One of the questions I get asked frequently is what’s the best instrument to remove the sprue from the restoration when it comes out of the milling chamber?

Well, there are a lot of good ways, but I thought I’d share something that we started using at the Center recently for the CEREC courses. The Alpen polishers from Coltene Whaledent. I use the coarse wheel on a slow-speed straight hand piece at about medium speed to remove the sprue. These burs handle nicely and I would imagine this wheel would last a long time given that it will remove a sprue in just a few seconds.

Once you remove the sprue, you basically polish up the restoration prior to stain and glaze. I’ve included some product shots for reference. If anyone wants to try them, they’re available through your Patterson rep. Good product. I liked it.