Alston Diamond Dental Burs are manufactured from surgical steel plated at the operational end with nickel and diamond grit. The range includes patterns designed to meet the needs of all surgery and laboratory applications.
Alston diamond burs can be used to cut or polish a wide variety of materials encountered in dentistry. These include tooth material such as enamel and dentine, dental materials such as composite, glass-ionomer cements, polymer and ceramic veneers and precious and non-precious alloys. The bur pattern will be selected to cut a specific material in a specific application and the following table gives guidance on selection.
| APPLICATION | MATERIAL | SIZE | SPEED (rpm) |
|---|---|---|---|
Cavity preparation |
Enamel/Dentine |
010-023 |
<450,000 |
Finishing margins |
Enamel |
010-016 |
10,000-20,000 |
Finishing restorations |
Composite |
012-023 |
10,000-20,000 |
Finishing restorations |
Glass ionomer |
012-023 |
10,000-20,000 |
Veneers |
Polymer |
010-016 |
40,000-80,000 |
Veneers |
Ceramic |
010-016 |
10,000-20,000 |
Crown & bridge finishing |
C&B polymer |
010-016 |
40,000-80,000 |
C&B metal trimming |
Metals |
018-027 |
<30,000 |
Prosthetic polymer trimming |
Polymer |
018-027 |
<20,000 |
These instructions are applicable to the processing of Alston tungsten carbide, diamond and steel dental rotary instruments (burs) before first use and each reuse. Dental rotary instruments are supplied mechanically clean but are not sterile. They should therefore be sterilized before first use. Steel burs are single use devices and the instructions therefore only apply to processing before first use.
Used burs should be considered as contaminated and appropriate handling precautions should be taken during reprocessing. Gloves, eye protection and a mask should be worn. Other measures may be required if there are specific infection or cross-contamination risks from the patient.
With the exception of steel burs, which are single use devices, reprocessing will have little effect on Alston dental burs. The end of life is determined by wear and damage in use and the burs should be inspected for defects during the preliminary cleaning process.
Unless there is specific infection or cross-contamination risks, there are no special requirements for containment. The burs can be transported wet or dry and should be protected from damage to the cutting edges. If transported wet there is an increased chance of staining or corrosion. Prolonged storage in disinfectant solutions may result in corrosion and should be avoided.
Delay in reprocessing must be kept to a minimum to avoid contaminants drying thereby making cleaning more difficult.
There are no special requirements unless infection controls require the use of a disinfectant, in which case a disinfectant agent validated for processing of dental burs must be used and the disinfectant manufacturers' instructions must be followed.
Auto cleaning is the preferred method and should use only validated washer disinfectors and appropriate agents validated for use on dental burs with the selected machine. Follow the washer disinfector and the cleaning agent manufacturers' instructions.
If hand cleaning is the only available option, the burs should be cleaned in a sink reserved for the purpose. Rinse the burs under running cold water and, keeping them immersed, brush thoroughly away from the body using a neutral cleaning or cleaning/disinfecting agent validated for use on dental burs. Follow the agent manufacturers' instructions. Care should be taken to avoid spreading contaminants by spraying or splashing during the brushing process. Use wire brushes with caution as brass particles may result in galvanic corrosion and steel particles may cause discolouration of stainless steel.
After cleaning inspect the burs, with the aid of magnification if necessary, to ensure that all contamination has been removed. Repeat the cleaning process if necessary.
Dry the burs using paper towelling or dry heat not exceeding 140ºC.
Inspect the burs, with the aid of magnification if necessary, and discard any damaged or corroded instruments.
If using a vacuum autoclave pack the burs in dedicated instrument trays or pouches validated for sterilization.
If using a non-vacuum autoclave the burs should not be packed or wrapped but be contained in dedicated bur stands with perforated lids.
NOTE: National legislation may require that burs are wrapped in pouches for processing in either type of autoclave.
Autoclave the instruments for a holding time not less than three minutes at a temperature of between 134 and 137ºC.
The holding time is the minimum time for which the minimum temperature is sustained.
The autoclave manufacturer's instructions must be followed. In particular care must be taken not to exceed the maximum recommended load for the autoclave.
The burs should be stored in the sterilization container (bur stand or pouch) until required. Containers or pouches must be dry before opening to avoid recontamination of the contents with water. Storage should be in dry, clean conditions and at ambient temperature.
These processes have been validated as being capable of preparing Alston tungsten carbide, diamond and steel dental burs for reuse. It remains the responsibility of the reprocessor to ensure that the reprocessing as actually performed using the equipment, materials and personnel in the reprocessing facility achieve the required results. This may require validation and monitoring of the process. Any deviation from these instructions should be properly evaluated for effectiveness and potential adverse results.
Alston Tungsten Carbide Dental Burs are manufactured from a single piece of tungsten carbide (TC) or from a TC tip brazed onto a surgical steel stem. The range includes patterns designed to meet the needs of all surgery and laboratory applications.
Alston TC burs can be used to cut or polish a wide variety of materials encountered in dentistry. These include tooth material such as enamel, dentine and bone, dental materials such as amalgam, composite, glass-ionomer cements, polymer and ceramic veneers and precious and non-precious alloys. The bur pattern will be selected to cut a specific material in a specific application and the following table gives guidance on selection.
| APPLICATION | BUR TYPE | MATERIAL | SIZE | SPEED (rpm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Cavity preparation |
Standard |
Enamel/Dentine |
010-023 |
<450,000 |
Removal of fillings |
Standard |
Amalgam/Composite |
010-018 |
60,000-120,000 |
Excavation |
Standard |
Enamel/Dentine/Bone |
010-023 |
<2,000 |
Finishing margins |
Finishing |
Enamel |
010-016 |
10,000-20,000 |
Finishing restorations |
Finishing |
Amalgam |
012-023 |
18,000-30,000 |
Finishing restorations |
Finishing |
Composite |
012-023 |
10,000-20,000 |
Finishing restorations |
Finishing |
Glass ionomer |
012-023 |
10,000-20,000 |
Cutting bone |
Standard |
Bone |
018-027 |
500-3,000 |
Crown & bridge finishing |
Finishing |
C&B polymer |
010-016 |
40,000-80,000 |
C&B metal trimming |
Standard |
Metals |
018-027 |
<30,000 |
Prosthetic polymer trimming |
Standard |
Polymer |
018-027 |
<20,000 |
These instructions are applicable to the processing of Alston tungsten carbide, diamond and steel dental rotary instruments (burs) before first use and each reuse. Dental rotary instruments are supplied mechanically clean but are not sterile. They should therefore be sterilized before first use. Steel burs are single use devices and the instructions therefore only apply to processing before first use.
Used burs should be considered as contaminated and appropriate handling precautions should be taken during reprocessing. Gloves, eye protection and a mask should be worn. Other measures may be required if there are specific infection or cross-contamination risks from the patient.
With the exception of steel burs, which are single use devices, reprocessing will have little effect on Alston dental burs. The end of life is determined by wear and damage in use and the burs should be inspected for defects during the preliminary cleaning process.
Unless there is specific infection or cross-contamination risks, there are no special requirements for containment. The burs can be transported wet or dry and should be protected from damage to the cutting edges. If transported wet there is an increased chance of staining or corrosion. Prolonged storage in disinfectant solutions may result in corrosion and should be avoided.
Delay in reprocessing must be kept to a minimum to avoid contaminants drying thereby making cleaning more difficult.
There are no special requirements unless infection controls require the use of a disinfectant, in which case a disinfectant agent validated for processing of dental burs must be used and the disinfectant manufacturers' instructions must be followed.
Auto cleaning is the preferred method and should use only validated washer disinfectors and appropriate agents validated for use on dental burs with the selected machine. Follow the washer disinfector and the cleaning agent manufacturers' instructions.
If hand cleaning is the only available option, the burs should be cleaned in a sink reserved for the purpose. Rinse the burs under running cold water and, keeping them immersed, brush thoroughly away from the body using a neutral cleaning or cleaning/disinfecting agent validated for use on dental burs. Follow the agent manufacturers' instructions. Care should be taken to avoid spreading contaminants by spraying or splashing during the brushing process. Use wire brushes with caution as brass particles may result in galvanic corrosion and steel particles may cause discolouration of stainless steel.
After cleaning inspect the burs, with the aid of magnification if necessary, to ensure that all contamination has been removed. Repeat the cleaning process if necessary.
Dry the burs using paper towelling or dry heat not exceeding 140ºC.
Inspect the burs, with the aid of magnification if necessary, and discard any damaged or corroded instruments.
If using a vacuum autoclave pack the burs in dedicated instrument trays or pouches validated for sterilization.
If using a non-vacuum autoclave the burs should not be packed or wrapped but be contained in dedicated bur stands with perforated lids.
NOTE: National legislation may require that burs are wrapped in pouches for processing in either type of autoclave.
Autoclave the instruments for a holding time not less than three minutes at a temperature of between 134 and 137ºC.
The holding time is the minimum time for which the minimum temperature is sustained.
The autoclave manufacturer's instructions must be followed. In particular care must be taken not to exceed the maximum recommended load for the autoclave.
The burs should be stored in the sterilization container (bur stand or pouch) until required. Containers or pouches must be dry before opening to avoid recontamination of the contents with water. Storage should be in dry, clean conditions and at ambient temperature.
These processes have been validated as being capable of preparing Alston tungsten carbide, diamond and steel dental burs for reuse. It remains the responsibility of the reprocessor to ensure that the reprocessing as actually performed using the equipment, materials and personnel in the reprocessing facility achieve the required results. This may require validation and monitoring of the process. Any deviation from these instructions should be properly evaluated for effectiveness and potential adverse results.
Alston Steel Dental Burs are manufactured from a single piece heat treated carbon steel. The range includes patterns designed to meet the needs of all surgery and laboratory applications.
Alston Steel burs can be used to cut a wide variety of materials encountered in dentistry. These include tooth material such as enamel, dentine and bone, dental materials such as amalgam, composite, glass-ionomer cements, polymer and ceramic veneers and precious and non-precious alloys. The bur pattern will be selected to cut a specific material in a specific application and the following table gives guidance on selection.
| APPLICATION | BUR TYPE | MATERIAL | SIZE | SPEED (rpm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Excavation |
Standard |
Enamel/Dentine/Bone |
010-023 |
<2,000 |
Finishing restorations |
Finishing |
Amalgam |
012-023 |
18,000-30,000 |
C&B metal trimming |
Standard |
Metals |
018-027 |
<30,000 |
Prosthetic polymer trimming |
Standard |
Polymer |
018-027 |
<20,000 |
Eye protection must be worn to protect against ejected particles.
Surgical mask must be worn to avoid inhalation of aerosol or dust generated.
Inspect the bur for broken flutes before each use and discard defective burs.
Ensure that the bur is fully seated and gripped in the handpiece collet.
Maintain handpieces in good working order and correctly lubricated.
Do not exceed the maximum speeds tabulated above.
Move the bur continuously when in use to avoid localized heating.
Clean and sterilize the burs in accordance with the directions below before first use and before each reuse.
These instructions are applicable to the processing of Alston tungsten carbide, diamond and steel dental rotary instruments (burs) before first use and each reuse. Dental rotary instruments are supplied mechanically clean but are not sterile. They should therefore be sterilized before first use. Steel burs are single use devices and the instructions therefore only apply to processing before first use.
Used burs should be considered as contaminated and appropriate handling precautions should be taken during reprocessing. Gloves, eye protection and a mask should be worn. Other measures may be required if there are specific infection or cross-contamination risks from the patient.
With the exception of steel burs, which are single use devices, reprocessing will have little effect on Alston dental burs. The end of life is determined by wear and damage in use and the burs should be inspected for defects during the preliminary cleaning process.
Unless there is specific infection or cross-contamination risks, there are no special requirements for containment. The burs can be transported wet or dry and should be protected from damage to the cutting edges. If transported wet there is an increased chance of staining or corrosion. Prolonged storage in disinfectant solutions may result in corrosion and should be avoided.
Delay in reprocessing must be kept to a minimum to avoid contaminants drying thereby making cleaning more difficult.
There are no special requirements unless infection controls require the use of a disinfectant, in which case a disinfectant agent validated for processing of dental burs must be used and the disinfectant manufacturers' instructions must be followed.
Auto cleaning is the preferred method and should use only validated washer disinfectors and appropriate agents validated for use on dental burs with the selected machine. Follow the washer disinfector and the cleaning agent manufacturers' instructions.
If hand cleaning is the only available option, the burs should be cleaned in a sink reserved for the purpose. Rinse the burs under running cold water and, keeping them immersed, brush thoroughly away from the body using a neutral cleaning or cleaning/disinfecting agent validated for use on dental burs. Follow the agent manufacturers' instructions. Care should be taken to avoid spreading contaminants by spraying or splashing during the brushing process. Use wire brushes with caution as brass particles may result in galvanic corrosion and steel particles may cause discolouration of stainless steel.
After cleaning inspect the burs, with the aid of magnification if necessary, to ensure that all contamination has been removed. Repeat the cleaning process if necessary.
Dry the burs using paper towelling or dry heat not exceeding 140ºC.
Inspect the burs, with the aid of magnification if necessary, and discard any damaged or corroded instruments.
If using a vacuum autoclave pack the burs in dedicated instrument trays or pouches validated for sterilization.
If using a non-vacuum autoclave the burs should not be packed or wrapped but be contained in dedicated bur stands with perforated lids.
NOTE: National legislation may require that burs are wrapped in pouches for processing in either type of autoclave.
Autoclave the instruments for a holding time not less than three minutes at a temperature of between 134 and 137ºC.
The holding time is the minimum time for which the minimum temperature is sustained.
The autoclave manufacturer's instructions must be followed. In particular care must be taken not to exceed the maximum recommended load for the autoclave.
The burs should be stored in the sterilization container (bur stand or pouch) until required. Containers or pouches must be dry before opening to avoid recontamination of the contents with water. Storage should be in dry, clean conditions and at ambient temperature.
These processes have been validated as being capable of preparing Alston tungsten carbide, diamond and steel dental burs for reuse. It remains the responsibility of the reprocessor to ensure that the reprocessing as actually performed using the equipment, materials and personnel in the reprocessing facility achieve the required results. This may require validation and monitoring of the process. Any deviation from these instructions should be properly evaluated for effectiveness and potential adverse results.
These instructions are applicable to the processing of dental mirrors and accessories. They are applicable before first use and each reuse. Dental mirrors are supplied mechanically clean but are not sterile. They should therefore be sterilized before first use.
Used mirrors should be considered as contaminated and appropriate handling precautions should be taken during reprocessing. Gloves, eye protection and a mask should be worn. Other measures may be required if there are specific infection or cross-contamination risks from the patient.
Reprocessing in accordance with these instructions should have little effect on dental mirrors. The end of life is determined by wear and damage in use and the mirrors should be inspected for defects during the preliminary cleaning process.
Unless there is specific infection or cross-contamination risks, there are no special requirements for containment. The mirrors can be transported wet or dry and should be protected from damage to the glass face. If transported wet there is an increased chance of staining or corrosion. Prolonged storage in disinfectant solutions may result in corrosion or damage to the reflective surface and should be avoided.
Delay in reprocessing must be kept to a minimum to avoid contaminants drying thereby making cleaning more difficult. If the delay is excessive mirrors must be manually cleaned before auto cleaning (see manual cleaning method detailed below).
There are no special requirements unless infection controls require the use of a disinfectant, in which case a disinfectant agent validated for processing of dental hand instruments must be used and the disinfectant manufacturers’ instructions must be followed.
Auto cleaning is the only recommended method and should use only validated washer disinfectors and appropriate agents validated for use on dental instruments with the selected machine. Follow the washer disinfector and the cleaning agent manufacturers’ instructions. The minimum water temperature shall be 80°C.
After cleaning inspect the mirrors, with the aid of magnification if necessary, to ensure that all contamination has been removed. Repeat the cleaning process if necessary, cleaning by hand and re-inspecting before repeating the auto cleaning phase.
If hand cleaning is the only available option, the mirrors should be cleaned in a sink reserved for the purpose. Rinse the mirrors under running cold water and, keeping them immersed, brush thoroughly away from the body using a neutral cleaning or cleaning/disinfecting agent validated for use on dental instruments. Follow the agent manufacturers’ instructions. Care should be taken to avoid spreading contaminants by spraying or splashing during the brushing process. Use wire brushes with caution as brass particles may result in galvanic corrosion and steel particles may cause discolouration of stainless steel.
Dry the mirrors using paper towelling.
Inspect the mirrors, with the aid of magnification if necessary, and discard any that are damaged or corroded. Pay particular attention to chips or cracks in the glass.
If using a vacuum autoclave pack the mirrors in dedicated instrument trays or pouches validated for sterilization.
If using a non-vacuum autoclave the mirrors must not be packed or wrapped but placed on open trays to obviate the need for unnecessary handling.
NOTE: National legislation may require that mirrors are wrapped in pouches for processing in either type of autoclave.
Autoclave the mirrors for a holding time not less than three minutes at a temperature of between 134 and 137ºC.
The holding time is the minimum time for which the minimum temperature is sustained.
The autoclave should bear a CE mark and the manufacturer’s instructions must be followed. In particular care must be taken not to exceed the maximum recommended load for the autoclave.
The mirrors should be stored in the sterilization container (instrument tray or pouch) until required. Containers or pouches must be dry before opening to avoid recontamination of the contents with water.
These processes have been validated as being capable of preparing dental mirrors for reuse.
It is the responsibility of the reprocessor to follow these instructions exactly. This requires routine validation of the equipment and monitoring of the process. Any deviation by the reprocessor from the instructions provided would have to be properly validated for effectiveness and potential adverse consequences.
The Sterisafe range includes tungsten carbide, (including Toller surgical burs), Diamond and steel burs. The burs are packed in a tough laminate/paper pouch in a dedicated clean room and terminally sterilized using gamma radiation. They are intended for single use and should not be reprocessed or reused.
Alston Tungsten Carbide Toller Surgical Burs are manufactured from a tungsten carbide (TC) tip brazed onto a surgical steel stem. The range includes round 2.3 mm and taper fissure 1.6 mm heads in both right angle (RA) latch and straight handpiece (HP) shanks.
The shank has a blood ring designed to throw off blood and other fluids preventing ingress into the handpiece mechanism. The shanks are long and tapered in such a way as to allow deep penetration with good visibility but without prejudicing the instrument’s intrinsic strength. The fissure version has a reversed spiral to the teeth which facilitates passage of irrigating fluid to the bur tip.
Alston Tungsten Carbide Toller Surgical Burs are designed for endodontic access and dental bone surgery particularly to facilitate removal of impacted wisdom teeth.
They can be used at speeds ranging from 10,000 to 50,000 rpm. It is advisable to use a handpiece incorporating a torque limiting device. Note also that electric handpieces may continue to run at full speed even when excess pressure is applied. Ensure that there is a constant feed of lubricant at the cutting surface and move the bur continually to avoid localized friction heating. To avoid the bur “snatching” in use, apply steady, firm pressure to achieve penetration. Material should be removed in stages and the bur withdrawn periodically to prevent clogging. If the handpiece slows down significantly this indicates excessive cutting force and the pressure applied should be reduced. Avoid excessive lateral forces and do not allow the shank to contact the outer margins of the cavity or incision.
We recommend that Toller burs are used once only but, if reuse is unavoidable, after each use clean and sterilize in accordance with the directions below. Repeated use and reprocessing cycles may result in a reduction in the bur’s mechanical strength through damage and/or corrosion. Unless the burs are supplied pre-sterilized, it is also necessary to clean and sterilize in accordance with the directions below before first use.
Alston Sterisafe Tungsten Carbide (TC) Dental Burs are manufactured from a single piece of tungsten carbide or from a TC tip brazed onto a surgical stainless steel stem. The range includes patterns designed to meet the needs of all surgery and laboratory applications.
Alston Sterisafe TC burs can be used to cut or polish a wide variety of materials encountered in dentistry. These include tooth material such as enamel, dentine and bone, dental materials such as amalgam, composite, glass-ionomer cements, polymer and ceramic veneers and precious and non-precious alloys. The bur pattern will be selected to cut a specific material in a specific application and the following table gives guidance on selection.
| APPLICATION | BUR TYPE | MATERIAL | SIZE | SPEED (rpm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Cavity preparation |
Standard |
Enamel/Dentine |
010-023 |
<450,000 |
Removal of fillings |
Standard |
Amalgam/Composite |
010-018 |
60,000-120,000 |
Excavation |
Standard |
Enamel/Dentine/Bone |
010-023 |
<2,000 |
Finishing margins |
Finishing |
Enamel |
010-016 |
10,000-20,000 |
Finishing restorations |
Finishing |
Amalgam |
012-023 |
18,000-30,000 |
Finishing restorations |
Finishing |
Composite |
012-023 |
10,000-20,000 |
Finishing restorations |
Finishing |
Glass ionomer |
012-023 |
10,000-20,000 |
Cutting bone |
Standard |
Bone |
018-027 |
500-3,000 |
Crown & bridge finishing |
Finishing |
C&B polymer |
010-016 |
40,000-80,000 |
C&B metal trimming |
Standard |
Metals |
018-027 |
<30,000 |
Prosthetic polymer trimming |
Standard |
Polymer |
018-027 |
<20,000 |
Alston Sterisafe Tungsten Carbide Toller Surgical Burs are manufactured from a tungsten carbide (TC) tip brazed onto a surgical stainless steel stem. The range includes round 2.3 mm and taper fissure 1.6 mm heads in both right angle (RA) latch and straight handpiece (HP) shanks.
The shank has a blood ring designed to throw off blood and other fluids preventing ingress into the handpiece mechanism. The shanks are long and tapered in such a way as to allow deep penetration with good visibility but without prejudicing the instrument’s intrinsic strength. The fissure version has a reversed spiral to the teeth which facilitates passage of irrigating fluid to the bur tip.
Alston Sterisafe Tungsten Carbide Toller Surgical Burs are designed for endodontic access and dental bone surgery particularly to facilitate removal of impacted wisdom teeth.
They can be used at speeds ranging from 10,000 to 50,000 rpm. It is advisable to use a handpiece incorporating a torque limiting device. Note also that electric handpieces may continue to run at full speed even when excess pressure is applied. Ensure that there is a constant feed of lubricant at the cutting surface and move the bur continually to avoid localized friction heating. To avoid the bur “snatching” in use, apply steady, firm pressure to achieve penetration. Material should be removed in stages and the bur withdrawn periodically to prevent clogging. If the handpiece slows down significantly this indicates excessive cutting force and the pressure applied should be reduced. Avoid excessive lateral forces and do not allow the shank to contact the outer margins of the cavity or incision.
Alston Sterisafe Diamond Dental Burs are manufactured from surgical stainless steel plated at the operational end with nickel and diamond grit. The range includes patterns designed to meet the needs of all surgery and laboratory applications.
Alston Sterisafe Diamond Dental Burs can be used to cut or polish a wide variety of materials encountered in dentistry. These include tooth material such as enamel and dentine, dental materials such as composite, glass-ionomer cements, polymer and ceramic veneers and precious and non-precious alloys. The bur pattern will be selected to cut a specific material in a specific application and the following table gives guidance on selection.
| APPLICATION | MATERIAL | SIZE | SPEED (rpm) |
|---|---|---|---|
Cavity preparation |
Enamel/Dentine |
010-023 |
<450,000 |
Finishing margins |
Enamel |
010-016 |
10,000-20,000 |
Finishing restorations |
Composite |
012-023 |
10,000-20,000 |
Finishing restorations |
Glass ionomer |
012-023 |
10,000-20,000 |
Veneers |
Polymer |
010-016 |
40,000-80,000 |
Veneers |
Ceramic |
010-016 |
10,000-20,000 |
Crown & bridge finishing |
C&B polymer |
010-016 |
40,000-80,000 |
C&B metal trimming |
Metals |
018-027 |
<30,000 |
Prosthetic polymer trimming |
Polymer |
018-027 |
<20,000 |
Alston Sterisafe Steel Dental Burs are manufactured from a single piece heat treated carbon steel. The range includes patterns designed to meet the needs of all surgery and laboratory applications.
Alston Sterisafe Steel burs can be used to cut a wide variety of materials encountered in dentistry. These include tooth material such as enamel, dentine and bone, dental materials such as amalgam, composite, glass-ionomer cements, polymer and ceramic veneers and precious and non-precious alloys. The bur pattern will be selected to cut a specific material in a specific application and the following table gives guidance on selection.
| APPLICATION | BUR TYPE | MATERIAL | SIZE | SPEED (rpm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Excavation |
Standard |
Enamel/Dentine/Bone |
010-023 |
<2,000 |
C&B metal trimming |
Standard |
Metals |
018-027 |
<30,000 |
Prosthetic polymer trimming |
Standard |
Polymer |
018-027 |
<20,000 |