A striking experience: Dental treatments made easy with Umbrella

May. 26, 2025

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A striking experience: Dental treatments made easy with Umbrella

User report by Dr. David Stachowicz

You can find more information on our web, so please take a look.

In many clinical situations, the dental profession can be stressful and demanding for the dentist as well as for the patient. On the one hand, a user’s key requirement is, to have an open and unrestricted access to the treatment area. On the other hand, patients are seeking for enhanced treatment comfort, without being faced with muscle fatigue and anxiety. Seeming to be quite contradictory, these demands commonly cannot be met in an easy way. Very often, there are disrupting elements in the way and the appropriate retraction of all soft tissues can turn out to be genuinely challenging for all parties involved.

Luckily, we have been using a smart and innovative auxiliary in our practice for around 1.5 years now, which supports us significantly in performing reliable, smooth, and efficient procedures. The Umbrella™ tongue, lip, and cheek retractor (Ultradent Products) is the ideal addition for every caring practice. It offers much more than a simple cheek retractor, as it helps the patient to comfortably keep their mouth open and tongue in place.

When I used this little tool for the first time, it was a really striking experience. I noticed immediately that it is very easy to handle and quick to place. As the Umbrella retractor is spring-loaded, it comfortably fits to the individual anatomy of the mouth and gently keeps it propped open, creating a super accessible working area. The tongue easily rests behind the clever tongue guard and the saliva is pooled away from the dentition and the treatment area, improving the access for high volume suction. The Umbrella retractor gives me the confidence of having enough space available to do my work properly and successfully. What I really like, is that the Umbrella retractor reliably stays in place, maintaining the desired retraction effect during the entire procedure.

The Umbrella retractor does facilitate the treatments for the user. It also makes the life of my patients easier. As many dental professionals might know, getting a positive patient feedback on your tools and procedures is quite rare. However, I receive a lot of encouraging response for the Umbrella retractor, as they create such a pleasant treatment situation to my patients. The majority of them finds the Umbrella retractor stunningly comfortable. It spreads the area between lips, cheeks and tongue in a convenient way and makes them relax their jaws, so that no bite block is needed. My patients love the Umbrella retractor as it acts nicely, without stretching, dragging, or pulling their tongues, lips or cheeks – and ultimately, the entire treatment flows easier and smoother. Also, the gagging reflex is gone with most patients, which is a big plus for my work. I have not encountered more than a hand full of people, feeling slightly uncomfortable regarding the positioning of their tongue – which might solely be a question of getting used to it. Thanks to its elaborate ergonomic features, the Umbrella retractor fits to the individual anatomy of the mouth and therefore is suitable for almost everybody.

Being able to relax and to find themselves in a comfortable, positive treatment experience, the bond, confidence, and chemistry between my patients, myself and my practice team has truly improved.

My aim is to provide the same level of care and premium dentistry to all patients. Thus, we have used the Umbrella retractor for the majority of cases in our practice. It is impressively versatile and suitable for a variety of indications, e. g. prosthodontics, surgical procedures, orthodontic bonding, restorations, anterior fillings, sealants, tooth whitening, polishing, preventive care sessions and check-up visits – to name only a few of them. According to our experience, the Umbrella retractor does not only ensure a reliable and continuous retraction of the soft tissues. It also keeps the tongue out of the way, opens the working field – and last but not least frees my assistants’ hands, so that they can fully concentrate on supporting myself. My team members equally appreciate the Umbrella retractor’s benefits: As it is extremely easy to handle and to place, they like using it themselves when performing their prophylaxis treatments.

In certain cases, we still use rubber dam, e. g., in the posterior regions of the mouth. However, the Umbrella retractor provides the opportunity to clearly see the contour of the gingiva and the working field in many anterior regions. Especially during surgical procedures in the anterior region, the Umbrella retractor allows an impeccable retraction of the lips. Moreover, the risk of creating sores on soft tissue is much less than with other retracting devices.

Likewise, I would highly recommend the Umbrella retractor to any users, students or even beginners, who have only worked with other comparable auxiliaries by now. They will be surprised by the ease of use and the improved treatment results they will achieve. They can easily free themselves from a lot of stress caused by exhausting conventional retraction procedures. Finally, their quality of work will be considerably enhanced – as easy as 1, 2, 3.

Fig. 1: Umbrella tongue, lip, and cheek retractor in situ.

Fig. 2: Opening up the mouth in a comfortable way.

As the Umbrella retractor gives me and my practice team the freedom to work quicker and to provide high- quality dentistry, it simply gives us a good feeling. By speeding up our procedures, we save a lot of time and consequently are able to work efficiently and economically.

Talking about efficient procedures: Especially in times of the COVID 19-pandemic everybody should do the best to minimize the spread and to keep themselves, their teams and their patients safe. The Umbrella retractor is a hygienic single-use product, which does not have to be cleaned and processed in a complicated way. That is very useful these days!

Summing up, I can honestly claim that the Umbrella retractor combines a range of innovative benefits in one smart tool, which is highly appreciated by everybody: Patients, users, and the entire dental team.

Learn more about Umbrella™ at www.ultradent.com/eu

About the author

- Multi-disciplinary dentist since , mostly with own private practice in Sweden, Kristianstad
- Teacher at the University of Kristianstad for dental hygienists
- Educator at RIPEGLOBAL (Fellowship in Restorative Dentistry)
- Licensed in Sweden, as well as in Australia, moving down under as soon as COVID19 restrictions for entry to Australia ease.

Dr. David Stachowicz

Sweden

Ensure Efficiency with Our Quality Dental Cheek and Lip Retractor

Having the right instruments can make all the difference when it comes to performing dental procedures with exceptional accuracy. One of the most essential instruments required in dental surgeries and treatments is the Dental Cheek and Lip Retractor.

In clinical situations, the dentist's key requirement is to keep the patient’s mouth open and get unrestricted access to the treatment area. On the other hand, patients are seeking enhanced treatment comfort without any muscle fatigue and anxiety.

If quality mouth retractors are preferred, then rare disruptive elements get in the way, and the appropriate retraction of all soft tissues can be genuinely good for all parties involved. Let’s explore why GerDentUSA’s cheek and lip retractors stand out, as well as their types, features, and applications in modern dentistry.

Why Choose Dental Cheek and Lip Retractors?

Dental retractors are indispensable for maintaining clear visibility during procedures. They gently reposition soft tissues, allowing access to hard-to-reach areas. Whether it's a lip retractor for precise upper jaw adjustments or a cheek retractor for orthodontic procedures, each instrument serves a specialized purpose.

Our German stainless-steel retractors ensure durability and are autoclavable, making them a practical choice for any dental practice.

GerDentUSA’s Top Dental Cheek and Lip Retractors

Lip Retractor for Upper Jaw

The Lip Retractor for Upper Jaw is expertly crafted for procedures requiring precise upper jaw access. Its design ensures minimal discomfort and maximum efficiency.

Features:

• Slim, curved jaws for enhanced visibility.
• User-focused handle for a secure grip during procedures.
• Made of German stainless steel for durability.
• Autoclavable for safe and repeated use.

Applications:

• Good for orthodontic adjustments and restorative dental work.
• Improve visibility in upper jaw surgeries and cleanings.

Cheek Retractor Types

University of Minnesota Retractor Lindo Serrated

This versatile University of Minnesota Retractor is designed to hold cheeks aside, making it ideal for surgical and non-surgical applications.

Features:

• Serrated, curved blade for optimal soft tissue retraction.
• Angled tip for superior control and access.
• Made of surgical-grade stainless steel for corrosion resistance.
• Lightweight design to reduce hand fatigue.

Applications:

• Excellent for oral surgeries requiring deep visibility.
• Assists in orthodontic bracket placement and cleaning.

For more information, please visit COTISEN.

Cheek Retractor Angled

Engineered for precision, these angled stainless steel cheek retractors allow easy access to posterior areas in the oral cavity.

Features:

• Angled blade for better navigation in hard-to-reach areas.
• Comfortable, rounded edges to avoid tissue trauma.
• Made from medical-grade stainless steel for durability.
• Compatible with standard sterilization methods.

Applications:

• Useful in molar extractions and posterior fillings.
• Ideal for both minor and major surgical procedures.

Bayonet Retractor (15 cm) – Dental Cheek and Lip Retractor

A compact and versatile bayonet retractor designed for confined treatment areas.

Features:

• Tapered serrated blade for precision retraction.
• Straight handle for ease of use.
• Crafted from German stainless steel for lasting performance.
• Slim profile for comfortable handling.

Applications:

• Effective in pediatric dentistry.
• Suitable for delicate soft tissue procedures.

Small Retractor

The Small Retractor is designed for precision in compact treatment areas, offering reliable retraction without compromising patient comfort. Its lightweight and efficient design makes it suitable for delicate dental procedures.

Features:

• Slim, atraumatic curved jaws for precise soft tissue retraction.
• User-friendly handle for optimal maneuverability.
• Made of medical-grade stainless steel for long-lasting performance.
• Sterilizable for safe, repeated use.

Applications:

• Ideal for pediatric dentistry due to its compact size.
• Useful in minor oral surgeries and soft tissue management.
• Perfect for procedures requiring detailed access to smaller areas.

Retractor 1R

The Retractor 1R offers exceptional control and visibility, making it a reliable choice for general and specialized dental applications. Its robust design ensures effective soft tissue retraction in various procedures.

Features:

• Rounded blade edges to minimize tissue trauma.
• Comfortable handle for a secure and comfortable grip.
• Made of German stainless steel for excellent corrosion resistance.
• Fully autoclavable for multiple uses in clinical settings.

Applications:

• Suitable for general dentistry and oral surgery.
• Ideal for procedures involving gingival retraction.
• Enhances visibility during restorative and orthodontic treatments.

Columbia Retractor (14 cm)

A reliable option for general use, the columbia retractor ensures efficient retraction during a range of procedures.

Features:

• Inward and outward jaws for gentle tissue retraction.
• Lightweight handle for improved maneuverability.
• Made of autoclavable German stainless steel.
• Easy cleaning and sterilization.

Applications:

• Commonly used in general and cosmetic dentistry.
• Excellent for oral hygiene procedures like scaling.

Benefits of Using GerDentUSA Dental Cheek and Lip Retractors

We offer a warranty on all our dental instruments to keep our trust and reputation in the industry.

Some of the common features of our dental cheeks and lip retractors include:

• Made of German stainless steel for durability.
• Ergonomic designs ensure optimal comfort for patients.
• Lightweight and easy to handle.
• Autoclavable for safe and repeated use.
• Precision-crafted blades for effective soft tissue retraction.
• Corrosion-resistant material ensures long-lasting performance.
• Available in multiple sizes and designs to meet professional needs.

Discover GerDentUSA’s Commitment to Excellence

At GerDentUSA, we are dedicated to delivering top-quality dental instruments that meet the needs of professionals worldwide. Our Dental Cheek and Lip Retractors are crafted with precision and built to last, ensuring reliability in every procedure.

Explore our full range of dental surgical retractors at GerDentUSA. Trust us to be your partner in precision and performance.

How to Appropriately Use Dental Cheek and Lip Retractor?

If you are unsure how to use these retractors on a patient's mouth, do not worry; you don’t need hectic training to do so.

However, it is recommended to do that in front of an experienced dentist.

Follow these simple steps for efficiently using dental cheek and lip retractor:

• Ask your patient to take a breath and relax; it’s a simple process that won’t hurt.
• Sit in front of a mirror to observe and guide yourself.
• Ensure the retractor is clean and sanitized, and wash your hands thoroughly.
• Hold the retractor with the large ears facing outward.
• Bend the retractor slightly, similar to how you would bend the patient’s tongue.
• Place one edge of the retractor on one side of your patient’s cheek.
• While keeping it bent, gently insert the opposite side.
• Slowly release your grip so the retractor opens naturally to fit the mouth.

FAQs

What are the different types of cheek retractors?

Cheek retractors come in angled, serrated, and bayonet designs, each designed for specific dental applications, ensuring superior visibility and soft tissue management.

Can stainless steel dental cheek and lip retractors be sterilized?

Yes, all GerDentUSA retractors are autoclavable, ensuring safe and repeated use in clinical settings.

What is the purpose of a lip retractor?

Lip retractors hold the lips away from the teeth and gums, providing a clear view for treatments like bonding, scaling, and surgery.

Will cheek retractors hurt?

Cheek retraction is meant to be a painless process; if it hurts or bruises your patient’s lips while undergoing a dental procedure, immediately stop and readjust the retractor.

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Dental Retractor.

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