A publication of CR Foundation®
Printed September 2019, with permission, from Vol. 12 Issue 10, Pages 1-2
Gordon’s Clinical Observations: Low-cost diamond rotary instruments have long been accepted as similar in performance to diamond instruments that cost ten times more. What about carbide burs? Are they all equal? Do some break more often? Are they all concentric? Do they meet the International Standards Organization (ISO) sizes and shapes? This CR study evaluates low-cost carbide burs both scientifically and also clinically.
CR Conclusions: All brands of 330 carbide burs evaluated were clinically acceptable. Carbide burs with highest overall ratings in CR testing were: Peter Brasseler C-Series 300 FG by Brasseler and EdgeBurs FG 300 by EdgeEndo. Cross-cut carbides and flat-ended burs can lead to microfractures and decreased longevity of restorations. Single-patient use of dental burs offers improved infection control as well as improved cutting efficiency (requiring less time and less force for procedures resulting in better outcomes and fewer handpiece repairs).
