Laboratory burs typically have a _____ shank and a _____ head compared to dental burs.

Laboratory burs are designed specifically for use in dental laboratories, where they often encounter different materials and require distinct performance characteristics compared to dental burs used in clinical settings. The longer shank of laboratory burs allows for greater reach and maneuverability in the dental laboratory, facilitating access to models and larger materials that need to be shaped or adjusted. Additionally, the larger head size aids in efficient material removal and shaping, making these burs better suited for tasks such as adjusting dental prosthetics or creating dental restorations.

This distinction is crucial as the types of materials and the nature of the work in the laboratory often involve different challenges than those encountered in direct patient care, where precision and specificity of the burs play a vital role in the clinical outcome. Consequently, the longer and larger design of laboratory burs helps dental technicians meet the demands of their work effectively.