The Newest Developments in the Art and Science of Air Abrasion

Dentists see, hear or receive information about all-ceramic crowns and bridges every day. Are the days of porcelain fused to metal over? There is now systematically reviewed data showing that all-ceramic systems are no longer experimental; they are suitable for routine utilization in practice. There are various all-ceramic options available and numerous techniques to place them. Furthermore, there are materials to fix a ceramic chip or fracture.

The advent of the water shrouded particle beam has again ignited interest in techniques to create minimally invasive restorations that are both biomimetic and strong. Burs whether carbide or diamond can and do cause crazing and cracking of enamel and dentin whereas particle ablation does not. The last obstacle to overcome was the dust—that has been accomplished with the “water shroud”.

Learning Objectives

• Different applications of air abrasion
• What works in what settings
• Technique for no-anesthetic restorations into dentin