Interproximal reduction (IPR) is a procedure that involves removing enamel from the sides of teeth to create space between them. This is mainly done for orthodontic purposes to allow the teeth to align correctly.

Interproximal reduction can be done in two ways – manual and mechanical. In this blog, we’ll compare the two methods to understand which is more effective.

Manual Interproximal Reduction

Manual IPR involves using dental strips to manually remove the enamel on the sides of teeth. The dentist uses a predetermined thickness of the dental strip to grind away at the enamel until the desired amount has been removed.

Mechanical Interproximal Reduction

Mechanical IPR, on the other hand, involves using a dental handpiece with also with predetermined diamond discs or diamond burrs to remove the enamel. This method is faster and less labor-intensive than the manual approach. The dentist has greater accuracy over the thickness of the reduction, and the process can be less time-consuming.

Comparison

Both manual and mechanical IPR methods have their advantages and disadvantages. Here are some critical comparisons between the two:

1. Accuracy

Mechanical IPR is more accurate than manual IPR because the discs/burrs used in the mechanical process are calibrated to achieve a specific enamel reduction thickness. In contrast, manual IPR is done by hand and may not be as accurate, leading to uneven enamel removal.

2. Time taken

Mechanical IPR is considerably faster than manual IPR. The mechanical method can remove enamel in a matter of seconds compared to the manual process, which can take several minutes, depending on how much enamel is being removed.

3. Comfort of the patient/applied pressure

Manual IPR can occasionally be slightly more uncomfortable option for the patient because the hand-held dental strips can occasionally get stuck which can sometimes lead to more pressure being applied by the user (See the attached image above) although manual IPR can take longer they generally will not generate heat which could cause pain for the patient. Some mechanical IPR handpieces can generate heat that can be uncomfortable during enamel removal. However, dentists can use water spray to reduce the heat and discomfort for the patient.

The image attached is a study performed at Darmstadt University, Germany by 9 Orthodontists who performed both manual and mechanical IPR.  The mechanical system used was provided by DentaSonic as you will see by the results manual IPR had an average applied pressure of 4.8N of pressure (489 grams). The average applied pressure when performing mechanical IPR had an average of 1.1N (112 grams).

4. The cost of the process

Since manual IPR involves more labor/time, it would have been much more expensive.  Mechanical IPR is considerably less expensive due to the efficiency of the process.

Conclusion

Both manual and mechanical IPR methods are valid, and dentists will use them depending on the patient’s needs and the complexity of the treatment. Manual IPR is useful for more minor adjustments, whereas mechanical IPR is more efficient when several teeth need to be adjusted at the same time. Ultimately, dentists can use these methods on their patients, depending on specific cases, to achieve the desired outcome.

Tungsten Carbide Burs v Steel (Single use) burs,
for Caries removal (Cavity Excavation)

As a dentist, caries removal is a daily and common task. The process of removing decayed tooth material is an important part of dental treatment. There are several types of drills used for caries removal, but the most commonly used are Tungsten Carbide burs (TC burs) and steel burs. In this blog, we will explore the difference between Tungsten Carbide burs and steel burs for caries removal.

First, let’s start with Tungsten Carbide burs. TC burs are made of tungsten carbide, a material that is known for its hardness and durability. These burs have a very sharp cutting edge that makes caries removal quick and efficient. The TC burs come in various shapes and sizes generally most clinicians tend to prefer them over steel burs as they can be sterilised and reused, they are normally available in a single cut but thanks to Frank Dental you now  the option  to use them with a X-Cut which reduces vibration making the procedure more comfortable for your patients but also better for your handpieces, the other benefit of these burs is the neck is thinner which offers better visibility, finally they are also available in a longer length shank (RAL, 26mm) allowing dentists to choose the appropriate bur for different types of caries.

On the other hand, steel burs are made of a softer material compared to tungsten carbide. Steel burs are less expensive than TC burs. However, they lose their sharpness relatively quickly, which can lead to a less efficient caries removal process. Steel burs are also more likely to cause stress on the tooth structure, leading to micro fractures that can cause the tooth to break later on not to mention that they can not be sterilised and are actually a single use item.

While steel burs may be more affordable and accessible, TC burs have several advantages that make them a popular choice for caries removal. One of the primary advantages of TC burs is their efficiency during the removal of caries. The sharp cutting edge of TC burs and their ability to maintain that sharpness throughout the procedure means the Clinician can work at a faster pace without compromising the quality of the procedure.

TC burs have less vibration (Even more so with the Frank Dental SXM x-cut), which makes them more comfortable for patients, resulting in a faster and less traumatic procedure. TC burs are also less likely to generate heat. The heat generated during a caries removal procedure can be harmful to the tooth and nerve tissue. Tungsten Carbide burs produce less heat compared to steel burs, leading to less discomfort for the patient.

In conclusion, Tungsten Carbide burs are a superior choice for caries removal. Their hardness, durability, sharpness, and efficiency make them the ideal bur for this procedure. While steel burs may be more affordable, they cannot compete with the advantages of Tungsten Carbide burs. Ultimately, the use of TC burs results in a faster, safer and more comfortable procedure for both dentist and patient.

The Versatility and Precision of End Cutting Diamond Burs

Introduction:
When it comes to dental procedures, precision and efficiency are paramount. Dentists and dental technicians rely on a wide range of tools and instruments to ensure optimal results. One such tool that has gained popularity in recent years is the end cutting diamond bur. This versatile instrument offers numerous advantages, making it an essential component of any dental professional’s toolkit. In this blog, we will explore the reasons why end cutting diamond burs are widely used and how they contribute to improved dental procedures.

1. Versatility:
End cutting diamond burs are incredibly versatile, making them suitable for a variety of dental procedures. Whether it’s crown preparation, cavity preparation, or even root canal therapy, these burs can handle a wide range of tasks. Their ability to cut through different materials, including enamel, dentin, and even metal, makes them indispensable in various dental applications.

2.The end cutting bur is smooth on the sides and only cuts on the tip of the bur. It is ideal for safely smoothing out bumps and lips on a prepared margin or removing a deep core material. The fine grit is the coarseness recommended for preparation refinement.

3. Precision and Control:
One of the primary reasons why dental professionals prefer end cutting diamond burs is their exceptional precision and control. The diamond coating on the cutting surface allows for smooth and precise cutting, ensuring minimal damage to surrounding tissues. This level of control is particularly crucial when working in delicate areas, such as close to the pulp or in narrow canals.

4. Efficient Material Removal:
End cutting diamond burs are designed to efficiently remove material, reducing the time required for dental procedures. The sharp cutting edges and diamond coating enable dentists to achieve accurate and rapid material removal, resulting in shorter treatment times. This efficiency not only benefits the dental professional but also enhances the patient’s overall experience by minimizing discomfort and reducing chair time.

5. Enhanced Visibility:
The design of end cutting diamond burs allows for improved visibility during dental procedures. The end-cutting feature enables dentists to have a clear line of sight, especially when working in areas with limited access. This enhanced visibility ensures precise and accurate cutting, reducing the risk of errors and complications.

6. Minimized Heat Generation: The design of end-cutting diamond burs minimizes heat generation during tooth preparation. This is especially beneficial in preserving the pulp and surrounding tissues, contributing to postoperative comfort for the patient

7. Durability and Longevity:
Diamond burs are known for their exceptional durability and longevity. The diamond coating on the cutting surface provides excellent resistance to wear and tear, allowing the bur to maintain its sharpness for an extended period. This durability translates into cost savings for dental professionals, as they can rely on these burs for multiple procedures without frequent replacements.

Conclusion:
End cutting diamond burs have revolutionized the field of dentistry by offering versatility, precision, efficiency, enhanced visibility, and durability. These burs have become an indispensable tool for dental professionals, enabling them to provide high-quality care while minimizing patient discomfort and treatment time. As technology continues to advance, it is likely that end cutting diamond burs will continue to evolve, further enhancing their performance and contributing to improved dental procedures.

Using Coarse Diamonds followed by Fine Diamonds for
Tooth Preparation

The Benefits of Using Coarse and Fine Grit Diamond Burs for Tooth Preparation.

Introduction:
When it comes to tooth preparation in dentistry, the choice of Dental burs plays a crucial role in achieving optimal results. In this blog, we will explore the benefits of using both coarse and fine grit diamond burs for tooth preparation. By understanding the advantages of each type of bur and how they complement each other, dental professionals can enhance their restorative procedures and ensure patient satisfaction.

1. Coarse Grit Diamond Burs (Green band 107-181 Micron) for Initial Tooth Preparation:
Coarse grit diamond burs are commonly used for the initial stages of tooth preparation. They offer several benefits, including:

a. Efficient Material Removal: Coarse grit diamond burs are designed to remove tooth structure quickly and efficiently. Their abrasive nature allows for rapid reduction of enamel and dentin, facilitating the creation of the desired tooth shape and contour.

b. Enhanced Visibility: The coarse grit of these burs creates visible grooves and marks on the tooth surface, aiding in the visualization of the preparation boundaries. This visibility helps dentists ensure accurate and precise tooth reduction, minimizing the risk of over-preparation.

c. Reduced Heat Generation: Coarse grit diamond burs generate less heat compared to other bur types, such as carbide burs. This reduced heat production helps to minimize the risk of thermal damage to the tooth structure and surrounding tissues.

2. Fine Grit Diamond Burs (Red band 27-76 Micron) for Refining and Finishing:
After the initial tooth preparation with coarse grit diamond burs, the use of fine grit diamond burs is essential for refining and finishing the preparation. The benefits of using fine grit diamond burs include:

a. Smooth Surface Preparation: Fine grit diamond burs create a smooth and polished surface on the prepared tooth structure. This smoothness is crucial for achieving optimal bonding between the tooth and restorative materials, such as composite resin or dental cement.

b. Precise Margin Definition: Fine grit diamond burs allow for precise margin definition, ensuring well-defined preparation margins for restorations. This precision is crucial for achieving accurate fit and sealing of the final restoration, minimizing the risk of microleakage and recurrent decay.

c. Enhanced Aesthetics: The use of fine grit diamond burs helps to create a natural and aesthetically pleasing tooth preparation. The smooth and polished surface achieved with these burs contributes to the seamless integration of restorations, enhancing the overall appearance of the final result.

3. Proper Technique and Considerations:
When using both coarse and fine grit diamond burs for tooth preparation, it is important to follow proper technique and considerations:

a. Water Cooling: Proper water cooling is essential to prevent overheating of the tooth structure and the bur. Water spray or air-water spray should be used during the preparation process to ensure adequate cooling and lubrication.

b. Bur Selection: Dental professionals should choose diamond burs with appropriate grit sizes for the specific tooth preparation requirements. Coarse grit burs are typically used for initial reduction, while fine grit burs are used for refinement and finishing.

c. Bur Maintenance: Regular cleaning and sterilization of diamond burs are crucial to maintain their cutting efficiency and longevity. Burs should be inspected for wear and tear, and replaced when necessary.

Conclusion:
The use of both coarse and fine grit diamond burs in tooth preparation offers numerous benefits for dental professionals. Coarse grit burs efficiently remove tooth structure, provide enhanced visibility, and reduce heat generation. Fine grit burs, on the other hand, refine the preparation, create a smooth surface, and ensure precise margin definition. By incorporating both types of burs into their restorative procedures and following proper technique and considerations, dental professionals can achieve optimal results, enhance bonding, and provide aesthetically pleasing restorations for their patients.

Title: Vertical Dental Preparations (BOPT): A Revolutionary Approach to Restorative Dentistry

Introduction:
In the field of restorative dentistry, advancements are constantly being made to improve treatment outcomes and patient satisfaction. One such innovation is the concept of Vertical Dental Preparations, also known as Biologically Oriented Preparation Technique (BOPT). In this blog, we will explore what BOPT is, its benefits, and how it is revolutionizing restorative dentistry.

1. Understanding Vertical Dental Preparations (BOPT):
Vertical Dental Preparations, or BOPT, is a technique that focuses on preserving the natural tooth structure and mimicking the natural tooth anatomy during restorative procedures. Unlike traditional preparations, which often involve extensive removal of healthy tooth structure, BOPT aims to conserve as much of the tooth as possible while achieving optimal functional and aesthetic outcomes.

2. The Benefits of Vertical Dental Preparations (BOPT):
a. Preservation of Tooth Structure: One of the primary advantages of BOPT is the preservation of healthy tooth structure. By minimizing the removal of enamel and dentin, the natural strength and integrity of the tooth are maintained, reducing the risk of future complications.

b. Enhanced Bonding and Longevity: BOPT allows for a more conservative approach to restorations, resulting in improved bonding between the tooth and the restoration material. This enhanced bond increases the longevity of the restoration and reduces the likelihood of debonding or recurrent decay.

c. Improved Aesthetics: Vertical Dental Preparations focus on replicating the natural tooth anatomy, including the preservation of the tooth’s vertical dimension. This approach results in restorations that closely resemble natural teeth, providing superior aesthetics and patient satisfaction.

d. Reduced Sensitivity: By preserving the tooth structure and avoiding unnecessary trauma to the pulp, BOPT minimizes post-operative sensitivity. Patients experience less discomfort and are more likely to have a positive treatment experience.

3. The BOPT Technique:
The BOPT technique involves a systematic approach to restorative dentistry, including:

a. Comprehensive Diagnosis: A thorough examination and assessment of the patient’s oral health, including the evaluation of occlusion, periodontal health, and tooth structure, are essential before initiating the BOPT technique.

b. Minimal Tooth Preparation: The focus of BOPT is on minimal tooth preparation, preserving the natural tooth structure as much as possible. This involves precise and conservative removal of decayed or damaged tooth structure, while maintaining the tooth’s vertical dimension.

c. Customized Restorations: Restorations are designed to mimic the natural tooth anatomy, considering factors such as occlusion, function, and aesthetics. This may involve the use of advanced materials, such as ceramic or composite resin, to achieve optimal results.

4. Training and Implementation:
Implementing BOPT in a dental practice requires proper training and understanding of the technique. Dentists can attend specialized courses and workshops to learn the principles and techniques of BOPT, ensuring successful implementation and optimal patient outcomes.

Conclusion:
Vertical Dental Preparations, or BOPT, is a revolutionary approach to restorative dentistry that focuses on preserving natural tooth structure and mimicking the natural tooth anatomy. By adopting this technique, dentists can achieve superior functional and aesthetic outcomes while minimizing the removal of healthy tooth structure. With its benefits of preserving tooth structure, enhancing bonding and longevity, improving aesthetics, and reducing sensitivity, BOPT is transforming the field of restorative dentistry. Dentists who embrace this technique can provide their patients with conservative and long-lasting restorations, ultimately improving patient satisfaction and oral health.

Introduction:
Welcome to our dental bur website, where we aim to provide you with comprehensive information about dental burs, their types, uses, and benefits. Whether you are a dental professional looking to enhance your practice or a curious individual seeking to understand more about dental tools, this blog is for you. Let’s dive into the world of dental burs and explore their significance in modern dentistry.

1. What are Dental Burs?
Dental burs are small, rotating instruments used in dentistry for cutting, shaping, and removing hard tissues such as enamel, dentin, and bone. They are typically made of high-quality materials like tungsten carbide or diamond, ensuring durability and precision during dental procedures.

2. Types of Dental Burs:
a. Diamond Burs: Known for their exceptional cutting efficiency, diamond burs are commonly used for precise contouring, cavity/crown preparation, and crown adjustments. They come in various shapes and sizes, allowing dentists to achieve the desired results with ease.

b. Carbide Burs: Carbide burs are versatile and widely used in dental practices. They are known for their durability and are suitable for tasks such as removing decay, shaping teeth, preparing cavities and removing old crowns. Carbide burs are available in different shapes, each designed for specific dental procedures.

c. Surgical Burs: These burs are specifically designed for oral surgery procedures, including bone removal, tooth extraction, and implant placement. Surgical burs are available in various shapes, sizes and shanks (FG, RA, HP) to accommodate different surgical needs.

3. Benefits of Dental Burs:
a. Precision and Efficiency: Dental burs allow dentists to perform procedures with precision, ensuring minimal damage to surrounding tissues. Their sharp cutting edges and efficient design enable dentists to work quickly and effectively.

b. Versatility: With a wide range of shapes and sizes available, dental burs offer versatility in performing various dental procedures. Dentists can choose the appropriate bur for each task, enhancing their ability to achieve optimal results.

c. Patient Comfort: Dental burs’ efficiency and precision contribute to reduced chair time for patients, minimizing discomfort and anxiety during dental procedures. The use of high-quality burs also ensures smoother and more comfortable experiences for patients.

4. Proper Care and Maintenance:
To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of dental burs, it is crucial to follow proper care and maintenance practices. Regular cleaning, sterilization, and inspection for wear and tear are essential steps to maintain the quality and effectiveness of dental burs.

Conclusion:
Dental burs play a vital role in modern dentistry, enabling dentists to perform a wide range of procedures with precision and efficiency. Understanding the different types of burs and their uses can help dental professionals enhance their practice, while patients can appreciate the benefits of these advanced tools in ensuring comfortable and effective dental treatments. We hope this guide has provided you with valuable insights into the world of dental burs.

Chris O’Connor, the CEO of Incidental Ltd, talks through his favourite dental burs and why they are perfect to use at his training facility. 

Please introduce yourself

My name is Chris O’Connor and I am the CEO of Incidental Ltd. I have a background in clinical academia and I have been teaching dentistry at a postgraduate level for more than 12 years.

I also work part time in private practice in Newcastle Upon Tyne where I accept referrals for complex single tooth restorative treatment and full mouth rehabilitations.

How did you discover Frank Dental Burs?

Paul Harris from Crown Dental Burs introduced us to Frank Dental. Paul has a vast amount of experience in the dental bur field and was quickly able to demonstrate the quality of the burs available from Frank Dental.

At Incidental Ltd we work hard to discover and develop up and coming brands. The dental field is full of monopolies from a few large players, and this can drive the prices artificially high.

Our mission is ‘making quality dentistry accessible to all’ and we feel that our collaboration with Frank Dental is yet another way we can disrupt the market and achieve this.

What courses do you provide?

We use Frank Dental Burs on our hugely popular three-day direct course and for 2023 we have launched a three-day indirect preparation course.

Our new indirect course will be held in our new custom build training facility in Newcastle Upon Tyne.

We aim to design scenario based, hands-on courses, that teach important aspects of restorative dentistry. Our new indirect course takes delegates on a journey from classic metal and PFM preparations through to modern monolithic all ceramic preparations including adhesive onlay and vertical margin techniques.

What bur sets do you offer?

There can be a bewildering array of burs patterns available to choose from. We have worked with Frank Dental to strip down their collection into a rationale selection of burs that we think should be the staples for all GDPs.

We have split these burs into three kits and collections: ‘crown removal and adjustment burs’, ‘direct burs’ and ‘indirect burs’.

The burs are available in our brand-new autoclavable bur blocks and can be easily reordered thanks to our simple labelling system and freely available wall charts.

What are your favourite burs in the collection?

Frank Dental is famous for its innovative crown removal burs. I think the zirconia crown cutters and polishers they offer are absolutely cutting edge.

The carbide rosehead burs have also been a revelation to me as they are autoclavable and cut carious tissue far more efficiently and cleaner that standard stainless-steel burs.

One of the best aspects of my job is being able to influence manufacturing research and development. The new tissue cutting, depth cutting, and controlled margin reduction burs Frank Dental have released are all excellent and have all been produced specifically to our specifications.

How can we find out more about Incidental Ltd?

We are very active on social media especially Instagram (@incidentalltd) and Youtube (InciDental Ltd). Follow us to see free technique videos and tips of how to make the most of all our products.

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You can buy surgical burs directly from Crown Dental Burs. For more information, visit www.staging.crowndentalburs.co.uk.

The Frank Dental RotaSystem is a simple solution for organising and ordering dental burs – and the only UK company with this solution.

The RotaSystem allows clinicians to create their very own custom dental bur list ensuring 100% error free ordering, this will save you and your staff time and money!

The RotaSystem comprises of:

• RotaCard – create your own custom bur list
• RotaBox – create your own custom bur storage solution
• RotaSet Card – create your own custom bur kits, crown preparation kit, inlay/onlay kit, or surgical kit.

It also works well in single handed dental practices and even better in multiple surgery practices.

This offer is available through Crown Dental Burs only!

Below, clinicians explain why they opted for the RotaSystem –and why they will never look back.

Dr Nigel Braine-Hartnell – dentist

I qualified from University College Hospital London in 1988. I’m now a partner along with Piers Neville at Amsel and Wilkins LLP, based in Banbury, Oxfordshire.

I met Paul at a BDA meeting in London featuring Didier Dietchi, where Crown Dental Burs were a sponsor with a tantalising trade stand with many shiny things to tempt all the dentists.

The RotaSystem has simplified our ordering of burs by replacing complex description codes with a simple numerical system from one, two, three, four etc onwards, describing each of the particular burs I use most often.

The new packs are stored in a personalised box with a laminated sheet with the bur pictured and numbered that overlays the corresponding box compartment, allowing easy access to the right bur packs.

Each surgery has its own personalised box and laminated sheet. Paul’s help in this initial phase was essential, his knowledge helped guide us towards our selections.

The standout feature for us is the stock laminate sheet for re-ordering. No more having to think of code just ask for one, two, three etc!

Having a large practice, the ease of ordering is much more straight forward. Paul is always on hand if we need to tweak our orders or add additional burs to our system.

I would recommend the RotaSystem for ease of use – the quality of the burs is fantastic.

Dr Morteza Mazinanian – specialist prosthodontist

Crown Dental Burs – specifically, Paul Harris – have been fantastic. Our burs are perfectly organised now with specific sets for each procedure in their own bur holders.

The sets are labelled, they have specific cards to show what each set involves and associates with it an order card with each of burs numbered specifically for dental excellence.

This has ensured our ordering is specific to us. The nurses find it easy to restock each bur block and associated stock box. This has made the procedures very smooth as the kits are designated and prepared to the degree of perfection I like at Dental Excellence.

Dr Aly Virani – dentist

The nursing team now consistently provide me with exactly what I need. All of the associates feel exactly the same way. We are all about protocols and processes as they avoid mistakes and improve efficiency and this has made such a difference to the sterilisation process, ordering process and surgery experience for our whole team.

Each clinician has a set of burs that are standardised to them. They receive the same burs in the same order every time. We have replacements in stock but we are able to efficiently manage our stock to minimise waste.

Dr Mahul Patel – senior clinical teaching fellow

The RotaSystem offers a very sensible and practical solution for storage and reordering of bur stock.

The bur range offered by Frank Dental fully complements this solution, which is also adaptive to allow the clinician to be future-proof with regards to their personal selections.

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For more information and to discuss this offer please email us at info@staging.crowndentalburs.co.uk or call us on 07478443440.

 

We hear from a dental nurse and dentist about how the Rota System has helped to make practice life easy and simple. 

‘Nothing was too much trouble’ – Emma Harrison, dental nurse

My name is Emma Harrison and I have lived in Banbury, Oxfordshire all my life. I started to work at Amsel and Wilkins LLP in May 1993 straight from leaving school and qualified as a dental nurse in 1995. I was full time until I had my daughter in May 2012.

I’ve been part-time ever since. My role within the practice has changed over the years and I now work as a dental nurse and receptionist. I took over the role as stores manager in 2012. I oversee the ordering of all the dental stock for the practice, including burs!

Nigel introduced me to Paul Harris from Crown Dental Burs in April 2022. We have six dentists working in the practice so it has taken time to set everything up, from selecting the burs each dentist wants, to ordering everything and making sure I had it all correct.

Paul’s help, advice and knowledge was invaluable and continues to still be. Nothing was too much trouble; he was – and is – always on hand to answer questions and help sort things out.

Highly recommended

To say the Rota System has changed my ordering life sounds dramatic, but it actually has! I was faced, on a regular basis, with drawings of burs I could not decipher, incorrect codes or the dentist had written ‘the football or the rugby ball shaped one’.

This led to me having to trawl through on the internet or through endless catalogues and inevitably ordering the incorrect bur, which was frustrating for both myself and the dentist.

The Rota System is heaven! Each dentist has their own burs which are compartmentalised in number order in their own box with a corresponding laminate to match. The boxes are kept in the office, not in the surgery, and each surgery has a copy of the laminate.

When the surgery needs a replacement bur they will let me know the number of the bur from the laminate. I will then retrieve them from the box and give them to the surgery.

Reordering is just as easy. Paul keeps a copy of all of our burs in dentist and number order. I will email Paul and request the bur by number, so there’s no need to remember complicated code numbers. The replacement burs arrive the following day and I replenish the boxes. It could not be simpler!

I would highly recommend this system as it is so easy and straightforward to use.

‘The quality is fantastic’ – Nigel Braine-Hartnell, dentist

I qualified from University College Hospital London in 1988 and I am now a partner along with Piers Neville at Amsel and Wilkins LLP, based in Banbury, Oxfordshire.

The practice celebrated 50 years in November 2022. We are a fully private practice offering family dental care along with implants, Invisalign, facial aesthetics, periodontal, oral surgery, snoring appliances and BPS dentures. We have a team of six general dentists, a visiting periodontist and a visiting oral surgeon along with a fantastic team of support staff of 22

I met Paul at a BDA meeting in London featuring Didier Dietchi, where Crown Dental Burs were a sponsor with a tantalising trade stand with many shiny things to tempt all the dentists.

The Rota System has simplified our ordering of burs by replacing complex description codes with a simple numerical system from 1, 2, 3, 4 etc onwards describing each of the particular burs I use most often.

The new packs are stored in a personalised box with a laminated sheet with the bur pictured and numbered that overlays the corresponding box compartment, allowing easy access to the right bur packs.

Yes, we had to spend time selecting our choices. As you can imagine with six dentists this was a mammoth task, but going forwards it’s so easy for my nurse to request one pack of threes for my surgery etc (although she has yet to order me a six pack).

Each surgery has its own personalised box and laminated sheet. Paul’s help in this initial phase was essential, his knowledge helped guide us towards our selections.

Standout feature

The standout feature for us is the stock laminate sheet for re-ordering, no more having to think of code just ask for 1,2,3 etc.

Having a large practice, the ease of ordering for our stores manager Emma is much more straight forward, Paul is always on hand if we need to tweak our orders or add additional burs to our system.

I would recommend the Rota System for ease of use, and the quality of the burs is fantastic.

We are now replacing our previous bur stands with Crown’s excellent autoclavable metal stands. These can withstand the rigours of the washer disinfector – the graveyard of so many small burs in the past.

This will eliminate the need to try and protect the burs in tea strainers, which involves several tedious steps in the disinfection and sterilising process before trying to reorganise the burs on their original stands.

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For more information, visit www.staging.crowndentalburs.co.uk.

Aly Virani explains how the support from Crown Dental Burs has helped to elevate his dentistry and make a difference to patient care.

Who are you, where are you based and what type of dentistry does your practice offer?

For three years I have had a practice in Cardiff where I am clinical director and my clinical work is limited to implants.

Part of my role is, therefore, to make decisions that maintain and ideally improve the clinical standards within the entire practice. We made the decision early on to make patient care our priority.

Therefore, our equipment, protocols, appointment times, patient journey, materials and staff training are of a standard that we would consider ideal if we were the patient.

Our patients understand why we are not competing on price with others in our area but choose to come to us for quality and our referrers have also come to expect the same.

This puts a lot of pressure on me (and the entire team) to ensure that we are constantly striving for improvement.

How did you discover Crown Dental Burs Ltd?

I met Paul at the ADI congress last year and loved his approach and the quality of his products when I tried them on the trade stands.

Since then, my practice orders exclusively from him and he has provided me with so many solutions that I didn’t realise I needed! Sadly burs are an aspect of dentistry that is poorly taught and understood.

They are the most used consumables in restorative dentistry and beyond, but we tend to see all burs as the same – their shape, coarseness and band colours – and their price. So we work in or own practices that order the cheapest available option from our suppliers.

As associates, we either go through lots of burs or constantly fight with blunt burs. Our handpieces get leaned on and are always being sent off for expensive repairs.

We blame this on the temperamental handpieces rather than the fact that we are using the equivalent of wooden barrels instead of tyres on our cars. Of course we are going to have problems.

The quality of burs complements the quality of our electric handpieces. From a business and patient experience point of view, sub-standard burs represent false economy.

However taking it one step further, burs can contribute to the ease with which we perform clinical procedures. In Paul we have found someone that we can approach with a problem and he is incredible at helping us to find solutions.

Each individual in our team, including clinicians and nurses, have Paul’s number and communicate with him regularly to find these solutions. Can’t cut a material efficiently? Hard to access area? Difficulty maintaining standardised bur boxed following sterilisation? Paul is our man.

What products have you purchased?

All of our surgical and restorative Burs as well as our microsurgery instruments and kits come from Crown Dental Burs. We started off by ordering a few burs to try them out and never looked back.

Most recently I tried out the Coricama surgical instruments that Paul supplies. I was blown away by his approach and the quality of the instruments. Paul came to watch a surgery and suggested solutions and alternative instruments that I hadn’t considered.

Not only is he careful about only supplying the quality of products that he is happy to put his name on, but his relationship with his customers seems to be solution based. He has set the standard for how we work with suppliers.

What do you like about the surgical burs?

Primarily the quality, but also the support. Paul is so knowledgeable and goes out of his way to help find solutions to any problems we are having.

I only have to mention a problem, for example that my bone reduction burs are making aspects of full arch surgery awkward, and Paul is able to offer a range of options.

His technical knowledge about his range is excellent, and he goes above and beyond to research anything that he does not have a solution for off the top of his head.

What do you like about the Zirconia adjusting/polishing kit?

I can adjust implant restorations and polish them to a laboratory standard without sending them away, which suits me and my patients!

Previously I would have had to send a restoration back to the lab for reglazing following minor adjustments. That would add a couple of weeks and an additional visit at the detriment of my patients.

Not to mention the lost surgery time for the practice! Definitely a win-win.

How do you find the quality of the burs in general?

Excellent. They are sharper, last longer and generally perform better than any other Burs I’ve used. And we haven’t had to send handpieces off for repair because no one is leaning on them to make up for blunt or inefficient Burs! It’s very difficult to describe the difference that excellent burs make to a procedure.

You have to use them to fully appreciate the impact but it’s not an exaggeration to say that the shift to Crown Dental Burs for our practice was the equivalent of going from wooden wheels to rubber tyres on a car.

Longevity is a massive added bonus, and when you look at the slight increase in spend (versus the cheapest available) and the massive increase in longevity and efficacy, this is a no brainer.

How are you finding the Rota System?

Great. The nursing team now consistently provide me with exactly what I need – and all of the associates feel exactly the same way.

We are all about protocols and processes as they avoid mistakes and improve efficiency and this has made such a difference to the sterilisation process, ordering process and surgery experience for our whole team. Each clinician has a set of burs that are standardised to them.

They receive the same burs in the same order every time and we have replacements in stock but are able to efficiently manage our stock to minimise waste.

I am the course director of the newly launched Transformative Education in Dentistry (TED) which provides implant courses.

TED is proud to work with Crown Dental Burs Ltd and thankful for the support in the upcoming Sinus Tap Course.

We have been very careful about only working with companies who share our ethos of quality of products and support, putting patients first, striving for improvement and genuinely trying to make a difference.

We’re proud to be providing each delegate on our upcoming ‘Sinus Tap Course’ with the full range of burs that are in my Rota System from Crown Dental Burs.

We are excited for the revolution in dentistry that these burs are instigating!

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For more information, visit www.staging.crowndentalburs.co.uk.