Lawrence Saint, built-in kit specialist at NSK, talks through the benefits of electric handpieces and explains why there’s no reason not to ‘go electric’ in 2023.
Dentists need reliable, effective handpieces to work efficiently. What we know is that electric motors, combined with speed increasing contra-angles, deliver both performance and reliability across all disciplines.
This is backed by feedback direct from clinicians themselves. Dentist Chris Leech, partner at Clear Dentistry, Hampshire, is a big fan and a convert to electric. ‘When you apply pressure onto the handpiece, the torque is so superior it allows you to cut far more accurately with a lot more tactile feedback,’ he said.
With experience like this, it’s little wonder that there has been a move away from the use of air turbines and towards electric-driven handpieces in recent years.
This move has been accelerated in part by the pandemic, during which concern about aerosol generation led dentists to explore alternatives to turbines.
But the increase in popularity can also be attributed to better education and a growing awareness amongst the profession of the benefits of electric.
Standout benefits
The flexibility of electric motors means that they have the option to replace air turbines completely. The benefits include:
- Superior control – the consistent speed of an electric motor, helps reduces fatigue and strain for the dentist and increases accuracy and predictability. In short, an electric motor will deliver unrivalled, smooth, and easy cutting performance
- Exceptional torque – driven by the electric motor, the torque of electric handpieces like the NSK Ti-Max Z95L allows dentists to select the speed required and work with complete precision, whether it’s at a fast or slow RPM. Electric motors now deliver speeds up to 40,000 RPM, and you can multiply this by five by using a speed increasing contra-angle
- No loss of torque/speed – Electric motors drive the handpiece at a constant speed regardless of the pressure applied or the material being cut, mitigating the issue of ‘cut out’ often associated with air turbines. This saves chair time and reduces frustration, enabling treatment to be carried out with uninterrupted performance
- Noise reduction – unlike traditional turbines, electric motors are quieter. Often a contributing factor in patient nervousness, the noise of turbines can be seen as a disruptive presence in the surgery
- Aerosol reduction – Speed increasing handpieces generate less aerosol than turbines and, to further enhance this benefit, the Ti-Max Z95Land Ti-Max Z45L are fitted with two-way spray technology unique to NSK. This enables clinicians to switch between a water/air mix and water jet only with a twist of the switch.
Moving with the global market
In the UK we have a strong legacy of using air turbines, but in Europe it’s standard to build treatment centres with two electric motors.
Now, as UK dental schools start to recognise the many benefits of electric, the market will likely accelerate. As leaders in handpiece manufacture, sales, and support, NSK is the perfect partner for any clinician interested in migrating some or all their handpieces to an electric option.
Time to switch
The key to dentists making the change to electric is being able to try the motor and handpiece for themselves and NSK can accommodate this through our 10-day free trial option with a portable (plug and play) micromotor.
Once the decision is made there are three main ways to convert to electric depending on budget and preferences. Of course, an electric motor can be specified when ordering a new chair, but existing treatment centres can also be retrofitted with a micromotor by an engineer.
Portable units are also available and can be attached to the turbine hose and use the air and water from the dental unit.
Feel the difference
With a global market reportedly growing at 5.2% in one recent survey, electric is here to stay. There are so many options to upgrade existing equipment that going electric is an easy decision to make and NSK’s team is available to give knowledgeable advice and guidance through the process.
I would encourage all dentists to give an electric motor a try in 2023, in combination with a speed increasing contra angle, all available from NSK.
To experience the benefits of electric first hand, choose NSK’s no-obligation free 10-day trial at www.mynsk.co.uk/trials-demos/. Or contact your local NSK field sales representative for more information on how to switch www.mynsk.co.uk/contact-nsk.
