triple-tier design that provides resistance to post loosening and root/post fracture.
The Flexi-Flange system is available in stainless steel and titanium.
Flexi-Flange® Fiber was designed for dentists who are seeking the most retention with the esthetic benefits of a fiber post. The only fiber flange to provide superior retention and stability without requiring the use of a bonding agent, the new flange is designed with a serrated head that permits greater retention of core material. The second tier and flange increases the intimacy of fit between the post and the natural point at which the canal widens, thereby reducing destructive long lever arms. The Flexi-Flange Fiber vent releases internal hydrostatic pressure upon cementation, and its unique threaded design allows greater retention than passive fiber posts without the need for a bonding agent.
For more information, contact:
Essential Dental Systems, Inc.
Phone: 800-22-FLEXI
Web: www.edsdental.com
Disclaimer
The preceding material was provided by the manufacturer. The statements and opinions contained therein are solely those of the manufacturer and not of the editors, publisher, or the Editorial Board of Inside Dentistry.
