Gracey Curettes — Pattern and Clinical Use
Gracey curettes are the definitive subgingival instrument. Each numbered pair is designed for a specific region of the mouth, and the blade is offset at roughly 70 degrees to the shank so that only one cutting edge is used — the lower edge — which lets it adapt precisely to a root surface without damaging the pocket wall. The rounded toe and back allow it to work below the gum line safely.
The numbering is the system a hygienist works to: 1/2 and 3/4 for anteriors, 5/6 for anteriors and premolars, 7/8 and 9/10 for buccal and lingual posteriors, 11/12 for mesial posteriors and 13/14 for distal posteriors. Sets are ordered by these pairs.
Gracey Curettes Variants and Specifications
The standard Gracey numbering and the surfaces each pair addresses.
| Number | Area of use |
|---|---|
| 1/2, 3/4 | Anterior teeth |
| 5/6 | Anteriors and premolars |
| 7/8, 9/10 | Posterior buccal and lingual surfaces |
| 11/12 | Posterior mesial surfaces |
| 13/14 | Posterior distal surfaces |
| After Five / Mini Five | Extended shank and shortened blade for deep pockets |
Material, Finish and Quality Control
We forge Gracey curettes from AISI 420 martensitic stainless. The blade-to-shank offset angle is gauged on every instrument, because the roughly 70-degree offset is what defines a Gracey and determines whether it adapts correctly to the root. Each batch passes Rockwell hardness testing, dimensional checks on blade offset angle, and visual inspection under our ISO 13485 system before passivation and final finishing. Mirror and satin finishes are both available — satin is usually specified where glare under operating lights is a concern.
Who Sources Gracey Curettes From Surgical Star
Gracey curettes are sold as numbered sets to dental and hygiene distributors and are among the highest-value hand instruments in a dental catalog. After Five and Mini Five variants are strong premium add-ons.
OEM, Certification and Ordering
Every Gracey curettes can be produced as a private-label line: your logo laser-marked on the handle, your catalog numbers, and your own printed packaging, manufactured from your drawings or a reference sample. Production runs inside a documented ISO 13485 quality system, with CE marking under EU MDR 2017/745 and US FDA establishment registration behind it. Your shipment carries a certificate of conformity plus the ASTM F899 material certificate for the grade actually used.
Minimums stay deliberately low so a new brand can launch without a heavy first order, and pricing is quoted direct from the factory on volume tiers. Bulk production usually takes four to six weeks from sample approval, shipped DDP with export paperwork and HS codes handled. See how OEM & private label works →
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Gracey curettes area-specific?
Each numbered pair has a shank bend and blade offset designed for a particular region, so it adapts to those root surfaces correctly. Using the wrong number means the blade will not seat properly against the root.
Which Gracey numbers make a basic set?
1/2, 7/8, 11/12 and 13/14 give coverage of anteriors, posterior buccal and lingual, and posterior mesial and distal surfaces. Fuller sets add 3/4, 5/6 and 9/10.
What are After Five curettes?
A variant with a 3 mm longer shank and a thinner blade for accessing deeper periodontal pockets. Mini Five curettes additionally have a shortened blade for tight, narrow pockets.
Can you manufacture these under our own brand?
Yes — full OEM and private label. We laser-mark your logo and catalog numbers, pack in your branded boxes, and work from your drawings, tech pack or a reference sample, with a pre-production sample approved before any bulk run.
Send your pattern list, drawing or a reference sample and we’ll quote MOQ, pricing and lead time — standard catalog or fully private-label.
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