Dental metal and plastic strips

In dentistry, a large number of instruments are used, some often, others less often. One of the most popular and demanded devices for a dentist is dental strips. No restorative procedure takes place without them, especially in aesthetic dentistry.

What is it, appointment

Dental strips are flexible metal or plastic strips (can be made of polyester), with a width of 2 mm to 6 mm with various types of spraying according to the degree of fineness. Are used dentists-therapists for shaping the crown of the tooth or for processing narrow interdental spaces. In another way, they are called sanding or abrasive strips.

What material are they made of, sizes, types

Dental strips are available in two types - plastic and metal.

plastic

metal

diamond-coated

By appointment classified:

• for surface polishing;
• to remove excess after the application of a top layer of cement or composite material;
• for a preliminary procedure for grinding the crown part of the tooth.

The spraying of sanding strips is divided into:

• fine abrasive;
• coarse abrasive;
• spraying 1-2 sections of the strip with an abrasive material.
• without spraying.

Abrasive material can be corundum, garnet, carborundum, diamond, aluminum oxide. The tool can be blue, green, red, yellow.

The tools are available with one working surface, with the application of abrasive material on one side. There are also models with two surfaces or there is no spraying in the middle of the tool.

Coarse grains allow you to give the anatomical shape of the tooth, remove excess cement. Medium grains reduce surface roughness and are used for finishing edges and contours. Fine-grained reduce scratches, smooth the surface, polish the enamel.

The length of the tool can be from 12 to 18 cm, width from 1.9 mm to 8 mm, thickness from 0.15 mm to 0.2 mm. It is produced in two forms: rolls or cut strips. Strips are a disposable instrument that cannot be processed or reused.

cut strips

How are used, precautions

Teeth polishing is carried out not only for the purpose of shaping after the application of cement to the tooth, preparation of the interdental space, but also for prophylaxis (no more than 1-2 times a year). Preventive treatment is carried out only in the absence of diseases of the oral cavity, individual intolerance, sensitive enamel.

Polishing works are carried out in several stages:

1. Determine the zones of influence.
2. The type and grain size of the strips is selected.
3. The flat surface of the teeth is treated.
4. Cleans chewing teeth.
5. The space between the teeth is processed.

Some specialists use a special frame holder to adjust the tension of the strips.

Protective equipment should be used during the procedure (goggles) to prevent particles from entering the mucous membrane of the eye. If this happens, the eyes must be rinsed thoroughly.

After treatment with strips, the patient should not eat hot, cold, dyed, carbonated food and drinks. You need to give up cigarettes and alcohol for a day.

Price

Depending on the type of strips, their quantity and abrasive material, the manufacturer, the price ranges from 47 rubles. up to 8000 rubles. Plastic strips are cheaper than metal ones. The most expensive strips are considered to be coated with aluminum oxide.