Dressing stones may be used to alter or customize the shape of a variety of finishing and polishing points that are used routinely in the lab and in clinical practice. The diamond coated dressing stone dedicated to this task generally has a long handle which makes it easy to hold – and easy to find when you need it!
Alternatives to Dressing Stones
An alternative to the dedicated dressing stone is an HP fine or extra-fine diamond. These burs are commonly used in the lab for contouring ceramics and while they eventually must be retired from their intended purpose, they are great for use in the clinic. The burs are easily sterilized and can be kept along with other abrasives.
Dressing an abrasive instrument, like this green stone, reduces it to the desired working shape and size. In addition, dressing the abrasive instrument will restore its grinding efficiency by cleaning it from residual debris.
When a wheel rotates asymmetries may cause it to bounce or wobble. These vibrations can sometimes be felt through the handpiece and often can be felt by the patient if using rubber wheels intraorally.
Truing is the process of running an abrasive instrument, like this rubber wheel, against a harder abrasive object. The rubber wheel is run against the dressing stone until it will rotate without eccentricity or runout when placed on the surface we desire to finish and polish. The results of this dynamic balancing are not unlike having the tires of a car balanced.
Ultimately, having the ability to customize the shape of our abrasive wheels and points allows for better access and therefore, often, better results. Those instruments that we all keep in the lab forever are perfect candidates for a refreshing brush up against a dressing stone!
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