Dental Burs & Frasers for Dental Lab

Zirconia and carbide burs are both widely used in dental labs, but they serve different purposes based on material strength, durability, and application. Zirconia burs, such as the Wilson Zirconia Standard Grit Cross Cut Bur, are ideal for cutting through hard materials like zirconia crowns and bridges due to their extreme hardness and resistance to wear. They generate less heat and offer a smoother finish, making them a preferred choice for high-precision procedures. On the other hand, carbide burs, like the Wilson Cross Cut Fine Carbide Bur, are highly effective for trimming and shaping metal-based restorations, acrylics, and composites. They provide sharper cutting edges and are more suitable for delicate, intricate work in dental prosthetics.

The grit level of a dental bur determines its cutting efficiency and smoothness of the final workpiece. In general:

• Coarse Grit (e.g., Wilson Cross Cut Coarse Zirconia Bur) is used for rapid material removal, such as trimming excess material from crowns or dentures.
• Standard Grit (e.g., Wilson Zirconia Standard Grit Pink Bur) is ideal for general shaping and refinement without excessive abrasion.
• Fine and Ultra-Fine Grit (e.g., Wilson Cross Cut Ultra Fine Carbide Bur) is used for polishing and finishing restorations, ensuring a smooth surface ready for final fitting.

Choosing the right grit depends on the stage of the dental restoration process. A coarse bur is recommended for initial shaping, while a fine bur is necessary for finishing touches.

Proper maintenance of dental burs ensures longevity and optimal performance. Follow these steps:

• Cleaning: Immediately after use, rinse the bur with water and use an ultrasonic cleaner to remove debris.
• Disinfection: Use an approved disinfectant to prevent contamination. Ensure the bur is completely dry before storage.
• Sterilization: Autoclaving is recommended for carbide and zirconia burs, but follow manufacturer guidelines to prevent material degradation.
• Storage: Store burs in a dry, organized bur block or case to prevent accidental damage.

Regularly inspect burs for signs of wear, as a dull or chipped bur can compromise precision and lead to increased heat generation, damaging both the tool and the restoration.

While some burs can be used across different materials, it is best to select burs designed for specific applications. For example:

• Carbide burs (e.g., GDT Supplies Round Ball Carbide Bur) are best for cutting metal, composite, and acrylic materials.
• Zirconia burs (e.g., Wilson Cross Cut Ultra Fine Zirconia Bur) are specifically made for milling zirconia and ceramic restorations without chipping.
• Diamond-impregnated burs (e.g., DSI Diamond Impregnated Polisher Bur) are ideal for final corrections. Their design allows for precise polishing of grooves and microfills, making them perfect for adding the final touch to already fitted ceramic restorations.

Using a bur on multiple materials can reduce efficiency, dull the cutting edges, and increase the risk of overheating, which can damage both the tool and the dental workpiece. Always use the appropriate bur for each material type for optimal results.