Dental clinic

Discover the Different Dental Handpieces Types and Essential Functions

Different Types of Dental Handpieces

Why are we talking about dental handpieces types? Globally, the business of dental equipment has a $16.5 billion value. Dentists rely on the best equipment to provide patients with the highest level of care. Dental handpieces are among the most common and useful types of dental equipment that you need to get to know.

Different types of dental handpieces can make your practice productive and successful. Knowing the functions and features of these dental handpieces will help you make your decision. Your patients will also appreciate receiving quality care from the best equipment available. Keep reading to learn more about things like head sizes, attachments, and functions.

The Air-Driven Dental Handpiece

handpieces types: The Air-Driven Dental Handpiece

Dental handpieces come in two forms – electrical and air turbine.
The latter involves using compressed air that creates rotation in the form of a spinning turbine. You will appreciate that this dental handpiece is so lightweight and easy to use. It’s easy to wield regardless of what kind of dental procedure you’re carrying out.

You will also appreciate that this dental handpiece is cost-effective. Dentists can outfit their practices with plenty of these handpieces without breaking the bank. It’s a common handpiece dental professionals use, so you will also have an easy time finding repairs and replacement parts when you need them.

The High-Speed Air-Driven Handpiece

The average dentist generates about $375 per hour of productivity. The upper 20% reach $500 per hour or more. “Speed kills”, as the old adage says. When you want to increase your practice’s productivity, a high-speed handpiece might be exactly what you’re looking for. 

These are handpieces that rotate at speeds between 250,000 RPMs and 400,000 RPMs. Dentists typically use these handpieces for applications like stripping tissue and enamel. The high speed makes it effortless.

When investing in a high-speed handpiece, you’ll typically also get a water spray function that helps to cool down the tooth during the procedure. 

You will generally see high-speed handpieces with a large or small head design. With a small head design, the handpiece will have more access and visibility. These are typically better for pediatric dentistry or posterior work. Buying a high-speed handpiece with a larger head will offer greater cutting power and torque, which allows for speedier procedures and tooth preparation. This makes the high-speed dental handpiece one of the most effective dental handpiece types on the market.

The Low-Speed Air-Driven Handpiece

Consider the low-speed dental handpiece when you are looking into certain types of dental work. This piece is markedly slower than the low-speed model, as these feature speeds between 10,000 RPMs and 50,000 RPMs.

You will generally use these dental handpieces when you’re doing dental procedures like tooth polishing, removing soft decay, finishing cavity prep work, trophy work, and trimming. In most circumstances, the low-speed dental handpiece comes in either a straight angle or contra-angle. If you are using a straight handpiece, it’s more useful for extraoral procedures.

A contra-angle dental handpiece might be better for finer dental procedures. Always study the RPMs of the dental handpiece you’re shopping for. This will help you decide between high-speed and low-speed options so you choose the best type based on the dental work you’re offering.

The Electric Dental Handpiece

handpieces types: Electric Dental Handpiece

If you are interested in other dental handpieces types, electrical models will give you the most power and torque. With speed and torque, dentists will have an easier time handling things like dental bridges, restorations, and removing difficult crowns. 

These pieces contain an electric motor and internal gears that provide torque. 

Dentists also appreciate that these handpiece types are less noisy and more comfortable for patients. These electric handpieces come in a wide variety of speeds, and many can reach rates as high as 200,000 RPMs. 

Knowing the gear ratio explains the types of procedures that they’re suitable for. The 1:5 speed can reach upward of 200,000 RPMs. The 1:1 speed is considered slow, which is ideal for adjusting ceramics and removing cavities. 

The 16:1 setting is ultra-slow and is helpful for procedures that require care and deliberateness. 

handpieces types high and low speed compare

Special Types of Dental Handpieces

Keep in mind that there are also different special dental handpieces types that you can use for your practice. Understanding the different specialty handpieces available will allow you to get the best productivity and offer excellent care to your patients. 

Dental implant handpieces

Dental implant handpieces are specially curved and offer speeds in the 2,500 RPMs range. They provide higher torque efficiency and plenty of force, despite the low speed. 

Endodontic dental handpieces

Endodontic dental handpieces are designed specifically for use during root canal surgery. These are the handpieces that shape and clean the canals. These are 16:1 dental handpieces with speeds between 20 and 1,800 RPMs. 

Dental surgery handpieces

Dental surgery handpieces are also typically crafted at a 45-degree angle. They are ergonomically sound and generally feature a 1:1 gear ratio. Know the different ratios so that you’re able to choose a speed that works for any procedure that you’re looking into. 

These handpieces are specialized to fit your patients’ mouths and will allow greater access depending on what you need. Figure out what types of procedures you handle, and keep the right types in stock and well-maintained. 

Carefully study the shape, angle, and speed of these specialty dental handpieces. It will help you determine what jobs you can provide so that you purchase the best version for your equipment setup. Start with knowing your practice’s needs. 

Shopping for Different Dental Handpieces Types

Buying the right types of dental handpieces will help your practice more than you know. So, how do I choose the right dental handpiece?

First, consider what jobs the dental handpiece will be used for and choose the correspond handpiece types. High-speed handpieces remove hard tissue. Low-speed handpieces are good for removing caries. Then, compare the air-driven and electric-driven systems. The type of dental handpiece that you choose affects important factors like max speed, torque, weight balance, noise level, and price. Most importantly, find a reliable supplier that offers FDA-cleared products that are durable and protected by warranty.

Contact us to know more information about different types of dental handpieces.

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