Image of a high quality, slow speed hand piece A tutorial on various handpieces aka drills used in the Dental and Hygiene IndustryDental handpieces – also referred to as “drills” – are tools that are essential to all dental practices. The term “drill: is less used today to reduce the visual fear of drilling into someone’s mouth. A wide array of dentists, oral hygienists, oral health specialists and technicians use these specially crafted pieces in order to improve the oral health of patients the world over.
Dental hand pieces are categorized by speed and function into two categories:
High Speed Handpieces:
A high speed dental handpiece is considered to be a device of extreme precision. High speed handpieces are designed for cutting tooth structure and finishing restorations. They are air-driven and can reach speeds of close to 500,000 RPM. Air is forced through a handpiece via an air compressor at 32 to 40 lbs. per square inch. An impeller, like a paddle wheel, spins at an incredible rated of speed. The impeller is attached to a spindle which grips the bur. The entire mechanism, called a turbine or cartridge, is rotated by high precision bearings. Thus, the spinning motion turns a very hard diamond tipped bur. This cuts enamel and tooth structure. Extremely precise and high-quality parts and bearings must be used for these instruments, or the entire turbine will fail to reach cutting speed. The best bearings and turbines to use for these handpieces are made in Germany by Myonic. Quality Dental Services is the authorized distributor of myonic products in the US.
Slow Speed Handpieces:
Similar to their high speed counterparts, slow speed handpieces are considered as precision tools for dental practitioners. The primary difference is that these slow speed handpieces operate at 5,000 to 40,000 RPM. Also, since slow speed does not create high heat levels, these handpieces do not require water circulation. Slow speed handpieces offer more torque than high speed handpieces which can translate to smooth, consistent cutting over a wide range of speeds. In addition, slowpeed handpieces are also used to clean and polish the teeth. Air-driven handpieces are powered by compressed air which moves through the handpiece into a cylinder. As the air moves through the cylinder, it moves across small rotor blades which are pitched at an angle, thus rotating the mechanism which holds the bur or attachment. Electric driven handpieces are driven an electric motor created by a magnetic field which spins the bur.
Typically, slow speed handpieces are saved for heavy-duty purposes such as:
- Cavity removal
- Preparing teeth for crowns, fillings, or veneers
- Orthodontic procedures
- Restorative work
A standout benefit of a slow speed handpiece is its extended lifespan that vastly exceeds its high speed counterpart. This longevity stems from the lessened operating speed, which generates reduced strain on the device’s mechanical facets. These handpieces require high quality and precision internal parts that you can find at Quality Dental Services.
Cleaning procedure for both types of handpieces: All high and slow speed handpieces must be cleaned and go through a rigorous sterilization process after every use. This means that the have to be placed in a 250 + degree Fahrenheit high pressurized steam or dry autoclave for at least 15 minutes to kill any germs and bacteria.
To find out more about these remarkable tools, please visit us at our website, qualitydentalservices.com. Or reach us via our contact information provided below.
Media Contact
Company Name: Quality Dental Services
Contact Person: Bill Davis
Email: Send Email
Phone: 800-543-4408
Address:1681 Beacon Pl
City: Oxnard
State: CA
Country: United States
Website: https://www.qualitydentalservices.com/
