Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
by Dr Bhawna Gautam, Afford 2 Smile, Lyndhurst, VIC
The Prophy Mate Neo is an air polisher that uses air, water and powder to achieve a fantastic result. It has a powerful jet that gets the job done quickly.
What’s good about it
The Prophy Mate removes stains and plaque efficiently. Normal scaling can be a difficult job and the end result is sometimes less than ideal. This unit removes stains in a few seconds without damaging the enamel. The handpiece is lightweight, ergonomic and powerful.
These types of polishers can create a lot of mess but that’s not the case with the Prophy Mate. It has a strong jet of water that keeps the power under control. The residue can be easily managed with high suction. I always inform the patient about what’s going to happen so they are prepared. Patients seem to enjoy the experience and definitely like the end result.
The unit needs to be cleaned very well because the outlet can easily get clogged with powder. Cleaning equipment is supplied including a needle that goes inside the nozzle. A routine cleaning schedule will stop any problems.
I use the Prophy Mate frequently. It’s a great option for people who are sensitive to scalers and only have plaque build-up. It can be also used with children.
What’s not so good
It’s not recommended for the powder to be used on implants or crowns. Care is required when using the handpiece as the jet is so strong, it can also damage or injure the gums.
