Dr. Christina Carter's journey as a dentist was deeply influenced by her father, an orthodontist who inspired her with the idea that dentistry was a rewarding career. "Since I loved science, working with my hands, and interacting with people, dentistry seemed like a good fit," says the Madison, New Jersey, practitioner. Her passion led her to specialize in pediatric dentistry, where she found a strong connection to orthodontics through her craniofacial work in her residency. "I was blessed to match into orthodontics and a craniofacial fellowship, and love working in both specialties," she notes.
Carter emphasizes the importance of workflow in her busy pediatric and orthodontic practice, especially when treating children with sensory and special needs. "When working with children, time is everything. Product innovation that allows us to work more efficiently and effectively makes the experience better for patients and offices," she states.
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Among the tools Carter champions is the ContacEZ® IPR Rainbow Set from Directa USA, a cutting-edge kit of ergonomic, handheld, and calibrated interproximal reduction (IPR) strips designed for reshaping teeth. "The ContactEZ IPR system is excellent for reshaping teeth to achieve the best fit. It is perfect for aligner cases, where a prescribed amount of trimming needs to be performed for optimum tooth movements and esthetic results," she explains.
The thoughtful design of the color-coded Rainbow Set, Carter says, helps set it apart from traditional IPR tools. "Because the strips are self-contained with a comfortable grip, it allows for safe removal of enamel without fear of damage to the lip or gingiva. Each colored strip features a different width, enabling precise control over the space you are creating." She adds that the versatility of using single- or double-sided strips lets the practitioner tailor treatment to individual needs. "It also allows for smoothing the teeth so sharp angles do not remain, plus the treatment is well-accepted by those with sensory issues," she says.
Carter considers the ContacEZ IPR Rainbow Set as the "safest, easiest, and most comfortable system" available. "Because the strips are sized, there is no need to measure space created, which saves time without sacrificing results. The color-coded system makes it easy to identify size and decreases variability. I can easily ask my assistant for a specific millimeter and single- or double-sided strip without any confusion," she affirms.
The flexibility of the ContacEZ IPR Rainbow Set enables Carter to cater to a wide range of patients, including those with advanced orthodontic needs. "I find that it is comfortable for all, especially those with sensitive teeth or sensory issues. Use of this system is less intrusive in patients' mouths, safer for the surrounding gingiva, and not intimidating." The end-result, she attests, is consistent, predictable IPR outcomes-and happy young patients.
Christina R. Carter, DMD
Private Practice, Madison,
New Jersey
The ContacEZ® IPR Rainbow Set is a color-coded system of ergonomic, handheld, and calibrated interproximal reduction (IPR) strips designed for reshaping teeth.
Directa USA
800-537-8765
directausa.com
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