a blog post banner with Dr. Dan Fischer and the etched tooth

The etching process should be intense but limited. An etchant should stay exactly in the position it is placed, but still be able to flow into fissures. Also, while the etchant should effectively cover the tooth structure, rinsing it away should be quick, clean, and easy.Ultradent’s Ultra-Etch™ etchant satisfies these seemingly contradictory requirements. It is just thick enough to prevent it from running off vertical surfaces (Fig. 1, Fig. 2), but able to penetrate even the smallest fissures. After examining an etched tooth structure under a microscope, we have found that Ultra-Etch etchant rinses away very cleanly—it leaves virtually no residue behind.


When I want to place Ultra-Etch etchant in a small point or thin line, I apply it directly from a prefilled syringe equipped with our Blue Micro™ tip, which provides pinpoint precision (Fig. 3). When etching flat surfaces, I use the Inspiral™ Brush tip. This tip allows for easy application to flat surfaces.

  • 35% phosphoric acid gel etch used with Blue Micro or Inspiral Brush tips
  • Thixotropic formula that places precisely and rinses cleanly – leaves no residue
  • Penetrates smallest fissures but won’t migrate on a vertical surface
  • Self-limiting in its depth of etch to prevent over etching

Ultra-Etch FE SEM Self Limiting Image

Ultra-Etch™

35% Phosphoric Acid
Technique Tip

Ultra-Etch Technique Tip, fig. 1
Ultra-Etch Technique Tip, fig. 2
Ultra-Etch Technique Tip, fig. 3
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About the Author

Dan Fischer

Dr. Dan Discher

Dr. Dan Fischer, founder and CEO of Ultradent Products, Inc., a dental manufacturer with a 30-year history of innovation and quality.

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This article was originally published in the Clinical Life™ magazine: Spring 2021 edition

Clinical Life™ magazine is a premier periodical publication by Clinical Research Dental Supplies & Services Inc. Discover compelling clinical cases from Canadian and US dental professionals, cutting-edge techniques, product insights, and continuing education events.

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