Technique Tips

This article describes the creative ways in which PTFE (Polytetrafluoroeythlene) tape can be utilized in dental practice.

PTFE, discovered in 1938, often referred to as ‘Teflon’, is a versatile material made from Polytetrafluoroethylene. PTFE is a polymer of tetrafluoroethylene¹ and consists entirely of carbon and fluorine, providing this material with unique physical properties. PTFE is commonly used in the plumbing industry as ‘PTFE thread seal tape’. Owing to its versatility, its use has been adapted to many differing applications, ranging from electronics to the musical instrument industry.² This tape is wound on a spool with specific widths and thicknesses.

As a non-stick, easily adaptable and low-cost material,³ its use has been increasing in dentistry. Having a high melting point (327 Celsius),⁴ the material can be autoclaved, facilitating its use within Dentistry.^5,6Table 1 highlights the key properties of PTFE tape.