ProGloss Composite Polisher

The easy-to-handle system is designed for both wet and dry applications. ProGloss is available in 3 size/shape configurations: point (4.0 mm), cup (7.0 mm), and disc (9.5 mm).

Fifteen dentists participated in this Dental Product Shopper evaluation of ProGloss. They rated and commented on such features as durability, ease of polishing, time to achieve final polish, and final esthetics.

Durability

The manufacturer notes that ProGloss’ metal shanks are designed for maximum durability. At the same time, the flexible design enables optimal control and contact with the polishing surface. Durability was rated as excellent by 6 evaluators, as very good by 6, and as good by 3. One of the 2 evaluators who commented on the metal shanks said, “I really liked the metal shanks as opposed to the cheap plastic used by other companies. It’s much more durable.” A dentist in practice in Minnesota “found the polisher to be very durable,” and a Washington practitioner said it “wears well, which I like.”

Flexibility of the ProGloss to achieve control and contact was rated as excellent by 2 evaluators, as very good by 7, and as good by 6. A South Carolina dentist with 17 years of experience noted that he was “surprised that such flexible polishers would also be as durable and as quick as they are.”

Ease of Use

As a 1-step, multiuse polisher, ProGloss is designed specifically to reduce chair time; polishing is accomplished in one simple step. Ease of polishing with the ProGloss was rated as excellent by 5 evaluators, as very good by 7, and as good by 3. One dentist found it “a little stiff.” An Illinois dentist found it “easier to insert/remove from my handpiece,” and the South Carolina evaluator said the smooth surface “made cleaning it much easier than others I’ve used.”

Final Esthetics and Time to Achieve Final Polish

The manufacturer notes that its internal laboratory testing of surface roughness parameters after polishing with ProGloss reveals better performance than that seen with the other polishers tested. When the evaluators were asked about the final esthetics of their ProGloss-polished restorations, 2 rated this feature as excellent, 11 rated it as very good, 1 rated it as good, and 1 rated it as fair. The evaluators were also asked to assess time to achieve the final polish. Four evaluators rated this feature as excellent, 7 rated it as very good, and 4 rated it as good. One dentist was “surprised that it didn’t achieve a high luster in the time used.” Another evaluator, who called ProGloss “a good product,” noted that it “took a little more time to polish than with my [current] polisher,” and a third evaluator noted that using the polisher at low speed with water irrigation “gave a nice gloss after a few seconds.” An Ohio dentist in practice for 28 years reported “good polish in less time and with fewer steps than with our current system.” Another evaluator, with a large practice in North Carolina, reported that it “achieved a nice luster with relatively little time.”

Overall Satisfaction

Thirteen evaluators said they would definitely or probably recommend the ProGloss to colleagues, and 11 said they would definitely or probably purchase it. Overall satisfaction was rated as excellent by 4 evaluators, as very good by 7, as good by 3, and as fair by 1. A pediatric dentist with 8 operatories and 28 years of experience said it “quickly leaves a smooth, shiny polish.”