Handpieces sare one of the most common dental instruments used in dentistry. They have multiple applications in endodontics, implantology and dentistry in general, so having a comfortable handpiece is essential. Both electric and air-driven handpieces have their advantages and drawbacks. For example, in many countries, air-driven parts are more popular because they are cheaper. However, the use of electric handpieces is becoming more and more common.
What factors must be taken into account when choosing between these two hand pieces?
These two models of hand pieces are a good option, and much better than the old options, since there are advantages in each system. When we compare the air handpieces and the electric ones, there are two very important factors that we must take into account:
- The speed: expressed in revolutions per minute.
- Torque: is expressed in watts and measures the power of the instruments.
8 Advantages of air handpieces
The air handpieces, use the energy of the air to create the rotary movement. This technology has been used for years as it is very easy to use. As a result, many manufacturers have increased the quality of the products and reduced their price.
- The hand pieces of air, every day are smaller.
- They are lighter.
- They are more manageable than electric ones.
- They have greater accessibility.
- Reduces fatigue, so it provides a better user experience.
- They have a much more sensitive work process, since you can "hear" the contact of the strawberry with the tooth.
- They have a higher speed but a lower touch compared to electric handpieces.
- When the piece comes into contact with the tooth, the resistance raises and lowers the speed to 50,000 - 300,000 rpm.
However, there are also certain disadvantages, as it is the case that produces a greater noise and a greater vibration, so it is very difficult to get the dental clinic to be a relaxed place.In addition, it can cause some anxiety in many patients.
9 Advantages of electric handpieces
Many people feel hesitant to start using electric handpieces, as they have a very large learning curve.These handpieces use an electric motor to create the rotation movement of the strawberries, which causes them to weigh a little more and therefore increase the fatigue.In addition, if used by a professional with little experience may increase the risk of increasing the pressure on the tooth that does not produce "sound" as is the case of air hand pieces. However, it has some advantages:
- Reaches 200,000 rpm.
- They have a very constant torque that does not decrease with resistance.
- It produces a smoother and more precise cut.
The great advantage of the electric hand piece is the possibility of defining a constant speed,which allows a high flexibility in the preparations.- The constant speed can be between 100 and 40,000 rpm.
- Many electric handpieces allow to control torque and low speed and do an ENDO preparation.
- The diameter of the head is a little smaller, so the viewing angle is much better.
- Patients often prefer this model because they are quieter and do not produce as much vibration.
- In addition, electric motors, today are equipped with LED light,which gives a greater advantage.
Making a decision on which of the two is the best alternative is not easy, since the initial outlay is an important investment for dental clinics. However, studies have found that electric handpieces are more efficient, especially with the metal alloys used in dental procedures.
