Microbrushes

About microbrushes

A microbrush is a plastic handle with an articulating joint that lets the tip reach the part of the tooth being worked on, and an active tip of non-absorbent nylon microfibers. Where an adhesive is applied actively, the applicator has to be able to rub the tooth surface effectively. During use, fibers or bristles from the flocked tip may detach and end up in the adhesive layer, where they may act as contaminants.

Non-absorbent nylon microfibers on the end of a handle: they spread liquid rather than soak it up. One in-vitro study found residual fibers in every specimen, mostly on the outer cavity surfaces, the cavosurface margins and the axial walls.

Sources: Miguel-Calvo et al., Comparative In Vitro Evaluation of Residual Fiber Contamination from Applicators in the Adhesive Interface (J Adhes Dent)