After Five, Mini Five and Micro Mini Gracey Curettes

Gracey is a family of curettes that are typically utilized in subgingival debridement. Depending on where in the mouth the instrumentation is occurring, the instrument selection may be a Gracey 1/2 for anterior areas or a Gracey 11/12 for mesial areas in the posterior (Figure 5). Also, the dental hygienist might use a Gracey 13/14 for posterior distal surfaces (Figure 5). Although, these may be the instruments that are typically selected, there are design alterations in the Graceys that can be utilized to better access difficult areas in the mouth. The following summarizes the comparison of varying designs of Gracey curettes (Figures 5‑7):

After Five:

• 3mm elongated terminal shank = deeper insertion

• 10% thinner blade = easier insertion

Mini Five: (Figures 5‑7)

• 3mm elongated terminal shank

• 50% shorter blade

Micro Mini: (Figure 10)

• 20% smaller and thinner than Mini Fives

• 3mm elongated terminal shank

• Easily adapts to tight spaces and concavities

Figure 5.

Figure 5.

Figure 6.

Figure 6.

Figure 7.

Figure 7.

Below compares using a Gracey 1/2 on a mandibular lateral incisor on the left vs using a Mini After Five Gracey 1/2 on the right (Figures 8‑9). As shown in the photos, the Mini After Five allows for greater access to the periodontal pocket. Upon insertion, activation of the blade can be carried out in a more accurate fashion.

Figure 8. Gracey 1/2.

Figure 8. Gracey 1/2.

Figure 9. Mini After Five Gracey 1/2.

Figure 9. Mini After Five Gracey 1/2.

The Micro Mini Five Gracey curettes offer even more adaptability with a 20% thinner blade and an elongated, and more rigid, terminal shank than the Mini Fives (Figure 10).

Figure 10.

Figure 10.