How to extend the lifespan of polishing discs?
Article by Dr. Aleksandra Łyżwińska, Dental Hygienist Radosław Michalak, Warsaw, Poland.
Good polishing discs are essential tools for restorative dentists. Investing in high-quality polishing systems really pays off if you use them correctly. In my practice, a single set of TWIST™ DIA for Composite discs can last through polishing 60-80 restorations.
Here are some seven simple tips to help you get the most out of your polishing discs and keep them in top shape:
1. Stick to the recommended speed: 3000–8000 RPM for TWIST™ DIA for Composite discs.
2. Always follow the rotation direction—keep it going forward, in line with the shape of the polisher.
3. Use a properly functioning micromotor—a broken rotor causes vibrations and uneven movement and will wreck the disc. (Photo 1)
Photo 1: A broken rotor in a low-speed handpiece causes non-axial movement of the polishing disc.
4. Polish without pressing too hard—more pressure does not mean better results; overheating can make the composite dull. (Photo 2)
Photo 2: Polish gently without applying too much pressure. More pressure doesn’t mean better results.
5. Be patient and polish with gradation—spend at least 30 seconds polishing each restoration with one disc. (Photo 3)
Photo 3: Spend at least 30 seconds polishing each tooth with a single disc.
6. Do not soak the discs too long—use a timer during disinfection, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for rotary instrument disinfectants. (Photo 4)
Photo 4: Do not soak the polishers for too long. Use a timer during disinfection and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for rotary instrument disinfectants.
7. Avoid deformation—sterilize the discs in loose packs and do not crush them with heavier instruments in the autoclave. (Photo 5)
Photo 5: Avoid deformation—sterilize the discs in loose packs and do not crush them with heavier instruments in the autoclave.
The idea for these tips came up after I started working at a new clinic. On my second shift, my favorite TWIST™ DIA for Composite discs literally fell apart in my hands. The blue sun-shaped working part of a rubber, completely detached from the metal spindle. What went wrong?
My longtime assistant from another practice, Radosław Michalak, and I played detective. In our previous practice, Radosław personally oversees the disinfection and sterilization process. Properly maintained discs are used dozens of times before the working part starts showing the metal underneath. (Photo 6)
Photo 6: Changes in the appearance of the TWIST™ DIA for Composite from brand new to after 80 uses.
This led us to ask: What caused the discs to fail after just one shift at the new clinic?
My process in both practices was the same:
- polishing with a functioning micromotor (rotor checked),
- speed of 6000 RPM,
- rotation direction forward, in line with the shape of thedisc,
- polishing without pressure of disc against the tooth,
- long polishing time, min. 30 seconds per tooth with each disc,
- polishing with gradation (3 different discs + ultra-fine nylon brush).
Through deduction, we concluded that the only difference in handling the discs between the former and present practices might have occurred during the disinfection and sterilization processes. This turned out to be spot-on!
In our clinic routine, we are using a disinfection solution for rotary instruments which is based on a combination of quaternary ammonium compounds at 2% concentration. The manufacturer prescribes an exposure time of five minutes. In the new practice, however, the assistants overlooked the recommended disinfection time for rotary instrument solutions. My discs were “immersed” after the first procedure around 11:30 AM and removed from the solution around 9:00 PM. Such prolonged soaking caused the disintegration of the working part of the disc, which later detached from the metal spindle.
It is also worth noting that not all disinfectants are suitable for cleaning silicone polishing discs. Besides the disinfectant’s composition and exposure time, temperature is crucial. The instructions for TWIST™ DIA for Composite discs specify not exceeding 42oC. The most common overheating occurs during disinfection in an ultrasonic cleaner. After disinfection, discs should be rinsed thoroughly under running water and dried completely.
A second potential issue is deformation of the discs during autoclave sterilization. To avoid this, it is useful to place discs in wide packs where they will not bend. Packs should be loosely placed in the autoclave. If the pack is compressed with heavier instruments, the discs may also bend. Such deformation permanently damages the disc, drastically reducing its lifespan. The photos clearly show localized flattening during sterilization and subsequent excessive, uneven wear during use. (Photo 7)
Photo 7: The moment of deformation and uneven wear of the disc as a result.
Radosław Michalak, in addition to being an invaluable dental assistant and hygienist, a meticulous detective, is also a photography enthusiast. Almost all photos in this article were taken by him.
For more information on effective and safe polishing, refer to one of my previous articles on www.kuraraynoritake.eu. In one of them, I demonstrate how to polish the intricate morphology of posterior composite restorations. The article also highlights other clinical aspects of polishing, such as finishing the smallest fissures, avoiding overheating of the composite (which leads to loss of gloss), and preventing white lines at the transition between the composite and the tooth. Feel free to check it out!
Dentist:
ALEKSANDRA ŁYŻWIŃSKA DMD
Aleksandra Łyżwińska graduated from the Medical University of Warsaw, where she later served as a lecturer and assistant in the Department of Conservative Dentistry with Endodontics. In her daily practice, she focuses on the broad field of adhesive dentistry. She is passionate about minimally invasive techniques and vital pulp therapy. Since 2020, she has been conducting courses in conservative dentistry, collaborating with major training centers in Poland and around the world. She is a key opinion leader for Kuraray Noritake. In her training sessions, she demonstrates that dental caries management doesn‘t have to be boring, and that the bond in the bottle is just as exciting as a spy movie. Instagram users know her as the creator of the educational profile for dentist @aleksandra.lyzwinska.
- 17 juin 2025
