Which item is typically used for polishing and finishing dental restorations?

The process of polishing and finishing dental restorations involves several tools, and each of the items listed serves a distinct purpose in achieving a smooth and refined surface on restorations.

Articulating paper is utilized to check the occlusion of dental restorations, ensuring they align correctly with opposing teeth. While it plays an essential role in evaluating and refining the fit of a restoration, it is not directly involved in the polishing process itself.

White stones, on the other hand, are specifically designed for the contouring and polishing of dental materials. They have a fine grit that allows for the smoothing of surfaces, helping to achieve a polished finish on restorations made from materials like composites or ceramics.

Mandrels are tools that can hold various polishing and finishing instruments, such as discs and cups. They facilitate the use of these polishing attachments, making it easier to achieve a uniform finish on dental restorations.

When considering these items collectively, they all contribute to the polishing and finishing of dental restorations in different ways. Hence, the correct answer encapsulates the understanding that a range of tools, including articulating paper for assessment and white stones and mandrels for the actual polishing process, are important in the overall procedure of finishing restorations.