What is a dental contra-angle?
The dental contra-angle is an indispensable instrument for dental surgeons and oral health professionals. This tool is used to perform various dental procedures and is valued for its precision, ease of use and versatility.
The DFC Instruments team presents its range of contra-angles from the Coxo brand. This is a wide range of quality contra-angles created to meet the needs of professionals in the dental world, whether for removing dentine, polishing teeth or performing endodontic or implantological treatments. The Coxo contra-angles are built with durable materials to ensure a long service life. They feature advanced technical functionalities to deliver precision performance at high or low speed for all dental surgeons.
The different types of dental contra-angles
There are several types of dental contra-angles depending on the rotation speed and specific characteristics. Here are the three main types of dental contra-angles:
Red ring contra-angle
These are the contra-angles whose rotation speed is higher than that of the micromotor. The red ring contra-angles have a speed ratio relative to the micromotor of 1 to 4.2 or 5. Ideal for cutting and finishing work, the red ring contra-angle can reach much higher rotation speeds. It is used for cutting teeth and bone, as well as for scaling. It has the same function as a dental turbine while being more powerful.
Blue ring contra-angle
Contra-angle with a speed equal to that of the micromotor. These are the "blue rings", with a rotation speed ratio relative to the micromotor of one to one 1:1. This type of contra-angle is THE universal contra-angle, which can do almost everything without having a specific area of use. It can be used for polishing, prosthetic preparation, cutting…
Green ring contra-angle
These are the contra-angles whose rotation speed is reduced compared to that of the micromotor. Recognisable by their green ring, these contra-angles have a speed ratio relative to the micromotor of 128/1, 64/1 or 20/1, 10/1 and 4/1. This type of contra-angle is used for procedures that require great precision and optimal control of rotation speed. This contra-angle is used for procedures that require low speed and high precision of work. It is generally reserved for endodontics, or certain polishing tasks.
How does a dental contra-angle work?
Contra-angle composition
A dental contra-angle serves as a support for the various cutting elements, such as diamond or carbide burs, files, and polishers. It consists of an ergonomic body and an internal gear transmission system that converts motor power into rotation. The handpiece is generally designed to be lightweight and comfortable to use.
Accessories for the contra-angle
Accessories are the interchangeable elements that attach to the handpiece of the dental contra-angle. They are chosen according to the procedure to be performed and can be dental burs, polishers or endodontic instruments. These accessories are generally made of tungsten carbide, Nickel Titanium, diamond powder or stainless steel to ensure their durability and performance.
Applications of the dental contra-angle
The dental contra-angle is a versatile tool that allows a wide range of dental procedures to be carried out. Here are some of the most common applications:
Caries treatment
The dental contra-angle is often used to remove decayed dental tissue and prepare the cavity before placing a filling or composite resin.
Preparation for crowns and bridges
When prosthetic treatment must be performed on a tooth (crown, bridge…), the dental contra-angle is used to trim and shape the tooth so that it can accommodate the prosthesis appropriately.
Endodontics
Endodontics, or root canal treatment, requires the use of a dental contra-angle to remove infected dental pulp and clean the canals before filling them.
How to choose the right dental contra-angle?
When it comes to choosing the right dental contra-angle, several criteria must be taken into account:
Ergonomics
The ergonomics of the handpiece are essential to ensure optimal comfort during dental procedures. It is important to choose a contra-angle with a lightweight design and a comfortable grip.
Materials and durability
Dental contra-angles must be manufactured from high-quality materials to ensure their longevity and resistance to wear. Tungsten carbide, Nickel Titanium and stainless steel are materials commonly used for cutting accessories.
Rotation speed
The rotation speed is an important criterion to take into account, as it determines the types of procedures you will be able to perform. It is recommended to choose a contra-angle offering rotation speeds suited to your needs.
Maintenance and servicing of dental contra-angles
In order to ensure optimal operation and maximum longevity, it is essential to properly maintain and service your dental contra-angle. A closer look at the different maintenance and servicing practices for dental contra-angles.
Cleaning and sterilisation
After each use, the dental contra-angle must be cleaned and sterilised in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. This ensures the elimination of bacteria and debris that could affect the proper functioning of the contra-angle as well as patient safety.
Lubrication
Regular lubrication of the moving parts of the dental contra-angle is essential to ensure smooth operation and reduce wear. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to determine the appropriate frequency and method of lubrication.
The dental contra-angle is an indispensable tool for oral health professionals, offering precision, versatility and ease of use. By understanding the different types of contra-angles, their applications and the selection criteria, you will be able to select the ideal contra-angle for your needs.
Looking for a contra-angle suited to your needs? We are confident that you will find with DFC Instruments the contra-angle that suits you in this selection; do not hesitate to contact our team for any purchasing advice.
Dental Stripping
