Best Dental Retraction Cords of 2026

Brian Howie Avatar
Brian Howie
Last Updated: Jan 7, 2026

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Dental retraction cords are essential tools in modern dentistry, designed to facilitate precise and effective procedures. These cords help create a clear margin by gently displacing the gingival tissue during impression-taking or restorative work. Available in various sizes and materials, they can be used with different techniques, ensuring optimal visibility and access to the tooth structure. Their ability to enhance the accuracy of dental impressions makes them a valuable asset for practitioners aiming for the best outcomes in patient care.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Easyinsmile Cotton Gingival Retraction Cord #000 Cover #TOP 1
Easyinsmile Cotton Gingival Retraction Cord #000
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Easyinsmile Cotton Gingival Retraction Cord #0 Cover #TOP 2
Easyinsmile Cotton Gingival Retraction Cord #0
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Easyinsmile Cotton Gingival Retraction Cord #00 Cover #TOP 3
Easyinsmile Cotton Gingival Retraction Cord #00
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Dental Retraction Cords

#TOP 1

Easyinsmile Cotton Gingival Retraction Cord #000

Green
#000
Easyinsmile Cotton Gingival Retraction Cord #000 Cover
Dental Plain Knitted Cotton Gingival Retraction Cord (#000)

The Easyinsmile Cotton Retraction Cord offers a soft, gentle feel thanks to its 100% cotton material, which helps reduce irritation on your gums. Its flexibility makes it easy for you to place the cord precisely without causing harm to the delicate gingival tissue. This cord's main purpose is to carefully pull back your gums, giving you better access to the tooth area that needs work. Additionally, it is designed to pack easily and stay in place more effectively than other twisted or braided cords, making your dental procedures smoother and more efficient.

What We Like
Soft cotton material
Flexible and easy placement
Effective gingival retraction
Easy packing and secure fit
#TOP 2

Easyinsmile Cotton Gingival Retraction Cord #0

Green
Easyinsmile Cotton Gingival Retraction Cord #0 Cover
Dental Plain Knitted Cotton Gingival Retraction Cord (#0)

The Easyinsmile Cotton Retraction Cord is made from 100% soft cotton, which helps reduce irritation to your gums during dental procedures. Its flexible design makes it easy for you to place the cord gently into the space around the tooth without causing damage. This product is designed to carefully pull the gum tissue away from the tooth, giving you clear access to the treatment area. Additionally, it packs smoothly and stays in place better than other twisted or braided cords, making your work more efficient and comfortable.

What We Like
Soft cotton material
Flexible and gentle
Effective gum retraction
Easy packing and placement
#TOP 3

Easyinsmile Cotton Gingival Retraction Cord #00

Green
Easyinsmile Cotton Gingival Retraction Cord #00 Cover
Dental Plain Knitted Cotton Gingival Retraction Cord (#00)

The Easyinsmile Cotton Retraction Cord is designed with 100% cotton, giving you a soft and gentle touch that helps reduce irritation to your gums. Its flexibility makes it easy to handle and place around the tooth without causing damage, ensuring a smooth and safe process. This cord works by carefully pulling the gum tissue away from the tooth, giving you better visibility and access to the area you're working on. Plus, it packs smoothly into place and stays put better than other twisted or braided cords, making your dental procedures more efficient and comfortable.

What We Like
Soft cotton material
Flexible and easy to place
Effective gum retraction
Better packing and retention
#TOP 4

Ultradent Ultrapak Plain Cord #0 Refill

ULTRADENT
Purple
Ultradent Ultrapak Plain Cord #0 Refill Cover
Ultradent 131 Ultrapak Plain Cord #0 Refill, Shape,,,,,, Purple

The Ultradent Ultrapak Cord is designed to help you achieve precise dental impressions easily. Made from 100% cotton, its knitted loops fit snugly along the gum line, making it comfortable and effective for retracting tissue. The cord’s unique expanding design applies gentle, steady pressure, helping to move gums safely for better access. Plus, its knitted structure allows you to pack it securely and efficiently, so it stays in place without slipping. This makes your restorative dental procedures smoother and more accurate, giving you reliable results every time.

What We Like
100% cotton material
Expanding knitted design
Improves tissue displacement
Secure, efficient packing
#TOP 5

DENTIMICA Knitted Cotton Gingival Retraction Cord #0

14QTLNA066
DENTIMICA Knitted Cotton Gingival Retraction Cord #0 Cover
Dental Gingival Cord Retraction Knitted Cotton Professional Gingival Retraction Cord Thread Materials Accessory (#0)

The DENTIMICA Gingival Retraction Cord helps you achieve clearer visibility during dental procedures by gently pushing back the gum tissue to expose the tooth edges. This makes it easier for you to work precisely and reduces the risk of resin leakage and sensitivity after treatment. The cord quickly moves the gum tissue aside, allowing you to capture detailed impressions and ensure high-quality results. Its knitted cotton design also makes it simple to pack and keeps the cord securely in place, offering convenience and reliability compared to other types of cords.

What We Like
Reduces resin microleakage
Improves gum edge visibility
Rapid tissue displacement
Easy to pack and secure
#TOP 6

House Brand Dentistry Ultrapak 103201 Retraction Cord

103201
Blue Canister
House Brand Dentistry Ultrapak 103201 Retraction Cord Cover
HSB 103201, Ultrapak Dental Retraction Cord, 100% Cotton, Soft & Absorbent, Knitted for Enhanced Fluid Control & Tissue Retraction, Non-Medicated Retraction Cord, #1, 100"

The House Brand Ultrapak Cord is designed to help you get precise dental impressions by gently pushing back gum tissue. Its special knitted cotton structure compresses when packed and then softly expands, making it easier to create clear, accurate impressions. The unique knit loops provide steady outward pressure, which improves how well the tissue is moved and controls fluids during the procedure. This cord also soaks up more hemostatic solution than regular cords, helping you manage bleeding effectively. Best of all, it works quickly, achieving the right gum displacement in just a few minutes, so you can complete your work faster and more efficiently.

What We Like
Enhanced tissue retraction
Continuous gentle expansion
Superior fluid absorption
Quick gingival displacement
#TOP 7

SeeFDENT Dental Retraction Cord

SeeFDENT Dental Retraction Cord Cover
3pcs Dental Gingival Retraction Cord Green Knitted Cotton Gum Line 2m Size 0, 00, 000

The SeeFDENT Retraction Cord is designed for easy dental procedures. Its plain knitted structure ensures reliable performance while working on gum lines. You will appreciate its non-impregnated design, which allows for straightforward usage without any added chemicals. This feature is particularly beneficial for patients with sensitivities. Additionally, the 2-meter length provides ample material for multiple applications, making it convenient for dental professionals. With its user-friendly design, you can efficiently achieve accurate gum retraction, enhancing the overall treatment experience for both you and your patients.

What We Like
Easy to use
Non-impregnated for sensitivity
Reliable plain knitted structure
Ample length for multiple uses
#TOP 8

DENTIMICA Gingival Retraction Cord #00

DENTIMICA Gingival Retraction Cord #00 Cover
Dental Gingival Cord Retraction Knitted Cotton Professional Gingival Retraction Cord Thread Materials Accessory (#00)

The DENTIMICA Retraction Cord is an essential tool for dental professionals. It helps reduce the risk of resin leaks and sensitivity after procedures, ensuring a smoother recovery for patients. With this cord, you can achieve clear visibility of the gum line and the prepared tooth edges, making it easier to work precisely. It also allows for quick tissue displacement and detailed impressions, enhancing the quality of your work. Additionally, the cord is easy to pack and stays in place better than other types, making your dental procedures more efficient and manageable.

What We Like
Reduces resin microleakage
Improves visibility during procedures
Quick tissue displacement
Easy to pack and use
#TOP 9

Premier Knit-Pak Knitted Retraction Cord

Premier
PR-9007554
Blue
Premier Knit-Pak Knitted Retraction Cord Cover
Premier PR-9007554 Knit-Pak Knitted Retraction Cord, Size 1 Blue (Pack of 1)

The Premier Knit-Pak Knitted Retraction Cord, also known as Premier Knit-Pak Cord, is a high-quality dental retraction cord designed to assist in dental procedures. This cord, made by the trusted brand Premier, offers several key features that make it a reliable choice for dental professionals. Firstly, it carries greater quantities of hemostatic solution compared to twisted and braided cords, ensuring effective hemostasis during procedures. Secondly, it easily packs into the sulcus, providing convenience and ease of use. Additionally, it is designed to resist fraying and popping out of the sulcus, ensuring stability and reliability throughout the procedure. With the Premier Knit-Pak Cord, dental professionals can expect an efficient and reliable retraction cord that aids in achieving optimal results.

What We Like
Effective hemostasis
Convenient and easy to use
Stability and reliability
#TOP 10

DENTIMICA Professional Knitted Cotton Gingival Retraction Cord

14QTLNA066
DENTIMICA Professional Knitted Cotton Gingival Retraction Cord Cover
Dental Gingival Cord Retraction Knitted Cotton Professional Gingival Retraction Cord Thread Materials Accessory (#000)

The DENTIMICA Gingival Retraction Cord is designed to help dental professionals improve their surgical procedures. It effectively reduces resin microleakage and minimizes postoperative sensitivity, making treatments more comfortable for your patients. This cord also provides a clear view of the gum edges and exposes the prepared tooth margins better, allowing you to work with greater precision. It quickly displaces gum tissue, helping you capture detailed and high-quality impressions. Additionally, the knitted design makes it easy to pack and keeps the cord securely in place, offering better handling compared to twisted or braided cords.

What We Like
Reduces resin microleakage
Improves gum edge visibility
Rapid tissue displacement
Easy packing and secure fit
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How long should a retraction cord be left in?

Retraction cords should be left in place for an average of 10 minutes to effectively retract the tissues and expose the prepared tooth margin to the impression material. However, it is important to note that leaving the retraction cord in for an extended time or during multiple abutment impressions can cause negative effects such as damage to the gingiva, postoperative discomfort, and gingival recession.

2. What is the difference between 00 and 000 retraction cords?

The difference between #00 and #000 retraction cords lies in their diameter. #00 cords are typically used for most teeth, while #000 cords are more suitable for mandibular anterior teeth or patients with thin biotype.

3. What happens if retraction cord is left in gums?

Leaving the retraction cord in the gums for too long, especially during multiple abutment impressions, can cause damage to the gingiva, postoperative discomfort, and gingival recession. On the other hand, removing the retraction cord before taking an impression may result in bleeding of the gingiva.

4. Is retraction cord painful?

The use of a retraction cord can cause pain during placement, sometimes requiring local anesthesia. It also carries the risk of epithelial attachment injury. Care should be taken to ensure patient comfort and minimize any potential discomfort during the procedure.

5. Do you remove a retraction cord before taking an impression?

The first retraction cord should be left in place while making the impression. However, it is important to remove both retraction cords before dismissing the patient. Forcing retraction cords into the sulcus should be avoided to prevent any potential complications.

6. What is the smallest retraction cord size?

The smallest retraction cord size available is #000. These cords are made using advanced knitting techniques and are designed to provide effective tissue management during dental procedures.

7. What are the side effects of retraction cord?

The use of retraction cords can have several drawbacks. They are highly technique-sensitive and time-consuming. Additionally, they can cause gingival bleeding, patient discomfort, and root sensitivity. It is important to carefully consider these factors when using retraction cords for tissue management.

Editor's Notes

During our dental retraction cord research, we found 21 dental retraction cord products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 2,692 customer reviews through our big data system to write the dental retraction cords list. We found that most customers choose dental retraction cords with an average price of $14.42.

The dental retraction cords are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of dental retraction cords, including Easyinsmile, ULTRADENT, DENTIMICA, House Brand Dentistry, SeeFDENT. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 754 consumers with an average rating of 4.5.

Written by
Brian Howie Avatar

Brian Howie is a content writer and senior industrial designer. After graduation from Westminster College, he has been engaged in product design and manufacturing for 18 years. Brian Howie has always found great pleasure in designing industrial products and sharing his ideas and experience online.