What is a disposable prophy angle attachment used for?

A disposable prophy angle attachment is specifically designed to polish teeth during prophylaxis, which is a preventive dental procedure aimed at maintaining oral health. The structure of this attachment allows it to fit onto a handpiece, enabling dentists and dental hygienists to create a rotational motion that effectively smooths and shines the tooth surface. This polishing action helps to remove plaque, stains, and biofilm from the enamel, contributing to the overall cleanliness and aesthetic appearance of the teeth.

In contrast, other options relate to different dental procedures. Adjusting restorations involves reshaping or refining dental materials that have already been placed in a patient's mouth, which requires specialized instruments and techniques rather than a prophy angle. Removing decay is typically performed with bur instruments or handpieces rather than a polishing attachment; this process focuses on the mechanical removal of decayed tooth structure. Preparing occlusal surfaces for sealants involves etching and cleaning the tooth surface to enhance the bond of the sealant, which again does not involve polishing but rather prepares the tooth for the application of sealants.

Hence, the primary purpose of a disposable prophy angle attachment aligns with polishing teeth for prophylaxis, highlighting its role in routine dental care and preventive dentistry.