Handpiece, Highs and Lows
Handpiece manufacturers have made great strides over the years in improving illumination, ergonomics, bearing technology, efficiency, and heat reduction, yet the changing demands of doctors and sterilization guidelines have kept manufacturers on their toes. Doctors and staff also have had to stay on top of changes in maintenance and sterilization protocol.
General practitioners are satisfied with the quality of handpieces on the market today. A large majority of these GPs are satisfied with their handpieces. Well over three-quarters of the respondents are indeed pleased with the quality of currently available handpieces Eighteen percent strongly agreed that they were satisfied with the quality, another 68% agreed, and just 15% either disagreed or strongly disagreed.
Another look indicates that most doctors believe their handpieces hold up well during sterilization and are comfortable to grip. But surveys reveal GPs’ concerns surrounding maintenance, repairs, and noise. About eight in 10 respondents were happy with the way their handpieces withstood sterilization, and nine in 10 were satisfied with the comfort of the grip for use during extended procedures. But more than one-third agree their handpieces require too much maintenance, 41% state they are in need of repair too often, and more than eight in 10 agree the noise generated by their handpieces is a concern
Maintenance and repairs
Proper maintenance of handpieces is critical, especially since many of them face a higher demand per procedure, are used for more procedures per week, and undergo more heat sterilization than in years past. Proper cleaning and oiling can go a long way in extending the life of a turbine.
As far as repairs are concerned, 38% of the doctors do none of the repairs in the practice, while another 33% do no more than one-quarter of their repairs in the practice. Self-repair kits that allow practices to place new bearings and O-rings themselves have become popular among dentists who choose not to send all of their handpieces off-site for service. Air pressure is another factor that can reduce the life of a turbine. Higher air pressure used by the doctor correlates to a shorter life for the turbine
Developments
While the basic design of dental handpieces has remained unchanged for decades, key enhancements like water spray, fiber optic lighting, swivels, and easy-to-use push-button bur releases have all made today’s handpieces more durable and more efficient. Advancements in technology have improved the performance and life of high-speed handpieces. Manufacturers have adjusted head size to accommodate tight areas.
Swivel systems, cellular optics, and improvements in push button chucking mechanisms, 6-pin connectors, quieter operation, and more durable turbines, ceramic bearings, anti-retraction valves, and better maintenance systems. Materials like titanium, also have improved and some design changes have been implemented solely to help turbines work longer.
Buying factors, plans
As with most purchases, price is the top factor when it comes to influencing a doctor’s handpiece selections. But right behind price is the reputation of the vendor. Type of bur changing mechanism was chosen by 57%, indicating that speed and ease of use are clearly important to doctors.
Sterilization protocol (39%) and warranty (37%) were next, while factors like recommendations from salespersons or colleagues, and ergonomic design were not quite as influential. Doctors are getting good life from their handpieces, are experiencing quick repair turnover, or they have a few extra handpieces in the practice
Sterilization
After the American Dental Association convened a special workshop in 1992, it was determined that handpieces-and all other instruments that enter the mouth-should be sterilized after each patient use. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has also published infection control recommendations in 1993.
An overwhelming majority of respondents (81%) use conventional autoclaves as the method to sterilize their handpieces (see “Handpiece sterilization” chart, page 22). Fourteen percent use conventional chemical vapor, and slightly more than one out of 10 use a unit designed specifically for dental handpieces
Types of handpieces used
The air-driven highspeed and lowspeed turbines that have been popular for years are still being used in just about every dental office. When asked what types of handpieces they have in their practice, 98% of the GPs said highspeed air turbine and 95% said lowspeed air turbine.
Electric handpieces, meanwhile, have garnered some adamant fans recently, and more companies in the United States have begun to offer them. They boast better torque, quieter operation, and improved durability when compared to air-driven turbines. Drawbacks to electric include a heavier weight and a larger head size than standard air-driven highspeeds.