Q-Finishers
One of the most challenging procedures in dentistry involves shaping and finishing a composite restoration. In the past, getting a finished product that is smooth and discrepant-free has involved time-consuming multiple steps and materials. As with any other procedure in dentistry, there has been an increased demand to provide the best surface in a quick and efficient manner without compromising quality. Komet recently introduced Q-Finishers, a composite/tooth trimming and finishing bur system that fulfills this need. With special cross-cut toothing designed to work on composites and natural tooth, the Q-Finisher is fast and efficient.
In the past, working on composite fillings usually required three to four finishing steps with normal, fine, extra-fine and polishing paste. With Q-Finishers, the procedure can now be reduced to just two steps, using the Q-Finisher for the first step and an Ultra-Fine finisher for the second step. The result is less chair time, less materials used, and a better result.
The instruments come in short flame, long flame, and football shapes. The tapered burs assure gentle finishing without damage to the gingiva, thanks to their smooth non-cutting tip. The burs are supplied in convenient metal bur blocks that house five Q-Finishers and five Ultra-Fine burs (Figure1).
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Case Study
A patient presented to my practice for a cosmetic smile-makeover only days before attending a very special engagement. Because I was constrained with not enough time to deliver the final porcelain product, it was imperative that her provisional restorations look as ideal as possible.
Upon examination, this patient had caries and decalcification facially and interproximally because of poor oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment as an adolescent. She was extremely dissatisfied with the appearance of her maxillary teeth and actually complained of hot and cold sensitivity. Also, she claimed she did not like the shape and color of her dentition (Figure 2). After a thorough examination and diagnosis, we presented restoring her maxillary ten teeth for porcelain restorations extending from tooth #4-#13. Because of the limited time, we did not have a diagnostic wax-up fabricated. Instead, we took an impression of her dentition and used it for the fabrication of her temporaries.
Once the patient was anesthetized, the teeth were prepared for porcelain veneer restorations. Impressions were taken using a fast setting polyvinyl-siloxane material. Using the initial impression taken of her dentition before preparation, custom provisionals were fabricated by filling it with a bis-acrylic temporary material. As seen in the photo (Figure 3), the provisional was first trimmed and shaped using a flamed-shaped Q-Finishing bur. Within a short amount of time, the overall shape was achieved and the Ultra-Fine bur (Figure 4), used to get the final finishing of the provisional restoration.
Once completed, the patient was released with instructions on how to care for her gums during the provisional period. She was ecstatic about the shape, size, and color of her provisionals (Figure 5). In fact, she told us later that week of how many compliments she had received at her special occasion on her new enhanced smile!
Conclusion
Having had the opportunity to use Q-Finishers in my practice and seeing such great results without having to put the time, materials, or effort that was implemented in the past, I find myself requesting them at my set-ups for any composite or provisional procedures. In addition to the shapes available, I would like to see Komet provide them in an anatomical shape. I highly recommend you trying them out to see for yourself.
Review Synopsis
Product
KOMET Q-Finishers: Efficient Composite and Tooth Finishing
The Good
A two-step finishing process, instead of the traditional 3- to 4-step procedure.
The Bad
Need an anatomical shape in addition to the flames and football.
The Bottom Line
I request Q-Finishers with my set-ups for all composite or provisional procedures.