A Goal Whose Apex Is Precision and Quality

If we’re discussing the role handpieces play in dentistry, it’s not a stretch to compare it to the relationship between a toothbrush and toothpaste. In both cases, one cannot exist without the other. Nestled firmly in the middle of this analogy is NSK. As a global leader and the world’s largest manufacturer of dental rotary instruments, NSK continues its commitment to maintaining the highest quality products, starting with the tiniest of small parts that make up its storied line of handpieces and micromotor technologies. And it all begins with numbers.

Including the company’s state-of-the-art handpieces, there are 6,500 NSK products, and together, they require as many as 23,000 parts. Every gear, ball bearing, shaft, and squadron of small screws work in perfect synchronization. The end result is a product inventory of leading-edge, well-working instruments that clinicians have come to rely on for quality and durability. 

30 Processes for 1 Component

At NSK, it can take up to 30 processes to create one complete component from a bar of raw material. In fact, the parts for one single product require 930 machining processes. And every individual part is cut and polished to a precision of 1/1,000 mm. It’s an impressive mantle to hold, and it requires the utmost care and highest standards of quality control. Case in point is the company’s contra angles. NSK introduced the first 45° contra angle in the world in 2013 as part of its Ti-Max Z line. Today, the Ti-Max Z95L contra angle is an operatory must-have for many clinicians, and one of the most formidable electric handpieces on the market. Contra angles depend on gear accuracy, and NSK standards require exacting meshing precision, as well as a gear runout within 5 microns. If those exacting standards are not met, additional stress is put on the gears, leading to noise and vibration.

 What Noise & Vibration?

Speaking of noise and vibration, both patients and clinicians will find less of both while operating the Ti-Max Z95L. Its gears are coated with a special diamond-like carbon and designed using High Spec 3D simulation software, resulting in 2 benefits. First, most vibration is eliminated, and second, the coating increases the longevity of the instrument, which offers up to 5 times greater wear resistance than previous models of NSK handpieces.

A DPS Best Product, the Ti-Max Z95L provides the power of a larger high-speed handpiece with a small head size and slim neck dimensions, allowing for easier access to hard-to-reach areas, along with enhanced visibility. The compact and balanced ergonomic design offers a tactile feel and lightweight to reduce hand fatigue. The solid titanium body is strong, yet 30% lighter than stainless steel, and the DURAGRIP coating makes it comfortable in the hand. The corrosion-resistant metal can be autoclaved, and the unique head design limits heat generation while dispersing any heat produced. NSK's Clean Head System prevents cross-contamination with an anti-suck-back mechanism that prevents fluid from entering the device's head. The Clean Head System also preserves the handpiece's ball bearings and mechanical parts, which results in enhanced longevity.

“The electric handpiece runs well with high power and very low noise,” shared Dr. Stephen Gordon. “I can easily prepare teeth for composite restorations, core buildups, crowns, onlays, or laminate veneers quickly and efficiently, which reduces appointment time and increases patient comfort and satisfaction.”

The Ti-Max Z95L features the world’s first patented 2-way spray technology, which allows clinicians to choose—with a simple twist of the switch—between Water Spray (water + coolant air) and Water Jet (water only) functions. When extra safety is needed, clinicians can switch to the Water Jet for maximum protection and decreased air spray and aerosols, while still maintaining handpiece cooling and overall performance.

The Power of Air

Prefer air-driven handpieces? NSK has that covered as well, with its newest addition to its air-driven line of handpieces, the Ti-Max Z990L. Powerful, with a 44-watt turbine, the Ti-Max Z990L features a DYNAMIC POWER SYSTEM that uses an innovative fluid simulation software to convert air into the power of the turbine from 26 watts to 44 watts. The Ti-Max Z990L features enhanced chuck function, using a wedge-shaped part that grips the bur firmly with a force generated by the effect of the wedge to prevent slippage. The Ti-Max Z990L features a high-speed emergency stop function on both the front and back of the air turbine head, which can reduce the risk of intraoral entrapment and suck-back.

In a nod toward further improving ergonomics, NSK designed the Ti-Max Z990L to be 20% lighter than other handpieces, with a pure titanium body that creates microsurface unevenness to prevent slippage. The Ti-Max Z990L features a 100° angled head for easier access and high-torque cutting in the oral cavity.

“Some would say a handpiece is a handpiece,” said Ron Kaminer, DDS. “Anytime you’re doing crown and bridge or operative restorative dentistry, you’re going to want to use a handpiece like this.”