Why might a clinician choose to use a polishing tool without a rubber cup?

A clinician may choose to use a polishing tool without a rubber cup in specific cases where extraoral polishing is needed or when working on certain types of restorations. For instance, extroral polishing might be necessary for cleaning and polishing surfaces that are not easily accessible within the mouth, such as denture surfaces or orthodontic appliances. Additionally, certain restorations, such as those made from materials that are more easily damaged by the abrasive nature of a rubber cup, may benefit from alternative polishing techniques.

This choice allows for a tailored approach to oral care, ensuring that the clinician can effectively polish surfaces without risking damage to dental materials or tissues, which aligns with best practices for patient safety and treatment efficacy. Therefore, the decision to use a polishing tool without a rubber cup is context-dependent and varies according to the clinical scenario at hand.