NSK’s Ti-Max X450 line of 45-degree, air-driven, surgical handpieces combines an industry-leading 21 W of power with unsurpassed access to and visibility in the oral cavity.
The Ti-Max X450 handpiece has “an incredible amount of power for such a light handpiece,” shared a New Hampshire dentist who evaluated the handpiece for 4 weeks for Dental Product Shopper. A Philadelphia dentist who specializes in surgical implants described the X450 as a “nice handpiece [that is] powerful and very light.”
The Ti-Max X450 series of air-driven surgical handpieces are available in 9 models: 7 are optic versions featuring a variety of manufacturer couplings, while 2 are non-optic versions featuring NSK and fixed back couplers. Ten dentists, a combination of general practitioners and oral surgeons, evaluated the X450M4 model, which is the fixed-back, 4-hole, non-optic model, for this DPS evaluation.
Ease of Use and Access to and Visibility in the Oral Cavity
Manufacturer Description: The X450’s unique 45-degree angled head provides excellent accessibility and visibility during root separation procedures and the removal of hard tissue covering impacted third molars. All 9 models feature the same head size, 3 water jet ports, a titanium body, and a 2-year warranty.
Evaluator Feedback: The handpiece “easily adapts to configured hoses and [is] easy for the staff to care for,” remarked a California dentist who has been in practice for 16 years. Other comments about ease of use from evaluators were “the water spray was very consistent” and the nonswivel base “made it difficult to turn.” All evaluators ranked access to and visibility in the oral cavity as excellent or very good, with comments such as "visibility [was] excellent" and "the size is good."
Ergonomics
Manufacturer Description: With a solid titanium body, the X450 is 30% lighter than stainless steel, more durable and corrosion resistant. Because of its reduced weight, well balanced shape and slim ergonomic design, the X450 is comfortable to hold and provides a natural tactile sense.
Evaluator Feedback: All 10 evaluators rated ergonomics as excellent, very good or good, and one doctor from Waxahachie, TX, who has been practicing for 7 years commented, "Overall a very solid product. Ergonomics were excellent." Five evaluators, including 2 oral surgeons, mentioned that the light weight of the handpiece was what they liked best about the product. "I really enjoy how light the handpiece feels in my hand," explained a dentist with 11 years? experience. Other observations about ergonomics were, "The handpiece feels a bit plasticky," "It's light weight," and "The size is good."
Cutting Performance
Manufacturer Description: NSK’s unique twin nozzle head fully transmits the power of the air turbine to the X450’s rotor, generating the high torque needed for powerful, consistent cutting. The robust 21 W of cutting power and effective cooling system—featuring triple water jets—ensure safe and effective treatment during a variety of surgical procedures.
Evaluator Feedback: When asked what they liked best about the X450, an Ohio oral surgeon replied, “its cutting power,” and a Fallbrook, CA, dentist commented, “I love the torque!” A Los Angeles oral surgeon, who rated the cutting performance as good, would like to see the “torque” improved, and a San Francisco general dentist who performs a large volume of endo procedures shared, “The torque was good enough to cut through teeth as well as bone.”
Overall Satisfaction
Although “long-term use is needed to further evaluate the longevity of the handpiece,” remarked a dentist in practice for 3 years, who rated overall satisfaction as very good, “this handpiece is much better than [a competitive 45-degree handpiece] I’ve used in the past.” A Maryland dentist in practice for 40 years, who would probably recommend this handpiece to colleagues, stated, “[It] serves our purposes well.”
When asked to compare the NSK Ti-Max X450 to similar products, 7 evaluators said it was much better or somewhat better and 3 said it was about the same. One oral surgeon suggested that the “pricing should be more competitive,” and a Dover, NH, dentist summarized, “Overall a very good handpiece. When I am ready for a new one, this is definitely the one to buy!”
