esa NL (Non-Latex) disposable prophy angle cups are made using compression molding, a process that involves taking firm strips of natural rubber and extracting the latex protein. This process allows esa’s latex-free cup to maintain the handling characteristics of natural rubber. esa NL cups are designed to be softer, more elastic and with improved concentricity allowing them to spin truer, reducing splatter and providing a more predictable polishing edge. These are the same non-latex cups that were preferred by 4 out of 5 dental hygienists on our Pivot NL disposable prophy angles.

In contrast, the majority of manufacturers use injection molding, a process that involves using liquefied plastic and forming it into cup shapes. Plastic is stiffer, less elastic than rubber and can lose its concentricity once it’s splayed into the sulcus or pushed interproximally. This often results in increased splatter, wrist fatigue and “wobbling like a bad tire.”