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American Eagle Scalers & Curettes

Always the right instrument

durable

ergonomic

lightweight

customisable

American Eagle scalers and curettes are especially durable and long-lasting. They are characterised by their fine working ends, which provide excellent access to interproximal surfaces and crowding/overlapping teeth. In combination with our EagleLite® handles, they enable particularly ergonomic and tactile use.

Scalers

Use and properties

Scalers are used supragingivally to remove soft and hard deposits such as tartar above the gumline. Due to their pointed shape, they are not suitable for subgingival work. Scalers taper to a point. The working end of the instruments consists of a facial surface, working surfaces (also called lateral surfaces) and cutting edges.

Different angulations of the working ends define the working area. That is what universal instruments are for: for example, the Scaler M23, which can be used to reach all surfaces of the posterior and anterior teeth. In addition, it is particularly fine and delicate for use in interdental spaces.

Curettes

Use and properties

Curettes are characterised by a rounded working end. This allows them to be used subgingivally as well as supragingivally. The working end of the instruments consists of a facial surface, working surfaces (also called lateral surfaces) and cutting edges. A distinction is made between universal curettes and area-specific/Gracey curettes.

You can also find more information about the different models and how to use them in our video section.

Universal curettes

Universal curettes have rounded working ends. They are sharpened on both sides and, as the name suggests, can thus be used universally. For effective scaling, the cutting surface is inclined at 20° to the surface to be treated. There are very universal shapes, such as the Barnhart 5-6 and M23, which have a curvature that provides access to all tooth surfaces.

Slightly curved versions for the anterior teeth, such as the Langer 5/6, as well as more strongly curved versions for the posterior area, such as the Columbia 4R/4L, facilitate access in hard-to-reach areas.

Gracey curettes

The inclination of 20° to the tooth surface required for effective scaling is already incorporated into the cutting edge of a Gracey curette. Consequently, when using Gracey curettes, the 1st shaft of the instrument simply has to be aligned parallel to the tooth surface. This means that the optimal “inclination” to the tooth surface in the periodontal pocket is already ensured. This makes these curettes easier to use and control in the subgingival area.

Different instruments are required for different tooth surfaces. American Eagle instruments are colour-coded for easy identification. For example, 1-2 (purple) or 5-6 (yellow) for all surfaces of the front teeth (anterior). 7-8 (green) is intended for buccal/oral surfaces, 11-12 (orange) for mesial surfaces and 13-14 for distal surfaces.In addition, more strongly angled shapes, such as 15/16 (orange) for mesial surfaces or 17/18 (blue) for distal surfaces, are available for improved access.

Application areas of Gracey curettes

The diagram of the upper and lower jaw in the background provides a simple overview of the application areas of Gracey curettes.

Systematic cleaning (Figure 2) is carried out by overlapping the surfaces. The arrows indicate the direction of the instrument tip.

Request a laminated application chart of our Gracey curettes for your practice now.

 

The 3 Gracey variants

Depending on the treatment area, several Gracey variants are available to the user. They differ with regard to the length of the working end and the 1st shank.

Gracey Standard

Gracey curettes are designed for the removal of subgingival calculus and root planing in specific areas of the tooth. The angle of the blade allows for easy insertion into the sulcus and minimises tissue trauma.

Gracey Deep Pocket

The terminal shank of this instrument is 3 mm longer, which allows for cleaning and root planning in pockets that are 5 mm deep or deeper.

Gracey Access

With a blade that is 50 % shorter and a shank that is 3 mm longer, the entire blade of this instrument has contact with the root surface. Even tight pockets and furcations become easily accessible.

Frequently asked questions about scalers and curettes

Why are there American Eagle scalers and curettes in different colours?

The Gracey curettes are colour-coded to make them easier to assign to the tooth surface. The exact assignment can be found in the Gracey Application Areas Chart.

Which colour of Gracey curette is assigned to which tooth surface?

American Eagle offers an overview of Gracey application areas for training, further education (dental hygienist, prophylaxis assistant, PASS (in Austria)) or for use in your practice. You can request this from our Customer Service for your practice.

What is the difference between scalers and curettes?

Scalers are tapered at the front, making them suitable for supragingival use. Curettes are rounded at the front, which means that they can also be used subgingivally.

Which scaler can I use to treat all tooth surfaces?

We recommend using the American Eagle M23 Scaler. The M23 provides easy access to all tooth surfaces. The blade is particularly fine and the curve is suitable for both the anterior and posterior teeth.

Is there a universal curette that can be used to treat all tooth surfaces?

We recommend using the Barnhart 5-6 dental curette from American Eagle. All tooth surfaces can be easily reached with the universal Barnhart 5-6 curette. The blade is particularly fine and the curve is suitable for both the anterior and posterior teeth.

Which handle is well-suited for scalers and curettes?

The lightweight EagleLite® plastic handles support the ergonomic use of the instruments.  This ensures optimal tactility and reduces the pressure exerted. If a heavier weight is desired, the instruments are also available with EagleLite® stainless steel handles.

Is there a preconfigured curette set?

Yes, various American Eagle Gracey curette sets are recommended, depending on the area of application. Our Customer Service will be happy to advise you and will take your individual needs into account to select the right instrument set.

American Eagle instruments
in action!

In our video section you will find detailed information and tips on the correct care and use of American Eagle dental instruments.

Do you have any questions?
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