What are retractors, mouth props & suction?

Access instruments that hold soft tissue clear, keep the mouth open, or clear the field. Cheek and tongue retractors are sized by blade width so the same instrument is not asked to serve a child and an adult. Mouth props and gags maintain opening for long procedures and for patients who cannot hold it themselves. Silicone props are the atraumatic option where a metal gag would bear on teeth.

How the retractors, mouth props & suction range is organised

Cheek and tongue retractors:

Weder 30mm and 36mm, Andrews 21mm, University of Minnesota, Columbia #37/50 wide.

Mouth props and gags:

Mouth gag adult, child and pediatric; silicone props in adult large, child medium and pedo small.

Suction and aspiration:

Frazier 5 suction tip; aspirating syringes in Astra and Cook Waite styles.

Matrix retainers:

Universal and junior retainers.

Choosing the right retractors, mouth props & suction

Retractor width is the whole decision — 21mm for restricted openings and children, 30mm to 36mm for adult buccal reflection. Silicone props distribute load across the occlusal surfaces and are the safer choice on restored or periodontally compromised dentition, where a ratcheted metal gag concentrates force on individual teeth.