Langer Curettes

Langer Curettes

• In this tutorial you will learn:– What Langer Curettes are– Langer Curette designs– Features and benefits of Langer Curettes – Illustrated uses of Langer Curettes

Introduction

• The Langer Curettes were designed in consultation with periodontist Dr. Burton Langer.

• They combine the best features of the Gracey shank bends and the universal curette blade.

• These instruments can scale all surfaces.

Langer Curettes

• All four Langer curette designs allow you to scale both mesial and distal surfaces without changing instruments.

• Universal Curette design– 90° angle between the terminal shank and blade

face for adaptation on both mesial and distal surfaces.

• Gracey shank design– Shank angulation ideal for difficult to reach areas.

• Excellent for use during periodontal surgery and application for soft-tissue degranulation.

Langer Blade Design

• Langer curettes have a universal blade design.

• This illustration shows the 90° angle between the terminal shank and blade face, which allows for adaptation on both the mesial and distal surface.

Langer Curettes

Four Designs Available:

SL1/2 SL3/4 SL5/6 SL17/18

Areas of Use

• 1/2 Langer - Mandibular Posterior• 3/4 Langer - Maxillary Posterior• 5/6 Langer - Anterior• 17/18 Langer – Posterior

Langer Curettes

1/2 Langer Curette • Similar shank design as the 11/12 Gracey Curette, but

suitable for both mesial and distal surfaces.

• Note that the shank should be less than parallel with the tooth surface for scaling with a universal blade.

Langer Curettes

3/4 Langer Curette • Similar shank design as the 13/14 Gracey Curette, but

suitable for both mesial and distal surfaces with a greater angle than the 1/2 Langer for improved access to all molars.

Langer Curettes

5/6 Langer Curette• Similar shank design as 5/6 Gracey Curette, and suitable for

anterior and premolar teeth.

Langer Curettes

17/18 Langer Curette• This instrument combines the accentuated angles of the

17/18 Gracey Curette with a universal blade for better access and adaptation to posterior teeth.

• This is advantageous when scaling second and third molars.

Langer Curettes

17/18 Langer Curette• The angled shank allows for a more horizontal hand

position. • The clinician has access to third molars with minimal

interference from the upper arch.

Langer Curettes• The modified Langer designs were introduced following the

success of the Gracey After Five and Mini Five designs.

• Now clinicians who prefer a universal curette blade in a Gracey style have the newest options to improve access, adaptation, and effectiveness in a variety of clinical situations.

Standard Rigid After Five Mini Five

Rigid Langer Curettes

• Thicker, stronger, and less flexible shank.

• The rigid shank is preferred for heavier calculus removal.

• Set of 4 available.Standard Rigid

After Five® Langer Curettes

• Designed for instrumentation in deeper periodontal pockets.

• Elongated terminal shank (3mm) provides better clearance around crowns, and superior access to root contours and pockets 5mm or more in depth.

• Blade thinned by 10% to ease gingival insertions and reduce tissue distention.

• Set of 3 available.

Mini Five® Langer Curettes

• Designed with the same elongated terminal shank (3mm) and thinned blades as the After Five Langer Curettes

• 50% shorter blade for access to smaller roots, narrow pockets, furcations, and developmental grooves.

• Set of 3 available.

After FiveStandard Mini Five

Langer Curettes

1/2 Langer After Five (SL1/2AF)

• The longer terminal shank of the Langer After Five improves access to deeper pockets

Langer Curettes

5/6 Langer Mini Five (SL5/6MF)• The 50% reduced blade length and thinned blade width is

ideal for smaller root surfaces and tight pockets.

• The 5/6 Langer can be used in anterior and premolar areas.

Langer Curettes

3/4 Langer Mini Five (SL3/4MF)• The 3/4 Langer design has more angulation and can be

used on mesial or distal surfaces.

• Combined with the Mini Five features (shorter and thinner blade), it provides scaling efficiency for furcation areas, and other areas with limited access.

Summary

• The Langer curettes are designed with the shank design of a Gracey curette combined with a universal blade.

• These instruments can scale all surfaces:• 1/2 - Mandibular posterior • 3/4 - Maxillary posterior • 5/6 - Anterior • 17/18 - Posterior

• Part Codes Available:– Standard: SL1/2 - SL3/4 - SL5/6 - SL17/18– Rigid: SL1/2R - SL3/4R - SL5/6R - SL17/18R– After Five: SL1/2AF - SL3/4AF - SL5/6AF– Mini Five: SL1/2MF - SL3/4MF - SL5/6MF– #2 - 4 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9(EverEdge) Handles

Conclusion• As a clinician, the Hu-Friedy’s Langer Curettes will make

your job easier with the ability to scale both mesial and distal surfaces without changing instruments.

• The shank angulation will allow you to adapt to difficult posterior surfaces.

• These designs will help you to overcome the toughest scaling assignments.

Qualifying Question

• Thank you for taking the time to learn more about Hu-Friedy’s Langer Curettes.

• To earn your Hu-Points towards a product evaluation, please exit and answer the following question on the Member Resources Page:

Which Langer Curette is used on anterior surfaces?a) SL1/2 Langerb) SL3/4 Langerc) SL5/6 Langerd) SL17/18 Langer