Final answer:
A burnisher is typically used for polishing materials to create a smooth and shiny finish in various disciplines, such as arts and manufacturing. In specialized uses like cleaning optical components, a burnisher must be used only once to prevent damage, such as scratching. In dentistry, burnishers are used with polishing agents that contain abrasives to clean and visually enhance the appearance of teeth.
Step-by-step explanation:
A burnisher is used for polishing materials, typically in arts or manufacturing. It serves the purpose of smoothing out surfaces, creating a shine, and compacting materials in such a way that makes them look more finished and professional. For example, in the realm of printmaking, the burnisher is used to press paper into the inked grooves of an intaglio plate to transfer the image. Similarly, a burnisher can be used in jewellery making to smooth out edges and surfaces to give a piece its final, polished appearance.
In certain specialized cases such as the precise cleaning of optical components, burnishers, which are often wet cloths, must be used with care, ensuring that they are used only once to prevent debris from scratching sensitive optical surfaces.
In a comparable but distinctly different usage in dentistry, dental polishing agents remove stains and plaque, which may contain mild abrasives such as powdered white mica to enhance the cleaning action and provide a cosmetic glittery shimmer to the teeth. However, it's noted that while this kind of polishing does improve the appearance of teeth, it does not necessarily improve dental health beyond the removal of plaque and calculus.