3M ESPE Sof-Lex Spiral Finishing and Polishing Wheels Adapt to all Tooth Surfaces
Being efficient with my time is a top priority during finishing and polishing procedures.
I welcome any tools that can streamline procedures while still achieving a great polish—that is why I have enjoyed using 3M's Sof-Lex Spiral Finishing and Polishing Wheels. These wheels have a unique, flexible shape that easily adapts to different types of tooth surfaces, irregular, convex, and concave. Dentists can polish anterior and posterior restoration with one tool, rather than have to switch between points, cups, discs and brushes.
Flexibility for Success
These flexible single-use spiral wheels have "fingers" that adapt to almost any tooth surface—anterior or posterior, convex or concave. The rubbery surface has abrasive particles embedded throughout, so they are effective from any angle.
As a longtime user of abrasive cups and points, I have always liked tools that are pliable and work on compound curves. I initially began using these new wheels to augment finishing and polishing, but as I became more comfortable with the wheels, I have been reaching for cups and points much less.
The shape of the spiral wheels enables me to use them in all areas of the mouth. I especially like them for occlusal surfaces, facial surfaces, and interproximal areas. The wheels are gentle on soft tissue, which takes any risk of traumatizing the gums out of the equation. They also work without water-cooling and generate less heat than other abrasive cups and points.
Versatile for Many Materials
I have used Sof-Lex Spiral Finishing and Polishing Wheels with several composites, including 3M's Filtek Supreme Ultra Universal Restorative, and found that they polish a multitude of materials very well. In addition to composites, the wheels can also be used with resin-modified glass ionomers, bisacrylic temporary materials, and precious and semiprecious metal.
Save Time, Reduce Steps
Sof-Lex Spiral Finishing and Polishing Wheels offer a convenient 2-step system. Start with the fine finishing wheel, and progress to the superfine polishing wheel to reach the final high-gloss polish.
My contouring, finishing, and polishing procedure with composites has become very streamlined. I begin with using a 12-blade spiral carbide for contouring, which is very helpful because it allows for prefinishing and preshaping. From there, I can often simply move on to the Sof-Lex Spiral Finishing and Polishing Wheels to completion. What used to require multiple steps and multiple shapes can now be completed in fewer steps with these simple, versatile tools.
I encourage colleagues to try Sof-Lex Spiral Finishing and Polishing Wheels. They can enhance productivity for surfaces with compound curves because you can hit multiple surfaces with just one tool. Instead of working through a series of points, cups, discs, and brushes to reach all of the necessary areas, now you can streamline and simplify by using just one shape.
