Beyond the main restorative instruments, a set of spatulas, carvers and burnishers handles the mixing, shaping and finishing steps. These instruments are small, inexpensive and used constantly.
Cement spatulas
Cement spatulas mix luting cements, liners and impression materials on a pad or glass slab. Look for:
- A flexible blade for smooth mixing.
- Stainless steel that will not discolour cements.
- Plastic spatulas for materials that react with metal.
Carvers
Carvers shape restorative material to reproduce natural anatomy.
- Hollenback carver — shapes proximal and occlusal surfaces.
- Cleoid-discoid carver — the cleoid end carves occlusal anatomy; the disc end removes excess and shapes fissures.
- Interproximal carvers — remove excess material at the gingival margin.
Burnishers
Burnishers smooth and adapt restorative materials and matrix bands.
- Ball burnisher — shapes occlusal anatomy and adapts matrix bands.
- Football (egg) burnisher — smooths surfaces and margins.
- T-ball burnisher — reaches occlusal fissures.
A practical restorative set
- Cement spatula
- Cleoid-discoid carver
- Hollenback carver
- Ball burnisher
- Football burnisher
- Plastic filling instrument
- Condenser
Care
Clean instruments immediately after use so material does not set on them. Check carver edges; a nicked edge leaves marks on restorations.
Add carvers and burnishers to a composite or restorative set through the Aurix custom kits service.
