Dental handpieces are among the most important instruments in any dental practice. From everyday tasks to small adjustments, it is used as a tool for accuracy and efficiency. If you have ever wondered what a dental handpiece is and its importance in a dental practice, you have come to the right place.
What Is A Dental Handpiece
Also known as a dental drill handpiece, this tool looks like a pen-like instrument and is attached to a dental chair, allowing a dentist to use the tool to clean or shape your teeth. This instrument performs more functions than just cleaning teeth, it is also used for the following tasks:
- To remove tartar and plaque buildup from the surface of teeth
- Remove a damaged part of a tooth to prevent further tooth decay
- To prepare a tooth for dental procedures such as crown placements or fillings
- To shape a tooth to prepare for root canal treatments
- The handpiece has different burs that attach to the head to polish, clean, and cut the teeth
- Choosing an appropriate dental handpiece for a dental practice will depend on what type of procedures the dentist provides their patients with and what they prefer to use for ease and comfort.
Dental Handpiece Types
There are two main dental handpiece categories, which are based on the equipment’s design and speed.
Handpiece Speed: Low-Speed Dental Handpieces Vs. High-Speed Dental Handpieces
The high-speed dental handpieces often differ in materials, form, and design, but all these tools run at speeds of between 250,000 to 400,000 RPM. The low-speed dental handpieces run between only 100 to 140,000 RPMs, with an average speed of about 80,000 RPMs.
Handpiece Design: Electric Vs. Air-Driven Handpieces
These are two different systems that are used to power dental handpieces. They can be electrically driven or use air turbines. An air-driven dental handpiece contains a turbine that spins (powered by compressed air), which generates rotation. These tools typically reach speeds of up to 400,00 RPMs, with changeable torques.
Electric dental handpieces use electric motors that drive the head. Internal gears in these systems allow the design of these handpieces to operate at a steady power and constant torque reaching speeds of up to 200,000 RPMs.
Comparison Between Electric And Air-Driven Hand Pieces
– Speed Consistency
Some dentists prefer using electric dental handpieces as the speed tends to be more consistent compared to air-driven handpieces.
– Sound
An air-driven dental handpiece produces more noise with high-pitched sounds while in use. The electric handpieces are generally quieter and are in some cases preferred due to this trait.
– Price
As electric dental handpieces have a system that is separate from other dental equipment, they cost a lot more than air-driven dental handpieces.
Before choosing dental handpieces, the dentist should first consider what tasks they plan to perform. The high-speed handpieces are mainly used to prepare teeth while the low-speed handpieces are mainly used when polishing and finishing restorations.
Most electric dental handpieces feature low/high-speed settings, which are more appropriate when the dentist’s needs vary. Once the dentist has decided what type of equipment is going to suit their needs the most, the next step involves getting an overall sense of how the design will feel in their hand while in use.
Head size, durability, and weight balance are all factors that will decide whether the dental handpiece will work best for the dental practice’s requirements.
Final Thoughts
Finally, it is also important to research what type of maintenance should be performed. Dental handpieces are an essential investment for any dental practice, which is why it is important to conduct enough research in choosing the most appropriate match for the dental practice.
Dental Hand Pieces from Dental Equipment Services
If you’re searching for the best dental handpieces for your dental practice, Dental Equipment Services is the right choice for you. We are an Australian owned and operated dental equipment supplier, so get in touch to learn more about dental handpieces. Our staff will help you choose the right equipment based on your requirements and your budget.
For all your dental handpieces and any other dental supply requirements, please call us today on 1300 144 975 or leave an enquiry.