PROTAPER SHAPING INSTRUMENTS
Shaper X
The auxiliary shaping file, termed Shaper X or SX, is shorter than the other ProTaper files with an overall length of just 19 mm. The SX file has a D0 diameter of 0.19 mm, exhibits 9 rapidly increasing percentage tapers over the length of its blades, and approaches 1.2 mm at D14. Specifically, at D6, D7, D8 and D9, the diameters are approximately equal to the Gates Gliddens (GG) 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively. If selected, the SX is used after the S1 and S2 files and in a brushing manner. With its compressed geometries, SX is used to more fully shape canals in anatomically short or coronally broken down teeth, relocate canals away from external root concavities, or produce more coronal shape, as desired.
Shapers 1 & 2
Shaping Files Nos. 1 and 2, termed S1 and S2, have increasingly larger tapers over the length of their cutting blades allowing each instrument to engage, cut and prepare a specific area of the canal. S1 is designed to prepare the coronal one-third of a canal, whereas S2 enlarges and prepares the middle one-third. This unique design feature discourages "screwing" and encourages each Shaping file to engage and cut dentin with its bigger, stronger, and more efficient cutting blades. The Shaping files are always used in a brushing manner which creates lateral space, allowing each instrument to passively feed deeper into the canal.