Have you been tempted yet by the increasingly enticing array of electric micromotors and speed increasing contra-angle handpieces now on the market? Or are you firmly attached to your faithful air turbine and reluctant to face the idea of change at this point in your career?
On the whole, those I’ve spoken to that have taken the plunge seem delighted to have done so and wouldn’t dream of returning to the air driven handpiece. When it comes down to it, both types of instruments are ultimately used for the same applications. So what would convince you to move over?
Control
“For me, it was the control,” says Denplan dentist Robert Rutland, who is principal of Broadway Lifesmiles in Thatcham, Berkshire. “I’m obsessive about getting every last detail exactly right and I found that the Bien Air micromotor I trialled a little while ago was so beautifully precise that I decided to buy and haven’t used an air turbine since. You have so much control over the speed as you work and the torque is reassuringly constant.”
Indeed the torque is one of the key selling points, as Bien Air’s Carl Wood confirms. “There is understandably some reluctance from dentists who have used an air driven handpiece for years and have been perfectly happy with them, but when they experience how powerful the micromotors are even at very low speed, they are usually very impressed by the performance and the ease of carrying out procedures that can be quite labour intensive with an air turbine. Although high speed air turbines certainly do their job, because of their relatively low torque the bur can slow considerably faced with high resistance material. The high torque on the electric micromotors means the speed can remain constant so you can be more accurate with a lighter touch.”
Robert agrees, commenting: “I find the slow handpiece is excellent for removing caries – it’s very gentle and allows you to remove only what is absolutely necessary, which of course any dentist following a minimally invasive approach greatly appreciates.”
Other stand-out comparisons include less vibration, which is more comfortable for both the operator and the patient, and far less noise, a factor that can make for more relaxed patients and therefore a less stressful experience all round. Robert also prizes the very useful LED ‘headlights’ on his chosen model, so there’s no shadow while you work and the fact that it has four water jets rather than just one.
Visibility
Visibility and accessibility were two of the criteria that attracted dentist and clinical lecturer Louis Mackenzie to NSK’s Ti-Max Z 1:5 speed increasing contra-angle. Among its unique selling points are its small head and slim neck dimensions, which make it ideal for reaching difficult angles, especially in restorative procedures.
“I find it allows very controlled, precise finishing of cavities for direct restorations, preparations for indirect restorations and accurate shaping of resin composite restorations,” says Louis. “There’s minimal vibration while you work which of course increases accuracy and reduces the risk of iatrogenic damage. The fact that it’s also so quiet compared to the air turbine makes it very popular with patients, which can only be a good thing.”
The Ti-Max Z outer body is made from solid titanium which is 30 per cent lighter than stainless steel yet far more durable and resistant to corrosion, according to the manufacturer, and features ‘Quattro Water Spray’. The benefits associated with speed increasing contra-angles and micromotors appear to be particularly beneficial for dentists specialising in restorative work.
Adjustment
There is no doubt that for any clinician changing from an air driven handpiece to an electrically driven system a period of adjustment is needed to feel completely comfortable with each procedure.
Traditionally, the electrically driven systems have been heavier than their air driven counterparts, though the more recent models are much lighter and shorter than those that appeared on the market a few years ago and are now very similar in weight, size and balance to an air turbine. Because the extra torque means there’s no need to press so hard, they can actually be easier on the wrist and hand.
As with all dental equipment it is important to keep the equipment maintained at all times and while servicing does tend to cost more than for air turbines there is some consensus that less actually tends to go wrong with them so the overall costs may be less. At first sight, expense is perhaps the most common reason dentists might resist changing to electrically driven systems, however it could be argued that shortened treatment time due to their extra power and versatility of the wide speed range and applications might actually offset the extra cost in the longer term. On the continent, many practices haven’t used air turbines at all for years and dental students are being trained in the use of both systems during their studies.
Sooner or later, all equipment has to be replaced and with finance widely available, discounts available through some dental payment plan specialists and no obligation trials on offer, it could be worth taking a closer look at whether the latest electric micromotors and contraangle handpieces could now be right for you.