Product Evaluation

HENRY SCHEIN

Maxima PRO 2AR Handpiece Evaluation

The Maxima PRO 2AR handpiece is designed for aerosol reduction and anti-retraction — while still providing excellent cutting power and superior visibility and access

Infection control and sterilization procedures have always been paramount to protect patients and staff within a dental practice, but the recent pandemic has heightened awareness of airborne pathogens that may be lingering in the dental operatory. This means that patients are now acutely aware of the measures their dental practitioners are taking to keep them safe. Luckily, many dental manufacturers are adapting their products in ways that expertly combine safety and efficiency.

Specifically engineered for aerosol reduction and anti-retraction, Henry Schein’s Maxima PRO 2AR high-speed, air-driven handpiece controls airborne particle emissions and prevents suck-back of fluid and particles. It controls aerosols at the source without sacrificing performance, featuring 20 W of power and a small but powerful head for superior visibility and accessibility. The handpiece is available in optic (PRO 2LAR) and nonoptic (PRO 2SAR) models and is easy to connect to a coupler.

“You usually give up power and torque for smaller handpieces,” noted Robin Henderson, DDS, who said that was definitely not the case with the Maxima PRO 2AR handpiece. “Although it is smaller than my pedo handpiece, it had more power and torque than my other handpieces,” she said. “I was able to work significantly faster with this handpiece, both in terms of cutting efficiency and the small size, allowing for much improved access to areas that would ordinarily slow me down.”

Aerosol & Noise Reduction

According to Henry Schein, the Maxima PRO 2AR handpiece reduces emission of airborne particles by an average of >90% compared to typical air highspeeds.* An active sealing system prevents suck-back of fluid and particles, reducing the risk of cross[1]contamination in air and water lines. The dentists who tested the handpiece appreciate its aerosol reduction and anti-retraction properties, which have been proven by Henry Schein’s research. However, since aerosols are not visible, the evaluators were unable to quantify if aerosols were reduced or suck-back was prevented.

They did, however, comment on illumination, water spray, and noise level, with Dr. Rita Kapmarski saying the “great illumination, diminished spray angle, and less sloppy water” solved her previous issues with other handpieces having weak lights or wide spray areas. Robert Conte, DMD, cited its “very quiet” operation as a favorite feature, and Dr. Rick Siegel disclosed, “I have been practicing for 36 years and, at this point in my career, the quieter the better. This is the quietest air-driven handpiece; it’s not screaming in my ear all day long.”

Power, Torque, & Cutting Performance

“I always want to cut as efficiently as possible to save time and prevent undue trauma to the tooth, and this handpiece is very effective and efficient,” said Dr. Henderson, who called the Maxima Pro 2AR an “excellent value with better power, torque, and access in the oral cavity than any of my other handpieces.” Dr. Ivan Terrero said it provided “abundant torque and quiet operation,” and Ricardo Ochinang, DMD, said it “delivered adequate torque to allow for improved cutting and preparation of teeth.”

Praising its “consistent motion, smooth cutting, and quick stopping ability,” Dr. John Jackfert said the handpiece slowed very quickly to prevent cutting a patient’s tongue, but he would prefer more torque and speed. “I can work fast with this handpiece,” stated Dr. Siegel. “Torque is also very important to me, and the torque of this one is unmatchable. This is hands down the best handpiece I have ever used.”

Ergonomics & Access

“This handpiece has a sufficient weight that allows for better hand control when making fine movements for preparing teeth,” said Dr. Ochinang, and Dr. Conte said the light weight was a favorite feature. Describing it as “well balanced and lightweight,” Dr. Terrero said the handpiece was easy to use and connect, and Dr. Henderson shared, “Ergonomics were excellent, and access and visibility were better than with my [other] handpiece.” Explaining that she sometimes needs to use short shank burs, she said the small size of the Maxima PRO 2AR allowed her “to use regular burs for everyone and still have room to work.” Dr. Kapmarski suggested a “pedo-size head for pediatric patients,” Dr. Kirk Melton said the head is too big and reduces visibility, while Siti Lowery, DDS, praised the “great head size for tight and not-so-tight spaces” and said, “The handpiece integrated seamlessly into my practice.”

"This is hands down the best handpiece I have ever used. The torque is unmatchable."
-Richard Siegel, DDS
Marco Island, FL

Overall Satisfaction

Since she has only used one big brand-name handpiece in 10 years, Dr. Lowery was excited “to try a new product with improved features…I love it.” Calling the Maxima PRO 2AR awesome, Dr. Siegel said, “It’s as quiet a handpiece as I have ever used. I’m going to purchase at least 4 immediately.” Dr. Ochinang concluded, “It is a great handpiece for a reasonable value that would rival any of the brand names. I am excited to add it to my rotation knowing how well it performs.” And Dr. Kapmarski declared, “The Maxima PRO 2AR is a gold-standard handpiece.”

Takeaways

• Reduces emission of airborne particles by an average of >90% compared to typical air highspeeds*
• Active sealing system prevents suck-back of fluid and particles, reducing cross[1]contamination
• Small head size allows for superior visibility and access
• Abundant torque and quiet operation
• Available in optic and nonoptic models with easy connection