--- title: "Industry Secrets: The Art Of Etching - Optident" description: Are you a self-proclaimed bondodontist? Do you want to hone your etching skills? Learn more about the art of etching, from its pioneering discovery, to present day. image: https://blog.optident.co.uk/hubfs/2-1.jpg --- - - - - Our Social Channels - [Login](https://optident.co.uk/my-account/) - [Register](https://optident.co.uk/my-account/?action=register) # [![Optident](https://optident.co.uk/app/themes/optident/assets/images/optident-logo.png)](https://optident.co.uk/) ![Search Icon](https://blog.optident.co.uk/hubfs/Blog%20Files%20-%20Do%20not%20delete/icon-search.png) Call +44 (0) 1943 60 50 50 For specialist advice Menu - - [Products](https://optident.co.uk/products/) - [Offers](https://optident.co.uk/offers/) - [Courses](https://optident.co.uk/courses/) - [Blog](https://blog.optident.co.uk) - [Contact Us](https://optident.co.uk/contact/) - Discover - [Dental Loupes](https://optident.co.uk/dental-loupes/) - [Dental Lasers](https://optident.co.uk/dental-lasers/) - [Teeth Whitening](https://optident.co.uk/teeth-whitening/) - [Air Abrasion](https://optident.co.uk/air-abrasion/) - [StyleItaliano](https://optident.co.uk/styleitaliano/) - [The StyleItaliano Direct Workflow](https://optident.co.uk/styleitaliano-direct-workflow/) - [#WHITEOLOGY](https://optident.co.uk/whiteology/) - ![Search Icon](https://blog.optident.co.uk/hubfs/Blog%20Files%20-%20Do%20not%20delete/icon-search.png) ### Blog 2-1 27 June 2018 ### Industry Secrets: The Art Of Etching ## A History  ![Dr. Buonocore](https://blog.optident.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Dr.%20Buonocore.jpg?width=300&name=Dr.%20Buonocore.jpg) Over 40 years ago adhesive dentistry originated from the vision and dedication of a single dental scientist. In 1955, Michael F. Buonocore discovered that resin filling could be durably bonded to etched enamel, introducing a technique which remains in use today. *(Right) Dr. Michael Buonocore working in his lab*     ## How Have Things Changed? **Exposure Time** Whilst Buonocore applied Phosphoric acid to the enamel surface for 30 seconds, experience has taught us that a simple 20 second exposure is sufficient to condition both dentin and enamel. **Phosphoric Acid Liquid Vs. Phosphoric Acid Gel** Many have progressed from using the liquid form of Phosphoric acid to a gel form. Whilst the liquid form of Phosphoric acid provides the user with effective coverage, the gel form has risen in popularity; providing the user with added control. ## The Ideal Etchant ![ultraetch syringe_BONDETCH copy](https://blog.optident.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Ultra-Etch/ultraetch%20syringe_BONDETCH%20copy.jpg?width=1500&name=ultraetch%20syringe_BONDETCH%20copy.jpg) The ideal etchant must effectively cover the tooth structure, penetrating even the smallest fissures. Placement must be extremely precise, with the etchant possessing properties which enable it to remain in the defined placement site. Additionally, the model etchant must provide quick and easy clean up; rinsing cleanly, leaving behind no residue. Finally, it is desirable to work with a coloured etchant, assisting with application and visibility. Recognising these requirements, Ultradent have developed innovative Etchant - [Ultra-Etch](https://optident.co.uk/product/ultra-etch-35-kit/). Perfect for etching before bonding composites, sealants or adhesives, Ultra-Etch can be placed in any location - this includes lingual approaches to Class lll restorations. ## **The Perfect Balance** ![Ultra-etch in use](https://blog.optident.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Ultra-Etch/Ultra-etch%20in%20use.jpg?width=300&name=Ultra-etch%20in%20use.jpg) It is critical that an etchant must stay in the location it is placed, whilst simultaneously remaining viscous enough to adequately penetrate and etch the deep pits and fissures of the tooth. [Ultra-Etch](https://optident.co.uk/product/ultra-etch-35-kit/) strikes this perfect balance, staying precisely where the clinician places it, without running or unintendingly etching other areas of the tooth.   Over etching is prevented by Ultra-Etch’s self-limiting properties, which essentially means that the dentin is decalcified to a depth of approximately 1.2 microns (the ideal depth to create an optimal bond). Ensuring prime conditions for resin impregnation and bonding, Ultra-Etch features balanced, gel- thickening properties, which act as a buffer to the acid. By contrast, other etchants available on the market of a similar strength, can etch up to six times the depth Ultra-Etch (resulting in less favourable results).   ## Tip Choice ![inspiral close](https://blog.optident.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Ultra-Etch/inspiral%20close.jpg?width=200&name=inspiral%20close.jpg) For your convenience, [Ultra-Etch](https://optident.co.uk/product/ultra-etch-35-kit/) can be used with the signature Blue Micro Tip or an Inspiral Brush Tip. The signature delivery method (the micro blue tip), measures 0.05mm in diameter; enabling the practitioner to etch with precise and complete control. The needle like tip, allows even the finest lines to be etched directly from the pre-filled syringe, providing control and precision in the smallest of areas. The inspiral brush tip (pictured right) is ideal for working on flat surfaces, lowering the viscosity for easier application, allowing deep penetration of every surface of the tooth. *(Below) Ultra-Etch Application With Inspiral Brush Tip*   ![1](https://blog.optident.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/1.jpg?width=1619&name=1.jpg) ## **No Residue** ![3-1](https://blog.optident.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/3-1.jpg?width=300&name=3-1.jpg)Clinicians require quality bonding, which can be rinsed cleanly, with no residue left behind. Ultra-Etch meets these requirements, showing that even under very strong magnification virtually no residue remains. [Ultra-Etch](https://optident.co.uk/product/ultra-etch-35-kit/) also facilitates further ease of use, with its distinctive blue colour, enhancing proper placement and ensuring complete removal.   *(Right) Precision Placement With 0.05mm Tip & Easy placement with Distinctive Blue colour* ## **Peace of Mind** Providing complete peace of mind, [Ultra-Etch](https://optident.co.uk/product/ultra-etch-35-kit/) prevents over etching with its unique self-limiting chemistry. Its variable viscosity prevents premature drying and inadequate etching; whilst its easy placement and rinsing, provides the ultimate convenience. With precision placement, Ultra-Etch can penetrate both flat surfaces and the smallest fissures.  **To find out more about [Ultra-Etch](https://optident.co.uk/product/ultra-etch-35-kit/) call us on +44 (0) 1943 60 50 50 or email [sales@optident.co.uk](mailto:sales@optident.co.uk)** [![Ultra Etch CTA](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2916295/466d33d8-73ee-408f-a847-206ed697dd40.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2916295/466d33d8-73ee-408f-a847-206ed697dd40)  Please enable JavaScript to view the [comments powered by Disqus.](https://disqus.com/?ref_noscript) ### Discover More… #### [Ribbond: A Fantastic Treatment Modality To Introduce To Your Practice](https://blog.optident.co.uk/blog-title) #### [Why Everyone’s talking about Lucida](https://blog.optident.co.uk/why-everyones-talking-about-lucida) #### [7 Steps To Sell More Tooth Whitening In Your Practice - Business](https://blog.optident.co.uk/how-to-sell-more-tooth-whitening-in-your-practice) #### Subscribe and we’ll send you brand new articles every month… “ The Vanini Master class is more than just a composite course, it will truly change the way you see and treat anterior aesthetic restorations.(...) unmatched by any course I’ve been on and likely will ever go on. 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