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So I’ll admit that until today I thought it was strange when people said they used carbide burs instead of diamonds to cut their crown preparations. Recently while looking through a catalog from one of the major bur companies I flipped to the page that has the carbide burs designed for crown and bridge. I got curious enough to call the manufacturer and today I had my first opportunity to use them.
I ordered three burs that are identical to the three diamonds I commonly use, an 018 and 016 rounded shoulder and a football for the lingual of anteriors. At first it felt strange, as the force needed and the cutting resistance weren’t what I have felt for 22 years. After one or two teeth I switched back to my diamonds and was shocked at how rough the surface appeared in comparison and how cumbersome they felt in my hand.
By the time I was in the groove today I had a new technique. I used my coarse diamonds to do the gross preparation. This allowed me to efficiently gain the majority of my reduction. Then I switched to lower speed and using the carbide, cutting dry I refined the prep, establishing the final margin position. Then rounded and finished the surface, which was incredibly smooth.
Even reviewing the photos this evening, I was impressed by the finish of the preps, and cant wait to hear what my lab has to say. So to all of you carbide lovers I apologize, and I’m requesting to join the club!
Preps look very smooth. Nice work Lee Ann. I am intrigued. What manufacturer makes those types of carbides?
Thanks, Rob
Hi Rob,
I believe that most of the bur companies make equivalent carbides to their diamond burs. I happen to use Brasseler.
Thanks Lee Ann,
Mary tells me your going to be at Leadership and Legacy. I look forward to seeing you there.
Rob
I will not be at the meeting, but I am coming in either Friday night or Sat am to meet Mary and Joan, so I will see you then and we can catch up.
Dr. Brady,
For clarification the carbides you used were special 12 bladed finishing carbides ( H375R round end taper and H336 Modified tapered shoulder that match the shape of the diamond you used for bulk reduction. Unlike diamonds which are referred to as grinding instruments, finishing carbides are bladed or fluted instruments which will leave a very fine milled surface.
The margins are so smooth that impressions almost appear like they were stamped out. Your lab technician will love you!
Larry Rose
Brasseler USA
Larry thanks for posting the bur numbers and the information so folks get the correct thing. I love the way you said “very fine milled surface”, because that was my experience exactly.