What are burnishers primarily used for in dental practice?

Burnishers are primarily used to smooth and polish surfaces in dental practice. They are dental instruments designed with a rounded working end that allows for gentle abrasion and refinement of surfaces, such as filling materials or prepared tooth surfaces.

By using a burnisher, dental professionals can achieve a high level of finish and reduce the roughness of restorative materials. This not only enhances the aesthetic appearance of dental work but also helps to reduce plaque accumulation because smoother surfaces are less prone to hold onto debris and biofilm.

The versatility of burnishers makes them essential tools in procedures involving composite resins, glass ionomers, and dental cements, where achieving a polished, smooth finish is key to the longevity and functionality of the restoration.