Instructions for “Nail prosthetics with Unguisan”
Starter kit providing all the materials and implements needed
A typical application: fixing a nail brace in place
Before (Onychorrhexis)
After – cast-in-situ
Before (post operative)
After – cast-in-situ
Before (Onychogryphosis)
After – plate prosthesis
General information
Nail prosthetics is a method of producing artificial toe and finger nails. It was developed
by Josef Greppmayr (1901-1977) back in the middle of the last century and was
patented in 1953. The method has undergone constant further development and
refinement and today this has made it what is probably the most versatile and
sophisticated form of nail replacement.
There is a very close link between nail prosthetics and “Unguisan” plastic. The name
was put together from the Latin words “unguis” (nail) and “sanus” (healthy) and it thus
reflects what is the primary aim of the treatment.
Unguisan is a two-pack synthetic resin consisting of a powder and a liquid hardener.
Mixing the two initiates a cross-linking process (polymerisation) which takes several
minutes and this process begins the moment the two are mixed. During it the user can
shape the plastic to suit his own individual desires. What is produced is an artificial nail
whose colour, shape and characteristics imitate those of the material of the natural nail.
It forms a durable and gentle connection with what is left of the natural nail and thus
forms the basis for the technique described here.
Unguisan can be used to treat a wide range of nail problems, though a distinction needs
to be made between chronic nail damage and temporary deformation. What can be laid
down as a general rule is that there must be a remnant of the natural nail to provide a
durable anchorage for the artificial nail.
Examples of frequent indications in favour of nail prosthetics are:
- conditions following traumatic loss of the nail plate
- onychorrhexis
- schizonychia
- onchogryposis
- cosmetic defects.
Nail prosthetics must not be employed when there are open wounds in or other injuries
to the nail bed. In cases where there is mycosis of the skin and nails, a decision on
whether nail prosthetics is advisable should be taken in the light of the individual
circumstances.
To be able to use this fascinating technique you require, apart from your knowledge of
chiropody and a certain amount of manual dexterity, simply the Unguisan starter kit,
which includes all the materials and implements needed. By following the instructions
given below, you will soon be able greatly to enlarge the range of treatment you can
offer.
Depending on the particular circumstances, there are two basic methods of treatment
available to you as part of nail prosthetics. In both cases you need to consider the
following points before treatment begins:
1. The area of nail to be treated must be free of loose or damaged pieces of nail and
areas of cornification.
2. Make sure that the nail remnant and the nail bed are dry, free of grease and clean.
3. You should also correct the level of the bed as appropriate in the area where the
artificial nail will be situated. Dry tamponades or adhesive films have proved
successful for this purpose.
The “casting in-situ” technique
With a “cast in-situ” prosthesis you can give free rein to the creative ideas you may
have when making up artificial nails. To mix the Unguisan plastic, use 2 (depending on
the size of the nail) level gauging spoons of Unguisan powder. Place the powder in the
silicone mixing vessel and add Unguisan liquid hardener to it with the pipette (about 20
drops per spoon).
Stir the mixture evenly and smoothly with the blunt end of the spatula, always working
in the same direction. Be careful not to stir in any air bubbles. Mix the powder and
hardener until the consistency of the mixture is that of fresh honey. More powder and
hardener can be added if necessary. The plastic will slowly start to become more
viscous even while you are mixing it.
While the Unguisan plastic will still drip off the spatula, apply it to the nail bed a small
portion at a time. In doing this, work from the root of the nail up to its free edge. Once
the plastic loses its shine it can be carefully shaped with the tips of the fingers. A strip of
viscose film can be used to set the shape and length of the artificial nail as it is forming
and until it has achieved its full and final strength.
Once the Unguisan plastic has set, the strip of viscose film can easily be pulled off
without leaving any pieces behind on the plastic. You can then give the new nail a final
polish and a perfect finish with rotary tools (diamond grinding wheels and tungstencarbide-burs have proved excellent for this purpose). You have produced an artificial
nail shaped exactly as you wish.
The use of plate prostheses
For a plate prosthesis you use a preformed nail plate of transparent plastic. This is
composed of a cold-formable material and is matched to the existing nail with hand
tools (e.g. round-nosed orthonyxis pliers) and milling cutters. The artificial nail plate so
produced is then fastened to what is left of the natural nail with Unguisan plastic. The
adhesive bond made by the Unguisan covers the whole area, which together with the
intrinsic colour of the plastic gives the transparent artificial nail a truly realistic colouring.
However, the most important argument in favour of the plate prosthesis is the
opportunity it gives for taking corrective action on the whole of the nail and surrounding
tissue. The pressure exerted onto the nail-plate during the setting process is maintained
and allows an elevated apex of the toe or pronounced lateral nail walls to be pressed
out of the way, leaving no longer any obstacle to the growth of the natural nail.
Depending on the particular circumstances, the nail prostheses are worn for up to three
months and this period allows long-term therapeutic aims to be achieved and stresses
the economic benefits of the method. The patient feels well and at ease while wearing
the prostheses and they do not place any restrictions on his activities. The artificial nail
grows on the natural nail along with it and is best shortened with diamond-impregnated
files.
Unguisan is also excellent for fixing your orthonyx nail-braces in place.
Short-form instructions
1. Mix Unguisan powder and liquid hardener (20 drops of hardener to each gauging
spoon of powder.
2. Apply the mixed plastic with the spatula as soon as its starts to become viscous.
3. Shape the plastic on the nail with the spatula, the finger tips or a strip of viscose film.
4. When the material has achieved its final strength (takes about 5 minutes), it can be
shaped to its final form with milling cutters or grinding wheels.