Using Carbides for Crown Preps

[/caption]

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!