The old Ash frame, with its butterfly retainers, has largely been replaced by plastic or metal frames with sharp points or pins. It should be noted that the majority of these retentive points slope backwards, and the frames are designed to be placed under the rubber dam (Fig. 10). It seems to be much easier to place the frame beneath the dam and simply stretch the sheet over the points than the other way round. In addition, the tension in the sheet can be better controlled, particularly relevant when working in a situation where the clamp may be less retentive than normal.
For comfort, most patients appreciate a small piece of gauze placed between the rubber and their skin, and some practitioners place a prop (an old McKesson anaesthetic type) between the teeth on the non-working side to relieve the patient s muscle tension.
For comfort, most patients appreciate a small piece of gauze placed between the rubber and their skin, and some practitioners place a prop (an old McKesson anaesthetic type) between the teeth on the non-working side to relieve the patient s muscle tension.