Whether you are looking for or already have a high-speed handpiece, you must know some basic information about these tools. Here is everything you need to know about them.
Disassembling
Certain tools, such as an NSK handpiece, can be easily disassembled with a single twist so you can easily clean the inside of the piece, while others have more complex disassembling mechanisms. Either way, dental handpieces cannot be undone when attached to a power supply while working on a patient.
Optics
Today, many of these tools use cellular glass optics to illuminate your workspace. While other options are still available, this is the most popular because it is durable and will not deteriorate over time due to repeated sterilization.
Body
The body can come in different types of metal. Titanium is the most popular choice because it is durable yet lightweight. The lightweight is ideal for dentists who will be performing lengthy operations with their handpiece, and the durability can hold up to repeated sterilization. Additionally, there is little chance that patients will be allergic to titanium. That said, other metals are available to meet specific requirements dentists have.
Coating
The body will also have a coating over it, one that should enhance the metal’s biocompatibility properties and improve durability. A good coating offers a smooth, scratch-resistant surface that is comfortable to hold.
Sealing
An important part of the handpiece is the reliable sealing system that keeps bodily fluids from entering the head. This lowers the risk of contamination and can prolong the life of your tool.
Chuck
The chuck is the piece that holds the cutting bur in place. A chuck that operates with a push-button provides for easy bur changing and fewer tools required. Additionally, certain types of chucks can become stronger as the handpiece is used.
Many different factors can change on handpieces. The key to choosing the right tool or properly using the one you have is knowing as much as you can about their design.
