Product Evaluation

LARES RESEARCH

557 ProSTyle SF

Highspeed handpiece features a compact head, reliable cutting performance, quiet and smooth operation, and exceptional customer service

Stephen Miller, DMD, MAGD, has been a Lares customer for as long as he can remember. So, when it came time to purchase a few more handpieces for his practice, he put his trust in the manufacturer once again. “It is a very solid company, and my sales rep is top notch,” Dr. Miller explained, adding that Lares sells their handpieces at a great price point. He specifically praised the 557 ProStyle SF highspeed handpiece for its efficiency, which saves him preparation time in the operatory.

Equipped with a compact head and SilentForce (SF) technology, the 557 ProStyle SF is available in several different options—with or without swivel, with or without fiber optics, and with the choice of ceramic or steel bearings. Lares also offers a lightweight version that features their original Signature Grip. In a recent Dental Product Shopper evaluation, Dr. Miller and several of his peers explained why they chose to add the Lares 557 ProStyle SF to their highspeed handpiece armamentarium.

Access, Visibility, and Ergonomics

Amanda Bucklin, DDS, was looking for a handpiece with a smaller head for better visibility of the work area and decided to give the 557 ProStyle SF a try. “This definitely has a smaller head than most handpieces I have tried,” she said, adding that the small head, light weight, and reasonable cost are her favorite features. Dr. Kamal Vibhakar also praised the compact head, which “allows for more visibility in the oral cavity.” Jesse Cole, DDS, agreed that the handpiece offers excellent visibility and handling due to the small head size.

“The ease of access to the most distal tooth” is one reason why Dr. Valerie Drake relies on the 557 ProStyle SF in her practice. Due to the compact head and ergonomic design, she can access “difficult-to-reach areas such as teeth Nos. 2 and 15 much more easily.” She also commented on the reliable grip, saying, “I wanted a handpiece that allowed me to have a firm grip rather than feeling like my fingers might slip on the handpiece.” Dr. Jeffery Starr listed the “weight and feel in my hand” as his favorite feature and said, “The bearings have lasted much longer than expected.”

Cutting Performance and Noise Level

Intended to reduce hard tooth structure, remove decay, and facilitate preparations during restorative procedures, the 557 ProStyle SF is equipped with a SteelGrip push-button chuck system. The exclusive SilentForce Technology and DynamicPrecision balancing ensure quiet, smooth operation with long lasting concentricity and plenty of cutting power, according to Lares.

Praising its good cutting power, Dr. Cole said he uses the 557 ProStyle SF daily in his practice. “This is my workhorse, an all-around great handpiece that has been my handpiece of choice for years.” Dr. Vibhakar pointed out that he sometimes has trouble with the push button, and Dr. Drake recommended that Lares “keep making them quieter.” Because she can practice much more efficiently with this handpiece, Dr. Bucklin said she refuses to switch brands. “I have been asked to switch [to a different handpiece] several times and to try others, but I just can’t seem to give up using the Lares.” Prior to Lares, Dr. Reymond Bautista experienced a lack of dependable highspeeds to meet the needs of his busy practice. Switching to the 557 ProStyle SF has allowed him to operate more efficiently. “Now, we have dependable highspeeds,” he noted.

Factory Direct Customer Service and Repairs

With their factory-direct advantage, Lares sells directly to dental customers in the United States. Customers also receive factory-direct customer service and repairs. Lares will repair a handpiece quickly and economically, usually within one business day, and provide preaddressed free repair pouches and free repair shipping.

“Lares’ customer service is top notch,” stated Dr. Drake. “I have used them for over 20 years. They answer all my questions and respond immediately. It is also easy to replace the turbines myself, so I have limited down time for a handpiece.” Dr. Miller called Lares an excellent company, and Dr. Bucklin said, “The company has always been great to work with.” When asked what he liked best about the 557 ProStyle SF handpiece, Dr. Bautista replied, “The customer service and dependability.” He explained, “The company is easy to talk to and has a quick turnaround time,” which is especially important because he said he cannot practice efficiently when he is short a dependable highspeed.

"I like the small head, light weight, and reasonable cost."
-Amanda Bucklin, DDS
Coldwater, MI

Overall Satisfaction

Collectively, the dentists who took part in this evaluation gave Lares a perfect score in the customer service category and an overall Best Product rating. “I love using Lares handpieces,” shared Dr. Bucklin. “The 557 ProStyle SF is a perfect handpiece for me to use in my dental practice.” Dr. Vibhakar said he has tried other brands of handpieces over the years, but “the Lares handpieces have been old faithful.” He said he’s used Lares products for 35 to 40 years and added,

“That itself says a lot. All I can say is the product has served me well over these many years.” Dr. Starr summed up his thoughts about the 557 ProStyle SF by saying, “It makes me a better dentist.”

Takeaways

• Equipped with a compact head for easy access and improved vision
• SilentForce technology and DynamicPrecision balancing ensure smooth operation with plenty of cutting power
• Factory-direct sales, service, and repairs
• SteelGrip pushbutton chuck system for simple and smooth bur insertion
• Secure, ergonomic grip