diamond burrs are a great tool to have in the dental office as they can help save time by providing a smoother finish than other types of burs. These tools are made out of one of the hardest substances on earth, making them ideal for cutting through hard tissue like enamel and bone. They are also good for cutting materials that other burs might struggle with such as zirconia and lithium disilicate. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes and grits making them suitable for many different procedures.
There are two main types of diamond burs: sintered and coated. Sintered diamond burs are made from a steel body that has tiny bits of diamond that have been either pressed into the surface or bonded onto it. These burs are designed for use on both hard and soft material such as glass, stone, ceramics and bone but are especially suited to carving and pre-forming metal. They can be used with water or a lubricant such as 412 Slick Lube. These burs can be used at a wide range of speeds but should only be operated with nominal pressure to avoid chipping the bur.
Coated diamond burs are made out of a special type of diamond that has been deposited over the surface of the tool using an electroplating process. This allows the deposited diamond to be exposed at the point of contact and provides for better durability. They are used for both hard and softer materials and can be used at a lower speed than sintered diamond burs. These burs can be used with water or a glycerin-based lubricant. Coated diamond burs are a good choice for those that need to cut tough materials such as zirconia or ceramic or hard metals.
Choosing the right type of diamond bur for your needs can be confusing as there are so many options available. The best way to choose a diamond bur is to consider the type of work you need to do and what kind of finish you want. For example, if you need to prepare a tooth for an inlay or crown you should look at the blade configuration of the diamond bur to ensure that it can create a clean, smooth finish.
Another factor to consider is whether you need a single-use or multi-use diamond bur. A single-use bur can be discarded after each patient but a multi-use diamond bur is sterilized and reused, saving you money in the long run. Whatever type of bur you decide on it is important to remember that the quality of your work is only as good as the tools you are using to do it with. A good quality diamond bur will provide years of trouble-free service, helping you deliver exceptional results to your patients.