It’s easy to stick with what works—a familiar handpiece that’s reliable and has done the job well for years. But what works and what’s ideal aren’t always the same thing. For Dr. Jennifer Chiang, the sticking point was the head of her electric handpiece. In this DPS product review, the Forza+ X5 from Brasseler USA changed that with its 100° angled head designed to follow the mouth’s natural anatomy, improving access.
“I wasn’t sure I’d like the angled head at first, but it ended up being my favorite feature,” she said of the Forza+ X5. “It feels almost like using a surgical handpiece, which makes it especially helpful for difficult-to-access tooth preparations.”
Ultimately, Dr. Chiang said she’d recommend the Forza+ X5 to colleagues within the dental profession, and at the end of the review period, she expressed interest in purchasing a unit for her practice.
Cutting Performance
The Forza+ X5 is a 1:5 speed-increasing handpiece capable of up to 200,000 rpm, with an improved chucking mechanism built to keep torque steady throughout preparation.
Specifically looking “to attain high, consistent torque,” endodontist Dr. Tony Hsu found, “It fulfilled my need.” He highlighted how the Forza+ X5 offered “consistent torque even while drilling through dense and hard material,” and he added, “It reduced the time needed to gain access through a ceramic crown.”
“It felt like a solid handpiece and seemed to check off all my boxes,” Dr. Steven Jaskiel said while assessing the handpiece’s “consistency, predictability, and torque.” He also noted, “I liked how it grabbed my burs more securely.”
Periodontist Dr. Ravichandra Juluri pointed out that electric handpieces are efficient in general, and with the Forza+ X5, he recalled “sectioning a bridge faster than with my regular high-speed handpiece.”
Similarly, Dr. Lisa Ference described “inconsistent torque with air-driven handpieces,” finding that “electric has a more constant torque.”
Compact Design and Smooth Operation
Weighing 61 grams and featuring a compact 13.8- by 8.9-mm head, the Forza+ X5 is designed to feel light and balanced while also minimizing hand fatigue over longer periods. Plus, the handpiece’s ceramic bearings and optimized gear structure support smooth, low-vibration operation.
When asked what they liked best about the Forza+ X5, Dr. Varo Boyer lauded its size and Dr. Brian Gurinsky appreciated its ergonomics. Dr. Hsu noted his preference for a smaller head size.
Dr. Ference, who has used various Brasseler handpiece models over the past decade, said the Forza+ X5 was “well-balanced and light” and “better ergonomically than earlier versions” of Brasseler’s “quality handpieces.”
“This handpiece was an improvement in terms of noise compared to my [existing handpieces],” Dr. Jeremy Schell said. He praised its “smooth and efficient operation” during a case involving multiple anterior crowns, while both a patient and one of his assistants acknowledged “a decrease in noise from the handpiece vs prior appointments.” Dr. Juluri also mentioned the handpiece’s “low noise and smooth cuts.”
Adaptability in Practice
The Forza+ X5 includes a clean head system to help reduce contamination risk, an antiheat system aimed at limiting heat generation during use, as well as an adjustable water spray—all of which contribute to a safer, more predictable performance across a wide range of clinical applications.
Calling it a “great product,” Dr. Schell said, “The Forza+ X5 worked quickly and quietly for all restorative procedures I used it on. It was very effective in tooth preparation with well-controlled water irrigation.” He particularly recalled a case where it “made prepping teeth Nos. 7 and 8 quick and easy.”
“The controlled water spray increased patient comfort during the procedure,” Dr. Schell continued, adding that “the water coolant spray was more diffuse than my current handpiece and did a better job of clearing debris and also keeping the tooth cool.”
Dr. Jaskiel liked the “consistent and even spray of air and water,” and he said the handpiece “helped me remove a zirconia crown with ease.” Dr. Hsu said, “It was extremely useful in obtaining root canal access through a ceramic crown.” Dr. Chiang said, “The angled head was especially helpful for difficult-to-access lower molar cases,” and Dr. Janice Darko noted a difference across the board, saying, “All my restorative work was easier” while using this handpiece.
Overall Satisfaction
“I like everything about it,” Dr. Darko declared, highlighting the Forza+ X5’s excellent cutting efficiency, light weight, strong power and speed, angled head, adjustable water spray, and overall ease of use. She also reported spending less time chairside.
Dr. Gurinsky simply said it was a “nice handpiece,” Dr. Jaskiel called it an “overall good product,” and looking ahead, Dr. Schell commented, “This is a great option for replacing [my] handpieces when the time comes.”
