Module 2 Equipment, Materials and Techniques

Methods of Removing Plaque and Stains: Click on each icon to reveal the key term and definitions

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Equipment and Supplies

Polishing Cups

• Soft, webbed rubber cups clean and polish the smooth surfaces of teeth.

• Cups attach to the reusable prophy angle using a snap-on or screw-on connection.

Bristle Brushes

• Made of natural or synthetic materials

• Removes stains from deep pits and fissures

• Commonly used on orthodontic brackets

• Must be used gently to avoid gum injury

• Not recommended on exposed cementum or dentin

Prophylaxis Angle and Handpiece

• Also called a prophy angle

• Attaches to the slow-speed handpiece

• Reusable angles must be cleaned and sterilized after each use

Disposable angles are single-use with a cup or brush pre-attached

Grasping the Handpiece Polishing

• Pen grasp = control
• Use finger rest (fulcrum)
• Max speed: 20,000 rpm
• Light pressure only

Handpiece Operation

• The foot pedal (rheostat) controls speed
• Keep the sole flat and use the toe for steady pressure
• Use a slow, even speed — max 20,000 rpm
• Avoid overheating to prevent pulp damage
• Release pedal before removing the cup from the tooth

The Fulcrum and Finger Rest

• The fulcrum provides stability and control

• Allows movement of the wrist and forearm

• Reposition as needed during polishing

• Can be intraoral or extraoral, depending on:

• Teeth present

• Area being polished

• Patient’s mouth opening

Examples of Fulcrum positions: Intraoral and extraoral

Fulcrum provides stability to move the wrist and forearm

Polishing Agents

• Coarse = more abrasive Fine = gentler Use the smallest amount necessary

Factors That Affect Abrasion

• More polishing agent = more abrasion

• Lighter pressure = less abrasion

• Slower rotation = less abrasion

Identifying Esthetic Restorations (Before Polishing)

• Always identify restorations before polishing to avoid damage.

• Use explorer and tactile sense to feel margins and surfaces.

• Light reflection and radiographs help locate restorations.

• Review dental records for details on existing esthetic work.

Polishing Esthetic Restorations

• Use low-abrasion polish for crowns, veneers, composites, and bonding.

• Avoid coarse paste—it can scratch or dull cosmetic surfaces.

• Recommended materials: diamond, aluminum oxide, or fine-grit toothpaste.

• Coarse grit removes stains faster but leaves a rougher surface.

Using X-Rays to Identify Restorations

• X-rays help locate crowns, fillings, implants, and bridges.

• Compare radiopaque areas (bright white) to identify restorative materials.

• Always review radiographs before polishing to avoid damaging restorations.

Knowledge Check

Which type of grasp is used to hold the handpiece?

Next

Pen grasp

Knowledge Check

What precaution should be taken when esthetic type restorations are polished?

Next

Use a low-abrasion polishing agent and light pressure to avoid scratching or dulling the surface of esthetic restorations like veneers, composites, or crowns.

Course Complete! Great work! You’ve completed this module.

Rubber Cup Polishing

• Most common method for stain and plaque removal.

• The cup rotates slowly and carefully by means of a propylactic angle attached to the slow-speed handpiece.

Air Polishing

• The air polishing technique involves the use of a specially designed handpiece with a nozzle that delivers a high pressure stream of warm water and sodium bicarbonate

• Quickly removes surface stains and plaque.