Types of Diamond Bur
A diamond bur is a type of tool used by dental professionals to shape and smooth teeth. They are available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, as well as multiple grits. Diamond burs are a great alternative to carbide burs, as they can cut more quickly and leave behind a more polished surface. They are also ideal for working with harder materials such as Zirconia and lithium disilicate. However, it’s important to note that diamond burs and carbide burs perform differently – diamond burs cut by using small blades where carbide burs grind the tooth down.
Diamond shaped burs are ideal for stippling in glass, all metals, stone and light smoothing and shaping in woods. These burs can also be used to decorate gun stocks, eggs and other similar projects. There are a range of different size diamond shaped burs, with the smaller ones better suited for detailed work and the larger ones for contouring.
Sintered diamond burs are made of a steel body bonded with industrial diamond powder. They are available in a wide variety shapes, grits and shank types to suit a diverse range of procedures and applications. These are commonly known as ‘multi-use’ diamond burs and have the advantage of being able to be reused for extended periods of time, saving the dentist both money and time on single-use diamond burs. They are also offered in a wide range of head shapes and sizes as well as being available with a variety of shank types to fit all major dental handpieces.
Tungsten carbide burs are also a popular choice for dental professionals, as they are three times stronger than steel and can withstand high temperatures. This makes them suitable for excavating cavities, shaping bone, removing impacted teeth and many other procedures. However, it is important to note that carbide burs are not suitable for adjusting acrylic pieces as they will heat up and cause the plastic to melt.
Ceramic burs don’t conduct as much heat, making them more suitable for adjusting thermoplastics than other types of dental bur. They are often recommended for sculpting and carving as they provide superior abrasion resistance and edge retention. They are also more resistant to wear and tear than other dental burs.
Both diamond and carbide burs are a useful addition to any toolkit, offering versatility for many dental procedures. However, it’s worth bearing in mind that both burs have their strengths and weaknesses – for example diamond burs tend to produce more vibration (‘chatter’) than carbide burs, while carbide burs are able to cut through hard materials like Zirconia or porcelain. It is therefore essential to research both of these types of burs to decide which is most appropriate for your practice before purchasing a set. Kerr Dental is proud to offer a range of different diamond and carbide burs, including the NTI and BluWhite lines which both have a large selection of head shapes and sizes as well as several grit options for your convenience. diamond burrs