Our Definitive Guide to Dental Handpieces
Dental handpieces are integral to a variety of dental procedures, ranging from routine cleanings to complex surgeries.
These instruments have evolved significantly, incorporating advanced technologies to enhance precision, efficiency, and patient comfort.
By the end of this guide, you will have a thorough understanding of dental handpieces and be better equipped to make informed decisions about their use in your practice.
What are the Different Types of Dental Handpieces?
Understanding the various types of dental handpieces and their applications is essential for any dental professional. Here's an in-depth look at the primary categories of dental handpieces:
High-Speed Dental Handpieces
High-speed dental handpieces are commonly used for cutting tooth structure and removing old restorations. Also known as air turbines, these dental handpieces operate using compressed air to drive a small turbine inside the head of the handpiece. This mechanism allows the handpiece to achieve extremely high rotational speeds, typically between 200,000 and 420,000 RPM (revolutions per minute).
What are High-Speed Handpieces Used For?
High-speed dental handpieces efficiently remove decayed tooth material and shape the cavity for fillings. These handpieces can also be used for shaping teeth to accommodate crowns and bridges, as well as finishing or polishing a new restoration.
Types of High-Speed Handpieces
Fibre-Optic Handpieces
These handpieces have built-in fibre-optic lights that provide better visibility inside the oral cavity. This is particularly useful for detailed procedures and working in low-light areas of the mouth.
Non-Optic Handpieces
These are more cost-effective and simpler in design but lack the integrated lighting system found in fibre-optic models.
Specialised Handpieces
Some high-speed handpieces are designed for specific applications, such as surgical or endodontic treatments. These specialised tools offer features tailored to their specific uses.
Maintenance and Care
Proper maintenance of high-speed handpieces is crucial for their longevity and performance.
Regular lubrication and sterilisation are necessary to keep the handpieces functioning smoothly and to prevent infections. Maintenance systems and lubricating products are available to ensure these tools remain in optimal condition.
Low-Speed Handpieces
Low-speed handpieces operate at speeds ranging from 10,000 to 40,000 RPM. They are designed for tasks that require precision and control rather than high-speed cutting.
These handpieces are typically air-driven or electric, with each type offering unique advantages. Air-driven handpieces are generally lighter and less expensive, while electric handpieces provide consistent torque and speed control.
Types of Low-Speed Handpieces
Contra-Angle Hanpieces
Contra-angle handpieces are named for their angled head, which allows for better access to different areas of the mouth, particularly the posterior teeth. This ergonomic design improves the dentist's ability to perform precise and controlled procedures.
Contra-angle handpieces are used in various dental procedures, demonstrating their versatility and essential role in dental practice. They are integral in cavity preparation, where they effectively remove decayed tooth material and shape cavities for fillings.
These handpieces are also crucial in finishing and polishing, smoothing and restorations to achieve a natural appearance and feel.
In endodontics, they clean and shape root canals with specific endodontic attachments, ensuring precise and thorough treatment.
Additionally, contra-angle handpieces play a key role in prophylaxis by facilitating professional cleaning and polishing of teeth to remove plaque and stains.
They are also employed in orthodontics for adjusting and removing orthodontic appliances, providing the necessary control and precision for such delicate tasks.
Straight Handpieces
Straight handpieces are fundamental tools in dental practices and are known for their straightforward design and versatility. They are typically used in procedures requiring less speed but more torque and precision.
They have a simple, linear design, with no angles or bends, providing direct transmission of power from the motor to the bur or attachment. This design is particularly beneficial for certain dental and laboratory procedures.
They are used for cutting bone and soft tissues, ensuring precise and efficient outcomes. They are also crucial in laboratory work, particularly in fabricating and adjusting dental prostheses such as dentures and crowns.
In prosthodontics, straight handpieces are employed to trim and polish dentures and other prosthetic devices, achieving a smooth and accurate finish.
Additionally, they are vital in orthodontics for adjusting and removing orthodontic appliances, including bands and brackets.
In implantology, straight handpieces are used to prepare implant sites and perform other related surgical procedures, providing the necessary control and power for successful implant placement.
Prophy Angles
Prophy angles, also known as prophylaxis angles, are specialised dental handpieces designed primarily for polishing teeth during dental cleanings. They are an essential tool in preventive dental care, helping maintain oral hygiene by removing plaque, stains, and soft deposits from the teeth.
Prophy angles are small, handheld devices that attach to a dental handpiece motor. They come in two main types: disposable and reusable. The head of the prophy angle typically holds a rubber cup or brush that rotates to polish the teeth.
Maintenance and Care
Proper maintenance of low-speed handpieces is crucial for their longevity and performance. Regular lubrication and cleaning are necessary to prevent wear and ensure smooth operation. Additionally, using high-quality, compatible burs and attachments can minimise wear and tear.
Gear Ratios
Gear ratios refer to the relationship between the rotational speeds of two or more interconnected gears. In the context of dental handpieces, these ratios influence the speed (measured in rotations per minute or RPM) and the torque (the twisting force that causes rotation) of the handpiece.
Types of Gear Ratios in Dental Handpieces
High-Speed Handpieces
These typically have a 1:5 gear ratio, meaning the handpiece increases the motor speed by a factor of five. High-speed handpieces are ideal for cutting teeth and preparing cavities as they can reach speeds up to 400,000 RPM.
Low-Speed Handpieces
These often feature gear ratios like 1:1 or even slower, meaning there is no increase in speed, or it is reduced. Low-speed handpieces are used for tasks requiring more torque but less speed, such as polishing, finishing, and some types of surgical procedures. They generally operate at speeds up to 40,000 RPM.
Importance of Gear Ratios
Speed vs. Torque: Higher gear ratios result in higher speeds but lower torque. Conversely, lower gear ratios provide more torque but lower speeds. For example, high-speed handpieces are perfect for cutting through hard materials quickly but might not be suitable for tasks requiring high torque.
Precision and Control: Low-speed handpieces with higher torque allow for better control and precision, which is essential for tasks like polishing and finishing where a delicate touch is needed.
Versatility: Different procedures require different gear ratios. Understanding these ratios helps in choosing the appropriate handpiece for each specific dental procedure, enhancing both efficiency and outcomes.
Practical Applications
Cavity Preparation: High-speed handpieces with a 1:5 gear ratio are preferred for rapid cutting and drilling due to their high RPM.
Polishing and Finishing: Low-speed handpieces with gear ratios like 1:1 provide the necessary torque and control for polishing and finishing, ensuring smooth surfaces without damaging the tooth structure.
Surgical Applications: Specific surgical procedures may require handpieces with low speed but high torque to handle the dense bone structure efficiently.
Understanding gear ratios and their implications on dental handpiece performance can significantly impact the effectiveness and precision of dental treatments. By selecting the appropriate gear ratio for each procedure, dental professionals can ensure optimal results and patient satisfaction.
Grips
When selecting a handpiece, one of the fundamental decisions a dentist must make is the type of chucking mechanism for retaining and changing burs.
Autochucks are the preferred option because they do not require additional tools to open or close the chuck. Positioned on the back of the handpiece head, autochucks can release or secure a bur using either a push-button or lever system.
In contrast, manual chucks are considered somewhat outdated, as they require a small wrench to tighten or loosen the bur.
Bearings
Finding the Right Dental Handpieces for You
Dental handpieces are crucial tools in modern dentistry, each designed to address specific needs and enhance various procedures. Understanding the different types of handpieces—air-turbine, contra-angle, straight, and prophy angles—provides dental professionals with the knowledge to select the appropriate tool for each task.
Air-Turbine Handpieces excel in high-speed cutting and drilling, making them ideal for removing tooth structure and shaping cavities quickly. Their high rotational speeds ensure precision but can be noisy and may contribute to auditory discomfort.
Contra Angle Handpieces offer versatility and precision, with their angled design allowing better access to posterior areas and facilitating detailed work such as cavity preparation, polishing, and endodontics. However, their lower speed and power compared to high-speed handpieces can limit their effectiveness in tasks requiring rapid material removal.
Straight Handpieces provide high torque and stability, making them suitable for tasks requiring significant force, such as bone cutting and laboratory work. Their straightforward design and ease of maintenance are advantages, though their bulkiness can limit access to certain intraoral areas.
Prophy Angles are essential for polishing and cleaning teeth during routine dental appointments. They offer patient comfort and ease of use but may not be effective for removing hard deposits and contribute to waste if disposable.
By understanding the strengths and limitations of each type of dental handpiece, dental professionals can make informed decisions to optimise their practice, enhance patient care, and maintain high standards of hygiene and efficiency. This knowledge ensures that the right tool is used for each procedure, ultimately leading to better outcomes and improved patient satisfaction.
Buy Dental Handpieces Online
At Swallow Dental, we offer an extensive range of high-quality dental handpieces from premium dental brands like NSK and W&H.
Each handpiece is specially designed to improve the quality of care in your dental practice.
Browse our dental handpieces online or contact our dedicated Customer Care team for more information on the handpieces we stock.