Which tool is used to smooth and polish dental appliances and impression trays?

The rag wheel is designed specifically for polishing and smoothing various materials in dental settings, including dental appliances and impression trays. Its soft texture allows for a fine finish without damaging the surfaces of the items being polished. The rag wheel's ability to achieve a high shine makes it particularly useful in enhancing the aesthetics and function of dental products.

In contrast, the polishing wheel tends to be more rigid and is typically used for more aggressive polishing tasks rather than the delicate finishing required for dental items. The finishing wheel, while useful for contouring and shaping, may not provide the smooth finish that the rag wheel can accomplish. A wheel sander is generally utilized for removing material rather than for achieving a polished surface, making it less suitable for the specific task of polishing dental appliances and impression trays.