Onychoplasty
Also called nail prosthesis, onychoplasty is the product of the full expertise of the Chiropodist-Podiatrist. It is a medical device made of resin that can partially or completely replace nail lacquer.
Every day during treatments in our offices, we can use the design of this prosthetic device to protect our patients' nails which are sometimes damaged, detached or broken.
This is why My Podologie would like to offer you some general information accompanied by a tutorial on the installation of an onychoplasty. Its installation must, of course, like any device, be accompanied beforehand by a clinical examination that detects all the factors that can promote or damage the nails of our patients: whether it comes from the morphology of the foot and toes to the inventory of their daily activities.
Composition and types of onychoplasties
There are two ways to shape an onychoplasty:
1. Self-curing composite onychoplasty
This is a technique that is relatively simple and quick to perform. Simply mix a liquid self-curing resin with a powdered self-curing resin together for the self-curing to begin. Mix 1 part liquid and 2 parts powder, and work this resin for 3 minutes.
2. Light-curing composite onychoplasty
This is a technique that requires a little more time, technique and equipment. To be carried out, you will need a photo-polymerizable bonding agent called Bonding, a photo-polymerizable resin, and a lamp that will perform the photopolymerization function.
Both of these techniques work very well and bring very good results. Each professional has his own preference and way of working and can choose the technique that suits him in his practice.
The main contraindications:
Generally we will contraindicate the design of an onychoplasty in the case where:
- The patient is allergic to the constituents of composite resins
- If the patient no longer has a nail, therefore no anchor point
- In case of mycotic or bacterial infection of the nail plate and its periphery
- If the patient's sporting or professional practice promotes the occurrence of repeated microtraumas on the nail which could damage the onychoplasty.
In addition, its design is not indicated in neuropathic diabetics. However, maximum precautions should be taken if you decide to design a non-neuropathic diabetic patient or an arteritic patient.
Tutorial on how to apply onychoplasty
Today, My Podologie offers you a new video tutorial on the design of a photopolymerizable resin onychoplasty.
The steps of manufacturing photopolymerizable resin onychoplasty:
Don't hesitate to click on the products in bold to access their product sheets!
Step #1 - Preparation and cleaning of the nail and possible removal of a previous onychoplasty using nail clippers.
Step #2 - Removing resin residue and milling the nail plate (etching) using a handpiece and a tungsten carbide nail drill .
Step #3 - Suction of the furrows to ensure the total absence of residues. Discover our suction micromotors .
Step #4 - Application of bonding on the nail ( Bonding n°1 or Bonding n°2 ) using a brush holder spatula , bonding brushes and a transparent glass cup for bonding .
Step #5 - Photopolymerization of the bonding for 10 seconds using an LED photopolymerizing lamp .
Step #6 - Preparing the nail with a hard resin. Here is a selection of hard resin:
Step #7 - Nail shaping and shaping
Step #8 - Photopolymerization of the resin lasts for 40 seconds. Repeat for an additional 40 seconds if necessary.
Step #9 - Add extra hard resin if needed, to give the nail a nice look. Light cure the extra hard resin for 40 seconds.
Step #10 - If necessary, use a liquid resin to even out the contours of the nail for greater precision.
Here is a flow resin:
Light cure the flow resin for 20 seconds.
Step #11 - Milling the nail to smooth it and give it a natural look.
Step #12 - Check and remove any resin residue in the grooves.
Take a photo of the onychoplasty and add it to your patient's file for optimal follow-up!
Some precautions:
However, it will be necessary to explain to the patient that the device remains fragile 24 to 48 hours after installation. Any activities that could create microtrauma on the nail prosthesis should be avoided during this period.
After the installation, it is necessary to see the patient again between 1 to 2 months after the installation in the case of a patient without risk factors, and 24 to 48 hours after the installation if the patient is at risk.
This aesthetic treatment should not be kept in the long term because the nail must breathe. It is when the good weather arrives and your patients want to wear open shoes that they resort to onychoplasty. Do not hesitate to tell them to make an appointment 3 to 5 months after the onychoplasty is done, to remove it.
Conclusion
The design of an onychoplasty is the exclusive expertise of the Chiropodist-Podiatrist.
In addition to being a useful device for the patient, it turns out to be aesthetic and very resistant. Patients appreciate it and see immediate results.
We'll see you soon for more tutorials!
