Coronal Polish Certification Practice Test

Which polishing agent is the most commonly used?

1. Calcium carbonate

2. Aluminum oxide

3. Zirconium Silicate

4. Silica gel

The correct answer is: Zirconium Silicate

The most commonly used polishing agent in dental applications is aluminum oxide. This material is favored for its effectiveness in creating a high shine on dental surfaces while being gentle enough to prevent damage to the tooth enamel. Aluminum oxide particles are typically small and provide a fine abrasion that helps remove plaque and stains without compromising the integrity of the tooth structure. Calcium carbonate is another polishing agent, but it is generally coarser and not as commonly used for coronal polishing due to its potential to create micro-abrasions on the enamel surface. Zirconium silicate, while effective, is not as widely recognized or utilized in everyday dental practices as aluminum oxide. Silica gel can also be a polishing agent, but aluminum oxide remains the preferred choice due to its balance of safety and effective polishing capabilities.