What is the purpose of the tapering end brush on a prophy angle handpiece?

The tapering end brush on a prophy angle handpiece is designed primarily to provide a finer polishing action on the tooth surfaces. This specific design allows for enhanced maneuverability and access to various tooth contours, enabling the practitioner to achieve a high polish in areas that are difficult to reach with other instruments. The tapered shape helps in effectively cleaning and smoothing the enamel, enhancing the overall aesthetic appearance of the teeth after dental procedures.

In contrast, while the other options refer to important functions in dental practice, they are not relevant to the function of the tapering end brush. Adjusting restorations with precision typically involves other tools designed specifically for contouring and finishing materials. Cavity preparation usually requires cutting instruments or rotary tools suited for tooth structure alteration, and cooling is generally managed using water sprays in conjunction with rotary instruments rather than through the use of a polishing end brush.