Sets are one of the fastest-growing ways to buy in the Gracey curette market. Instead of choosing curettes one at a time, clinics and schools buy coordinated sets — often in cassettes — that cover the whole mouth. Here is what common set sizes include and how to choose.
Key takeaways
- A 4-piece set (5/6, 7/8, 11/12, 13/14) covers most of the mouth.
- 7-piece and complete sets add anterior and modified patterns.
- Cassettes keep sets organised through reprocessing.
- Sets usually cost less per instrument than individual purchases.
Common set configurations
| Set | Typical contents | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 4-piece | 5/6, 7/8, 11/12, 13/14 | General hygiene, maintenance |
| 7-piece | 1/2, 3/4, 5/6, 7/8, 9/10, 11/12, 13/14 | Comprehensive periodontal therapy |
| Complete | 7-piece plus 15/16, 17/18 | Periodontal practices, schools |
| Deep-pocket set | Extended-shank and mini-blade patterns | Complex cases, furcations |
Why sets are growing
- Consistency across operatories and hygienists.
- Faster ordering and set-up.
- Better infection control when supplied in cassettes.
- Lower cost per instrument.
Choosing a set
- Match the set to your patient mix — deep pockets need extended and mini patterns.
- Check that every curette in the set is the same quality and handle style.
- Choose a cassette that fits your autoclave and ultrasonic basket.
- Plan spares for sharpening rotation.
Custom sets
Many suppliers can build custom sets with your exact patterns, shank types and handles. See custom kits and kit builders and our 17-piece periodontal kit.
Caring for a set
- Keep curettes in numerical order in the cassette.
- Sharpen regularly; replace thin blades.
- Sterilise in the cassette following manufacturer instructions.
How many sets do you need?
A practical minimum is three sets per hygiene operatory: one in use, one in reprocessing and one ready. Busy practices or those with longer reprocessing times may need more. Add two to four spare curettes of the most-used patterns so sets stay complete while instruments are sharpened or replaced.
Set checklist
- All patterns needed for your patient mix.
- Matching handles and quality across the set.
- Cassette that fits your sterilisation equipment.
- Clear labelling or colour coding.
- Spares and sharpening supplies.
Build your set from individual patterns in our Gracey Curettes collection or ask for a custom kit.
Sets by practice type
| Practice type | Suggested core set |
|---|---|
| General practice, mostly maintenance | Universal curette, Gracey 5/6, 7/8, 11/12, 13/14 |
| General practice with periodontal therapy | Core set plus extended-shank 11/12 and 13/14, one mini-blade anterior |
| Periodontal practice | Full standard range, extended and mini-blade patterns, furcation instruments |
| Implant-heavy practice | Core stainless set plus a separate implant-safe set |
These are starting points, not rules. Ask your hygienists which patterns they use most and adjust the sets so every instrument in the cassette earns its place.
Frequently asked questions
Is a 4-piece set enough?
For maintenance, often yes. For periodontal therapy, add anterior and deep-pocket patterns.
Should every operatory have the same set?
Yes — consistency speeds up assisting and reprocessing.
Gracey curette sets from Aurix. Standard and custom sets for clinics and schools. View Gracey curettes or build a custom set →
