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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| English | German |
|---|---|
| AHI | AHI, Apnoe Hypopnoe Index |
Focus text of the month
Orthodontics Orthodontics targets the desired alignment of teeth, dental arches and jaws in relation to one another and other anatomical structures according to aesthetic and functional… Orthodontics Orthodontics targets the desired alignment of teeth, dental arches and jaws in relation to one another and other anatomical structures according to aesthetic and functional concepts. All types of dysgnathia can be corrected, these include malocclusion of individual teeth (rotation, tipping, retention, elongation, malposition), malalignment of teeth in the dental arch (overcrowding, overlapping, diastemas), but also incorrect positioning of the maxilla and mandible to one another (occlusal anomalies). Prophylaxis Thumb-sucking and other habits are controlled or stopped and (also in interdisciplinary collaboration with other specialist disciplines such as logopaedics) swallowing or speech techniques are trained for example as prevention against malocclusion. Deciduous teeth should be preserved, if possible, or the spaces kept open (space maintainer) after loss of the deciduous teeth. Conversely, prophylactic extraction of teeth can also be practical. Planning and documentation In addition to clinical examination of the patient, mainly dental models and X-rays (orthopantomogram, OPM, OPG and lateral cephalometric radiograph LCR) are used in orthodontics for treatment planning and documentation of progress. Measurement in relation to reference points and lines are especially important for assessment. Timing and duration of orthodontic treatment In case of congenital anomalies, for example a lip-jaw-palate cleft, orthodontic treatment begins immediately after birth. With certain, highly pronounced and/or prognostically unfavourable malpositions early orthodontic treatments are indicated from age six onwards after eruption of the permanent incisors and first molars. The majority of treatments are performed during the juvenile growth phase before maximum puberty in the late mixed dentition between age nine and twelve. Corrections are also possible, however, with adult patients at any age, providing an alternative to other forms of dental treatments (e.g. dental restorations). The duration of treatment is measured in a minimum of months but generally a number of years may be required. To achieve planned treatment outcomes and prevent relapses retainers are fitted up to age 25 or 30 and sometimes also lifelong. Forces and anchorage Teeth are moved selectively by different types of biomechechanical forces (rotation, translation), which may be of natural (growth, movements, particularly in functional orthodontics, FO) or artificial origin. Mechanical appliances are often used as artificial sources of forces, e.g. resilient wires, compression and tension springs, elastics, expansion screws or plastic foils. In the balance between force and opposing force (actio = reactio) anchorage is always required, the stability of which must either be sufficiently predominant to remain practically unchanged or predictably moved in the opposite direction to the object of the movement. Other teeth or other groups of teeth can be used as anchorage as can alveolar bone or mini-implants inserted in the bone, as well as segments of the bony cranium (chin, forehead, back of the head). Forces in orthodontics must always be measured, so as to effect the required movement of teeth but without causing undesired side effects (e.g. resorption of the root cementum).
Appliances Both fixed (e.g. brackets, bands, attachments, archwires) and removable appliances (e.g. activators and plates) are used in orthodontics. A differentiation is also made between extraoral (e.g. orthodontic facebows) and intraoral appliances. The latter can involve one or both jaws (bimaxillary appliances). Aesthetic orthodontics uses appliances that are as inconspicuous as possible, e.g. tooth-coloured archwires and brackets, transparent foils or lingual technique.
Surgery Orthodontically indicated extraction of permanent teeth may also be required (extraction therapy) to remedy or prevent overcrowding. Serious malocclusions and anomalies of the jaw are also treated using orthodontic surgery, such as retention of permanent teeth using combined surgical-orthodontic procedures. |
Upper and lower retentive bows (OPG)
Brackets, molar band, ligatures (X-ray)
Ceramic bracket with hook (© 3M)
Self-ligating bracket (© FORESTADENT)