Sandblasters in dental technology
Sandblasters in dental technology
Frameworks are processed in the abrasive technique using appropriate sandblasters.
Handpieces are used in microblasters for manual blasting of individual frameworks. Recycling sandblasters are also available with integrated (adjustable) nozzles, which can also be used for simultaneously sandblasting several similar frameworks (e.g. CoCr castings) automatically in a slowly rotating blasting basket. Combination sandblasters incorporate the two functions.
Sandblasters are equipped with reservoirs (abrasive tanks) for one or more different abrasives (different grit sizes). Modern units often have a modular design and can simply be extended with other abrasive tanks as required for additional applications. Color-coding is used to facilitate identification and assignment of abrasives, handpieces/nozzles and system controls.
A sandblaster
The abrasive is directed onto the surface to be sandblasted using compressed air (preferably filtered, free from oil and water) as a jet through a fine nozzle, made from a highly resistant material (e.g. boron carbide). Accurate focusing of the jet increases the sandblasting precision and at the same time reduces the material consumption. The blasting chamber forms a self-contained work area. Used abrasive is trapped by filter systems and extractors, preventing indoor air contamination. Separators remove contaminants from the abrasive.
Viewing glass (the service-life is increased by using optional mesh guards), lighting and additional magnifying systems ensure a good view. Gloves (cuffs), which are permanently fixed in the unit housing, enable manipulation of the frameworks. Sandblasting is often activated using a foot-switch in order to keep the hands free.
Precise coordination of sandblasting pressure, grit size of the abrasive and distance and angle of the nozzle to the framework to be sandblasted are crucial in ensuring optimum sandblasting in the least possible and therefore more cost-effective time.
Modern sandblasters are suitable for universal use in all areas of application, e.g. the removal of residual investment and metal oxides, roughening to create retentive surfaces, high-luster or matt sandblasting, compacting metal surfaces as well as special applications such as cold silanization for coating surfaces in the RocatecTM system.
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Word of the day
| English | German |
|---|---|
| apraxia |
Focus text of the month
Fixed/removable prosthetics Fixed/removable prosthetics
The patient-removable section with its retainers and connectors (e.g. clasps, precision attachments, telescopic crowns, press-stud systems, magnets etc.) is anchored on the periodontally-borne, fixed section of the restoration usually consisting of single crowns or bridge abutments supported on natural teeth, implants or implant abutments.
A removable bridge (usually "telescopic" and borne on telescopic crowns) replaces teeth with bridge units and almost never requires mucosal coverage. Other types of fixed/removable prostheses always include sections which are supported by and exert pressure on the mucosa. A coverdenture fully covers all connectors and includes teeth corresponding to those of a full denture. That section of a fixed/removable prosthesis covering the hard upper palate is referred to as the palate and sections on edentulous areas of alveolar ridge are called saddles. In fixed/removable prostheses with multiple saddles they are often connected via a metal base – in the maxilla using a major connector (transverse) and via a lingual bar in the lower. Fixed/removable prostheses may also be totally metal-free. Missing teeth are usually replaced with prefabricated acrylic denture teeth and less frequently with prefabricated porcelain teeth. When fabricating fixed/removable prostheses, special impression material and techniques are employed in an attempt to ensure that the denture base rests uniformly on the jaw. Exceeding the resilience of the mucosa or repeated "scrubbing" movements of the fixed/removable prosthesis may quickly result in pressure spots. After months or years, the bony denture base undergoes varying degrees of physiological and pressure-induced atrophy. The denture base can be relined to restore congruency. Unlike purely fixed prosthetic restorations, fixed/removable prostheses can be cleaned and repaired extraorally. In addition, examining the residual dentition and maintaining its hygiene is easier. In case of loss of load-bearing abutments, fixed/removable restorations can often be extended without needing remaking. Placing implants to increase the number of abutments supporting fixed/removable prostheses results in firmer, more stable retention and relieves the loading on the residual natural dentition. Fixed/removable prostheses replacing not only missing teeth, but also other anatomical structures are referred to as maxillofacial appliances. Tooth/implant-borne bridges are normally not considered to be fixed/removable restorations but rather purely fixed prostheses (possibly operator-removable) supported on natural teeth and implants. |
Fixed/removable denture including CoCr, clasps, precision attachment and double crowns (demo model)
Fixed telescopic crowns (primary)
Removable partial denture (secondary section)
Removable lower partial denture