Proper dental hygiene instruments are a must-have for orthodontists and professional dentists. These high-end instruments allow professionals to perform dental and surgical procedures efficiently.
Dentists use a variety of specialized instruments for different treatments, each carefully designed to ensure everything goes smoothly. However, before knowing why these tools are necessary for professionals, let’s discuss the various dentistry instruments and how they help maintain healthy teeth.
Types of Dental Hygiene Instruments
Dental hygiene instruments come in various types, each designed for specific functions. From diagnostic tools to extraction forceps and scalers, these instruments enhance the efficiency of dental procedures.
Here is a list of some of the most essential dental hygiene instruments;
- Dental mirrors
- Extraction forceps
- Dental sickle scalers
- curettes
- explorer
- Periodontal probes
- Dental carvers
Below is a detailed look at some of the essential dental hygiene instruments:
1: Dental Mirrors
Mirrors are essential dentistry tools. In fact, professional orthodontists rely on these tools for a clear view of parts of the mouth that are difficult to see directly. Moreover, besides providing a preview, these mirrors reflect light onto the affected area during the teeth treatment and examinations.
Dental mirrors come with the following features;
- Rust-proof body
- Reusable
- Ergonomic design
- Available in multiple sizes
- Made up of medical grade stainless steel body
- Lightweight
Dental mirrors come in the following variations;
Dental Mirror Handles
A dental mirror handle is attached to a diagnostic mirror, allowing the professional to examine the oral cavity effectively. These ergonomically designed handles offer a firm grip, ensuring precision.
Dental mirror handles are available in the following variations;
- Mirror Handle C/S with Front Surface Mirror
- Elevator Type Handle for Mirror
- Mirror Handle Double Ended
- Mirror Handle C/S
Dental Mirror para
Depending on diagnostic requirements, the Mirror Para is used for anterior and posterior mouth examination. In a similar vein, like other dental hygiene instruments, the dental mirror para also comes in different variations, including:
- Para Mirror Posterior 5mm
- Para Mirror Anterior 5mm
Mirror Set
Dental mirror sets enhance oral examination by offering multiple mirrors for comprehensive diagnostics. In addition, the mirrors are ergonomically designed for long-lasting use. Furthermore, dental mirror sets are available in the following patterns or variations;
- Mirror Set C/S Double Surface (6/Box)
- Mirror Set C/S Front Surface (12/Box)
Mirror Surface
Mirror surfaces provide sharp, distortion-free images for better diagnosis. It comes in three basic variations, including;
- Mirror C/S Front Surface with Ruler Handle Thin
- Mirror C/S Double Surface
- Mirror C/S Front Surface
2: Dental Extraction Forceps
Dental extraction forceps are essential dental surgical instruments used for various orthodontic procedures. They are designed to effectively grip, manipulate, and remove teeth or roots.
Extraction forceps come in the following variations;
- Modified Extraction Forceps
- Atraumatic Extraction Forceps
- Root Fragment Forceps
- English Pattern Forceps
Modified Dental Extraction Forceps
These forceps are ideal for extracting third molars or posterior teeth in patients with limited mouth openings. These dental forceps have the following key features;
- Plier-style handle
- Sharp beaks
- German forged stainless steel
- Rust-resistant and durable
Modified dental extraction forceps are available in the following patterns;
- Lower Universal Forceps
- Bird Beak Forceps
- Mini Bird Beak Forceps
- Modified Forceps Cowhorn 23
- Modified Universal Forceps
- 150 Mini Forceps
Atraumatic Extraction Forceps
Atraumatic extraction forceps are designed for painless tooth extraction during dental hygiene or surgical procedures. In addition, these instruments minimize the damage to the surrounding bones and tissues.
These extraction forceps come in the following patterns;
- Atraumatic Forceps Upper Long Beak 51XL
- Atraumatic Lower Molar Forceps 7C
- Atraumatic Lower Root Forceps Extra Long Beak 46XL
- Atraumatic Upper Molar Forceps 6
Root Fragment Forceps
These specialized forceps are used to remove small root tips and fragments precisely. In the same way, like atraumatic extraction forceps, root fragment forceps also come in different patterns, including;
- Dental Root Extraction Peets Forceps 4 3/4″
- Root Fragment Forceps, 45°, 14.5cm
- Root Fragment Forceps, Straight, 14.5cm
English Pattern Forceps
These forceps are designed for greater control during extractions and dental procedures. In addition, English pattern forceps ensure smooth and painless procedures. Moreover, these forceps come in the following variations;
- English Extraction Forceps, Lower Wisdoms, Right, 22R
- English Extraction Forceps, Lower Wisdoms, Left, No. 22L
- English Extraction Forceps, Lower Molars, MD-4
- English Extraction Forceps, Upper Wisdom, Universal, Parallel Beaks, MD-1
American Pattern Forceps
American Pattern Forceps are commonly used for extracting maxillary incisors and canines. In addition, these forceps provide superior control with their long, non-slip handles and horizontal hinges.
These forceps are available in the following patterns;
- American Extraction Tweezer, Albrecht, 16cm, Pointed
- Extraction Tweezer, Albrecht, 16cm, Round
- American Extraction Forceps, Lower Universal
3: Dental Sickle Scalers
Dental scalers are crucial for removing hardened plaque from tooth surfaces. In addition, scalers feature a pointed tip for precise calculus removal. Furthermore, sickle scalers come in the following variations:
- Anterior sickle scaler
- Crane Kaplan scaler
- Jacquette sickle scaler
- Morse sickle scaler
- Posterior sickle scaler
- Taylor sickle scaler
Dental sickle scalers have the following key features;
- Sharp, pointed tips
- Made up of German-forged stainless steel
- Ergonomic design
- Multiple sizes
- Reusable after sterilization
Anterior Sickle Scaler
Anterior sickle scaler, a dental hygiene instrument, effectively removes calculus from grooves and crevices in canine teeth.
Crane Kaplan Scaler
This scaler is ideal for removing supragingival calculus, ensuring precise and effortless removal. Crane Kaplan scaler comes in the following variations;
- Sickle Scaler Crane Kaplan CK6D
- Sickle Scaler Crane Kaplan CK6
Jacquette Sickle Scaler
Jacquette sickle scaler, a periodontal instrument, is used to eliminate plaque and tartar deposits.
Morse Sickle Scaler
This dental hygiene instrument is designed for tight areas and fissures. Morse sickle scaler offers precision during supragingival scaling.
Posterior Sickle Scaler
A posterior sickle scaler is an essential periodontal tool for removing posterior supragingival calculus.
Springfield Sickle Scaler
The Springfield sickle scaler is used above the gum line to remove the supragingival calculus. In addition, the longer shanks of this dental instrument make it well-suited for calculus removal.
Taylor Sickle Scaler
Taylor sickle scaler is designed for posterior teeth, ensuring optimal plaque removal. These dental instruments are manufactured in multiple combinations of variations, including;
- Dental Scaler ⅔
- Dental Scaler 1
So that you can select the best one for your dental hygiene kit.
4: Curettes: Dental Hygiene Instruments
Dental curettes are essential dental hygiene instruments for scaling and root planning in dentistry. Moreover, they effectively remove plaque and calculus above and below the gingival surface. As a result, these instruments are beneficial for treating periodontal disease.
In addition, the specific design of curettes makes them effective in delicate procedures around the tooth roots. The key features of the dental curettes are the following:
- Double ended for versatile use
- Rounded back and toe to avoid soft tissue damage
- Ergonomic design for comfort during use
- Stainless steel body for strength and durability
Dental curettes have the following types;
- Columbia Curette
- Furcation Curette
- Gracey Curettes
- Kirkland Curette
- Kramer Nevins Curette
Columbia Curette
Columbia curettes are ideal for removing subgingival calculus. In addition, these curettes feature rounded back and toe for safe and effective use. Moreover, the instrument’s one or two cutting edges are designed to facilitate smooth scaling.
Dental Columbia curette comes in the following variations;
- Columbia Curette Col 13/14C
- Columbia Curette Col 13/14
- Columbia Curette Col 4R/4L
- Columbia Curette Col 2R-2L
Debridement Curette
A debridement curette is used for tooth cleaning and root planing, and it offers precision in removing plaque and calculus. Dental debridement curette comes in the following variations;
- 7/8 Anterior Debridement Curette
- 3/4 Debridement Curette
- 5/6 Anterior Debridement Curette
- 1/2 Debridement Curette
Furcation Curette
Furcation Curettes are ideal for scaling the root concavities in the furcation area, where the roots of a tooth split. In addition, these tools are designed to handle more complex areas. Furthermore, furcation curettes come in different variations, including:
- Buccal-Lingual Quetin Furcation Curettes 1.3mm Blade, QBL2
- Buccal-Lingual Quetin Furcation Curettes 0.9mm Blade, QBL1
- Furcation Curettes DM2
- Furcation Curettes DM1
Gracey Curettes
Gracey Curettes are area-specific tools designed to extract supra and subgingival calculus. In addition, the design varies for different tooth surfaces to provide targeted results. Furthermore, these curettes are available in multiple variations, including;
- Gracey Mini-5 Pediatric Non-Reflective 17/18
- Gracey Mini Pediatric Non-Reflective 13/14
- Gracey Standard GC 1/2
- Gracey, Titanium Coated
Kirkland Curette
Kirkland Curettes are essential for removing bone tissue and contouring the periodontal bone during dental surgery. These curettes come in different variations, including;
- Kirkland Surgical Curette KIR 12
- Kirkland Surgical Curette KIR 8/9
- Kirkland Surgical Curette KIR 4/5
Kramer Nevins Curette
Kraer Nevins curettes are designed for subgingival curettage. In particular, these specified dental hygiene instruments have long, thinner blades to access deep areas. Moreover, Nevins curettes come in two basic variations, including;
- Kramer Nevins Surgical Curette KN5/6
- Kramer Nevins Surgical Curette KN1/2
5: Dental Explorers
A dental explorer is an essential tool in a dentist’s toolkit. In fact, explorers are primarily used to detect cavities and assess the condition of tooth surfaces. Moreover, these tools’ reliable and ergonomic design makes them ideal for exploring surface texture and identifying hidden issues.
In addition, these oral hygiene instruments, explorers, have the following key features:
- Pointed tips for precision
- Durable stainless steel body
- Comfortable grip for easy use
- Variety of designs to suit different purposes
Dental explorers have two main types including;
Double Ended Explorer
Double ended explorers have two functional ends. As a result, the double ended design of these explorers makes them highly versatile and easy to use. In addition, dentists use these tools to detect tooth decay and restoration during dental procedures.
These explorers come in the following variations:
- Explorer Endo DG-16 Double Ended
- Explorer Double Ended EXD 23/6 L
- Explorer Double Ended EXD 6
- Double Ended Explorer EXD 1
Single Ended Explorer
Single ended explorers are designed to reach narrow or hard-to-reach areas. As a result, they’re perfect for dental probing and diagnosing cavities. Furthermore, single ended explorers come in the following variations:
- Explorer Single Ended EXP 54
- Explorer Single Ended EXP 6A
- Explorer Single Ended EXP 23
6: Periodontal Probes
Periodontal probes are key dental hygiene instruments for checking the health of gums. In addition, they help dentists measure the deep pockets around your teeth. Furthermore, probes will help to understand the severity of gum disease.
Moreover, dental probes have the following key features:
- Slender design for ease of insertion
- Calibrated markings for accurate measurements
- Smooth tips to avoid tissue damage
- Multiple sizes to fit different pocket depths
Periodontal probes have two main types including;
Double Ended Probe
Orthodontists and dentists use double ended probes to measure periodontal pockets and examine gum health. The pointed ends of these double ended probes allow precise exploration of pockets.
The key features of a double ended probe are the following;
- Pointed ends for accuracy
- double ended design
- Multiple diameters to fit different pockets
The double ended probe comes in the following variations;
- Probe Color Coded UT3/4 (3-6-9-12mm)
- Probe CPWD (1-2-3-5-7-8-9-10mm)
- Probe Nabers PR2N
Single Ended Probe
These probes are ideal for pinpointing areas of decayed teeth and measuring periodontal pockets. The sharp point of the single ended probe enhances tactile sensation for accurate diagnosis.
The single ended probe has the following key features;
- Single ended design
- Sharp, pointed tip
- Color coding for depth marking
- Made of high-quality stainless steel
These probes are available in the following variations;
- Probe Color Coded CP10 (1-2-3-5-7-8-9-10mm)
- Probe Color Coded CP11.5B (3.5-5.5-8.5-11.5mm)
- Probe Color Coded C26G (1-2-3-4-5-7-8-9-10mm)
7: Carvers Dental Hygiene Instruments
Dental carvers are used for shaping, filling, and contouring. In addition, these dental hygiene instruments’ amalgam and carved anatomical features are beneficial during restorative procedures. Moreover, their sharp ends allow for precise carving and trimming of excess materials.
Key features of dental carvers are the following:
- Thin, elongated, sharp ends
- Ergonomic handles for better grip
- Variety of shapes and sizes for different procedures
- Made from durable stainless steel
Moreover, dental carvers come in three types including;
Andrew Carvers
Andrew Carvers are versatile tools for carving anatomical features during restorative dental procedures. In addition, these carvers come in the following variations:
- Carver Andrews 1
- Carver Andrews 2
- Carver Andrews 3
Cleoid Discoid Carver
This carver features one rounded and sharply pointed end, which makes it perfect for carving and shaping amalgam and other restorative materials. In addition, key features of the cleoid discoid carver are:
- Two-ended design
- Sharp point for precision
- Rust-free construction
Clappison Carver
These carvers are ideal for trimming excess filling material. In addition, Clappison carvers, which are dental hygiene instruments, are designed for routine use in restorative dental procedures.
Key features of the clappison carver are:
- Ergonomic handle
- Durable stainless steel
- Used for amalgam and gold fillings
Final Words
The right dental hygiene instruments make all the difference in helping professionals during dental extraction, contouring, shaping, and filling. Whether it’s a mirror, scaler, curette, or dental forcep, each tool plays a vital role in dental care procedures. Using high-quality instruments ensures better results and a smoother experience for patients.
As a professional dentist or orthodontist, If you’re looking for reliable dentistry instruments, check out GerDentUSA. GerDentUSA offers many durable and precise tools to help you provide uncompromising dental care to your patients. Explore their collection today and upgrade your dental kit with the best!
FAQ’s
Are the dental hygiene instruments and dental surgical instruments the same?
No, dental hygiene instruments are different from surgical instruments. Moreover, instruments under both categories are used for various purposes. Hygiene instruments are used for cleaning, removing plaque, and treating cavities.
From where can I buy good quality dental hygiene instruments?
GerDentUSA is one of the leading and well-reputed platforms to buy all types, variations, and kinds of dental hygiene instruments without compromising quality or stepping out of your budget.
Do dentists often need to sterilize dental hygiene tools?
Yes, it is crucial to sterilize the tools after every use. It is essential for the patient’s health as well as the longevity of the tools.
