Tapered cross-cut fissure carbide burs are among the most fundamental instruments in restorative dentistry, and the 701 bur and 703 bur are two of the most commonly used, with the 702 bur sitting between them. All three share the same shape and cut; they differ in size, and that difference in head diameter determines their cutting efficiency and ideal applications.
Revised on September 30, 2026
In this guide, we break down the key differences between the 701, 702 and 703 burs, explore their optimal clinical uses, and provide practical guidance for choosing between them. All three are premium German-engineered carbide burs from Busch & Co., available through Deutsche Dental Technologien.
Shop Tapered Fissure Burs | Cone Shape
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Busch & Co. GmbH
US No. 703 Busch Carbide Tapered Fissure (Cone) Bur | Busch No. 33 021 – Crosscut – HP | Pack of 6
Regular price $36.99Unit price -
Busch & Co. GmbH
US No. 702 Busch Carbide Tapered Fissure (Cone) Bur | Busch No. 33 016 – Crosscut – HP | Pack of 6
Regular price $36.99Unit price -
Busch & Co. GmbH
US No. 702 Busch Carbide Tapered Fissure (Cone) Bur | Busch No. 33 016 – Crosscut – FG | Pack of 6
Regular price $36.99Unit price
Understanding Tapered Cross-Cut Fissure Burs
The 700 series are tapered (cone-shaped) fissure burs with a flat end and a cross-cut blade pattern. The taper follows the natural convergence of a preparation, the flat end helps define floors, and the cross-cuts break material into small chips for efficient cutting in dentin, amalgam and metal. The 701, 702 and 703 are the same design in three sizes, each suited to a different scale of work. (A common mix-up: these are not round burs. Round burs carry the US numbers ¼ to 10.)
Design Comparison: 701 vs 702 vs 703
Head Size
- 701 Bur (Busch 33 012): ISO size 012, a 1.2 mm head. Ideal for conservative preparations and areas with limited access.
- 702 Bur (Busch 33 016): ISO size 016, a 1.6 mm head. The mid-size option for general preparation work.
- 703 Bur (Busch 33 021): ISO size 021, a 2.1 mm head. Provides more efficient bulk reduction in larger cavities.
Shank and Compatibility The 701 and 702 are available in Friction Grip (FG) for high-speed handpieces and in HP for straight handpieces. The 703 is stocked in HP for straight-handpiece and laboratory work.
Material and Manufacturing All three are crafted from high-grade carbide by Busch & Co. in Germany, delivering superior concentricity, durability, and cutting performance.
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When to Use the 701 Bur
The 701 bur is the preferred choice when precision and conservatism are priorities:
Pediatric Dentistry Its smaller size makes it ideal for preparing primary teeth without excessive reduction.
Small Cavity Preparations Perfect for minimal Class I, Class V, and early caries lesions.
Defined Walls in Small Preparations The narrow taper creates controlled, divergent walls in small amalgam or inlay-style preparations, with excellent tactile feedback.
Access in Tight Areas The compact head provides better visibility in posterior regions or with limited mouth opening.
When to Use the 702 Bur
The 702 bur covers the middle ground between the 701 and the 703:
Standard Class I and II Preparations Its mid-size head creates flat floors and divergent walls in average-sized amalgam or inlay-style preparations.
Proximal Box Forms The taper gives good access for refining proximal boxes and creating smooth transitions.
Axial and Occlusal Reduction Useful for controlled reduction during full-coverage crown preparations, following the natural taper of the preparation.
Amalgam and Metal Removal Like the rest of the series, its cross-cut blades chip out old amalgam cleanly.
When to Use the 703 Bur
The 703 bur shines when efficiency and bulk reduction are needed:
Larger Restorations Ideal for extensive caries or replacement of large old restorations.
Core Build-Ups Useful for shaping and refining core build-ups before crown preparation.
Straight-Handpiece and Laboratory Work Stocked in HP, the 703 suits bulk cutting in a straight handpiece.
Adult Posterior Preparations Provides efficient reduction in larger molars.
Key Differences Summary
| Feature | 701 Bur | 702 Bur | 703 Bur |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shape | Tapered fissure, flat end, cross-cut | Tapered fissure, flat end, cross-cut | Tapered fissure, flat end, cross-cut |
| Busch No. | 33 012 | 33 016 | 33 021 |
| Head Size | 1.2 mm (ISO 012) | 1.6 mm (ISO 016) | 2.1 mm (ISO 021) |
| Shanks Stocked | FG, HP | FG, HP | HP |
| Best For | Conservative work, pediatrics | Standard Class I and II preps, proximal boxes | Bulk reduction, larger lesions |
| Cutting Efficiency | Controlled | Balanced | More aggressive |
| Tactile Feedback | Excellent | Very good | Good |
Clinical Tips for Optimal Use
- Always use adequate water coolant.
- Use light pressure — let the bur do the work.
- Maintain proper angulation to keep the intended taper, typically 6 to 10 degrees in crown preparations.
- Pair with finishing burs for smooth surfaces.
- Replace when cutting efficiency decreases.
Why All Three Belong in Your Bur Block
Having the 701, 702 and 703 gives you maximum flexibility. Many practices keep multiple sizes available to adapt to different tooth morphologies and case complexities.
Available at Deutsche Dental Technologien
We stock authentic 701, 702 and 703 burs from Busch & Co. — direct from Germany.
Related resources: Bur Comparison Chart · Speed Chart · Bur Glossary
