Theory III

wearing away of surface material by friction

a material composed of particles of sufficient hardness and sharpness to cut or scratch a softer material when drawn across its surface; available in various particle sizes

air-powered device using air and water pressure to deliver a controlled stream of specially processed sodium bicarbonate slurry through the handpiece nozzle; also called air abrasive, air polishing, air powered abrasive, or airbrasive

substance used to hold abrasive particles together; examples are ceramic bonding used for mounted abrasive points, electroplating for binding diamond chips for rotary instruments, and rubber or shellac for soft discs

polishing of the anatomic crowns of the teeth to remove dental biofilm and extrinsic stains; does not involve calculus removal

clear, colorless syrupy fluid used as a vehicle and sweetening agent for drugs and as solvent and vehicle for abrasive agents

with reference to abrasive agents, grit is the particle size

the production, especially by friction, of a smooth, glossy, mirror-like surface that reflects light; a very fine agent is used for polishing after a coarser agent is used for cleaning

p.s.i

r.p.m

thin, semi-fluid suspension of a solid in a liquid