Product Evaluation

When a handpiece loses torque in the middle of a procedure, it’s an inconvenient and frustrating experience for a clinician. And it’s more than just an inconvenience when slowdowns add to procedure time and can potentially damage the instrument. When this consistently happened to Dr. Sean Grady, he began searching for a replacement handpiece—hoping that he wouldn’t need to settle for a heavy, cumbersome device to get the reliable power he needed.

Fortunately, he discovered NSK’s Ti-Max Z990L, a premium high-speed air handpiece that’s packed with an unprecedented 44 watts of power and “had a tremendous amount of torque with every prep regardless of the situation,” according to Dr. Grady. Featuring NSK’s new DYNAMIC POWER SYSTEM that provides revolutionary power while shortening procedure time, the Ti-Max Z990L’s “torque is unbelievable,” he shared. “There were no situations in which the bur stopped during a preparation.”

In addition, the small-but-mighty handpiece features a compact, lightweight, ergonomic design for optimal clinician comfort and performance. “The texture and ergonomics provide a comfortable and confident grip, and the illumination is incredible, allowing me to see areas I used to have to prep by feel alone,” Dr. Grady said. “In 25 years of practice with a half dozen other handpiece brands, the Ti-Max Z990L was the best by far.”

Cutting Performance

Ti-Max Z990L’s DYNAMIC POWER SYSTEM uses innovative fluid simulation software to convert air into power and achieve a significant increase from 26 watts to 44 watts. The compact powerhouse also features an enlarged exhaust port for optimal torque at lower rpm, an optimized cylindrical nozzle, and an enlarged rotor buck for the highest rotational power in its category, according to NSK.

“It’s truly amazing to get so much power from a small, quiet handpiece,” said Dr. Michael Teitelbaum. “It seems almost like a jet turbine, forcing out the kind of torque I’d always assumed I’d need an electric handpiece to get.”

For Dr. Edward Lew, the handpiece “makes crown preps and cutting existing crowns so much easier and efficient because its consistent torque provides great cutting power.” Calling it “the highest torque air-driven handpiece I’ve used,” Dr. Kenneth Chae said, “Cutting is more efficient with shorter prep times and less bur chatter.” Dr. Rodolfo Olmos found the Ti-Max Z990L to be “powerful and easy to handle when cutting a posterior ceramic crown in a gag-reflexpatient.” Dr. Teitelbaum “loved the easy push button and quick disconnect,” and added, “Every handpiece should be this user-friendly.”

Access and Visibility

“The Ti-Max Z990L’s swivel option and light weight make it so much easier to navigate difficult areas,” said Dr. Lew. Calling the handpiece “remarkable,” Dr. Charley Cheney appreciates that “the low profile offers great clearance in the posterior quadrant.” Dr. Olmos said the head size made it “easy and comfortable to work on the most posterior areas,” especially in patients with a gag reflex.

Dr. Teitelbaum appreciates that the small head provides “more visibility but with even more power than other small-head handpieces.” Praising the ease of accessing the prep, Dr. Grady shared, “It provided great illumination, allowing for more confidence during the procedure.” Dr. Carl Sakamaki said, “It enhanced visibility and access for a difficult crown prep on tooth No. 31.” Both Dr. Grady and Dr. Teitelbaum also praised the quick and easy on-site turbine repair/replacement feature of the Ti-Max Z990L.

Ergonomics

Constructed of pure titanium, the Ti-Max Z990L weighs 20% less than other high-speed handpieces, according to the manufacturer. A layer of nonslip, scratch-resistant DURAGRIP coating improves grip, durability, and user comfort, and proprietary DURAPOWER CHUCK technology provides a sustained gripping force.

“It’s the lightest handpiece I’ve used throughout my career,” noted Dr. Eyad Haidar, a prosthodontist who was so impressed that he “plans on buying NSK high-speed handpieces in the future when my current ones fail.” Because it’s “light but powerful,” Dr. Olmos said, “It makes my work a lot easier and more comfortable for me and my patients.” Dr. Steven Edelson reported less fatigue after completing crown preps, and Dr. Ellen Lippa said, “I didn’t feel like I was putting undue pressure on my hand.” Dr. Sakamaki noted, “The feel and lightness makes it very easy to use.” Praising its “less vibration and lower noise level,” Dr. Lew said, “It doesn’t place added stress on my fingers.” Dr. Teitelbaum appreciates that “the texture almost grips my gloves so I don’t need as much force to hold it.”

Overall Satisfaction

“The Ti-Max Z990L is a step up from my other NSK handpieces, improving on an already great handpiece,” said Dr. Sakamaki. “I can’t think of a single aspect I would change,” concluded Dr. Grady. “All the benefits allowed us to work faster and be more efficient and accurate, and I completed each procedure more pleased than usual. In the future, the choice of what [handpiece] to purchase will be easy.”