Time to Reconsider Electric Handpieces
Lighter, more compact models offer efficiency with less fatigue
To maximize efficiency and profitability in dentistry, the most important piece of equipment to own is a handpiece. There are only two types of handpieces—air driven and electric. Most of the time, the choice comes down to what you used in dental school. I was fortunate to meet Fred Salzman from Becker-Parkin Dental Supply and Arthur Mateen from Bien-Air at the Chicago Midwinter Meeting in 1995. They educated me on the benefits of using an electric handpiece 20 years ago, and I have not looked back since. Although I did not originally learn operative techniques with an electric handpiece, the transition from air driven to electric involved a very short learning curve. The benefits were game changing for me.
Bien-Air offers precision, reliability, and quiet operation. The efficiency with which you can prepare a tooth without stalling out is significant. Removing an old amalgam restoration or cutting off a zirconia crown is much more efficient with an electric handpiece. Creating surface texture on a composite restoration is much easier when the speed can be controlled and more torque can be used. Finishing the final crown preparation with the Bien-Air electric handpiece creates laser-like margins.
Years ago, the knock on electric handpieces was their added weight compared to air-driven handpieces. BienAir’s new Micro-Series contra-angles are 40% more compact and 33% lighter, offering perfect balance, power, and versatility. By reducing the size as much as possible, the balance point of the instrument/micromotor assembly has been moved noticeably forward. The force required to keep the instrument in the hand has been significantly reduced. This allows for more accurate movements with less fatigue at the end of the day.
The latest developments in Bien-Air contra-angles incorporate a new shaft and gear system mounted on pre-stressed ball bearings. This offers vibration-free transmission and reduces energy loss. These new Bien-Air shaft and gear systems simultaneously provide outstanding smoothness and improved sensitivity. This translates to more comfort for you and your patients.
Handpieces for operative procedures are not the only type Bien-Air manufactures. Their implantology contra-angle has an irrigation system that is internal to the instrument—a world first—so your grip is not impeded by the irrigation line.
Finally, if you like cutting-edge technology, check out the iOptima. It allows you to transform your dental unit into a modern system equipped with a brushless and sensorless micromotor utilizing an iPod interface.
About the Author
Bob Margeas, DDS, is adjunct professor, department of operative dentistry at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry in Iowa City, Iowa. Dr. Margeas also maintains a private practice in Des Moines, Iowa.
Key Takeaways
· Precision, reliability, and quiet operation
· 40% more compact and 33% lighter for perfect balance and less fatigue
· Speed control, torque, and electric efficiency without stalling
For more information, contact:
Bien Air Medical Technologies
800-433-2436
www.bienair.com
