At some point, most people have undergone a polishing from their preferred dentist. Even though you don’t know it, there is a specific process that is used to get your teeth clean and shiny. Yet, replacement materials often present additional issues during polishing. Find out how modern dentists are finding a solution to the composite polishing problem.
Why Polish in the First Place?
Polishing is not all about making your teeth look better. Instead, there are many supporting reasons that deal with oral health. Polished teeth are more likely to resist plaque and bio-film. Polishing also helps the occlusal-to-bite relationship by supporting the surrounding tissues. Additionally, polishing composites actually helps to strengthen them so that they can last for years to come.
A Look at Composite Issues
Many patients have composites applied to their teeth. This is likely the result of cavities and other dental problems. Yet, when you have a composite mixed with a natural tooth surface, what can you use to polish the teeth? Most patients expect that the teeth that contain fillings will have the same smooth surface as their natural teeth. Thus, over time, the dental industry has created effective methods to keep both types of surfaces polished.
Modern Techniques
In today’s world, the science behind polishing has come a long way. Dentists now have more simplified methods to polish every tooth. An abrasive dental disc is the most likely tool that will be used during this process. These polishing discs may be created out of special types of plastic or even materials like aluminum oxide. There are even dental discs on the market that contain small pieces of diamond for added strength.
A Look at the Future
Although some dentists use several tools to perform polishing, the trend is towards a one-size-fits-all solution. Now, it is a lot easier for dentists to use the same polishing system for a wide range of composite materials. This not only eases the burden on dental professionals, it also saves a lot of time for the patient.
Strauss Diamond Instruments Inc. offers a wide selection of dental discs as well as other dental instruments. Visit straussdiamond.com to request a catalog.
