Product Evaluation

Ultrapro Tx Air Handpiece Evaluation

The lightweight, ergonomic Ultrapro Tx Air removes tough stains while maximizing user comfort and minimizing vibration, noise, and splatter

When performing prophy procedures, clinicians often experience aching, fatigued hands from heavy, unwieldy handpieces and awkward hand positions. Add in motor vibration and loud noise—and some splatter, for good measure—and you may conclude that discomfort is simply part of a day’s work.

However, Ultradent designed its next-generation Ultrapro Tx Air handpiece with enhanced ergonomics for the practitioner without sacrificing patient comfort. The lightweight (2.2 oz) handpiece is equipped with a 360° swivel for easy rotation and access, and is compatible with nearly all disposable prophy angles. A vibration-free motor minimizes splatter while removing tough stains.

“It is so light and friendly on the hands,” exclaimed Colorado hygienist Cristina Brasuel, RDH, one of several dental professionals who participated in this DPS evaluation. Dr. Patrick Tanner described the Ultrapro Tx Air as “easier to use, smoother, and quieter,” and remarked, “It not only works and sounds great, it also looks more up to date and modern.” Together, this team of evaluators gave the Ultrapro Tx Air a DPS Best Product rating for its topnotch design and performance.

Ergonomics & Maneuverability

With other handpieces, Chitra Shikaram, DDS, experienced hand fatigue, bulkiness, and too much noise, but that was not the case with the Ultrapro Tx. “The Ultrapro Tx is light in weight, fits small hands, is less bulky, and is relatively quiet,” she told DPS. Similar feedback was offered by hygienist Paige Seaborg, who said she was hoping to find a lightweight, affordable low-speed handpiece and discovered that the Ultrapro Tx Air offers ergonomic comfort priced within her budget. Donald Roman, DMD, said he was hoping to move away from bulky traditional low speeds that require multiple motors and nosecones. “[The Ultrapro Tx Air is] comfortable in the hand for less fatigue during use,” he noted, explaining, “The motors are extremely light, come with multiple nosecones, and are cost-effective in addition to being a quality instrument.” One clinician recommended a cordless option, and Brasuel said her favorite features were the 360° rotation and the small size.

Lack of Vibration & Reduced Noise and Splatter

According to Ultradent, the universal E-type motor features high torque and operates vibration-free up to 4,000 RPMs. A soft start feature helps prevent prophy paste splatter. Describing the Ultrapro Tx Air as a very nice low-speed for prophy use, Dr. Roman said it was “smooth and quiet with good speed control…the motor does not bind.” The Ultrapro Tx Air is “quiet, lightweight, and easily cleansable,” according to Dr. Suzanna McAninley, and Nicole McGraw, RDH, called it “easy to use with much less vibration.” McGraw said she would like to have been instructed on specific cleaning procedures, and added, “[I like] the stylish design and color.”

Prophy Angles

Like the handpiece, the ergonomic shape of the Ultrapro Tx disposable prophy angles reduces hand and arm fatigue. Available in Original, Extra, and Skini, and with firm or soft cup options for each, the angles feature patented gear design for smooth, quiet operation, according to Ultradent. Innovative cup design—both inside and out—ensures exceptional cleaning, producing optimal flare and reducing splatter.

 “We were using prophy cups on a latch type, low-speed handpiece,” said Dr. Brian Lee, explaining that “the prophy paste would get into the gears of the handpiece and cause them to break quickly, and the speed was too high, causing a lot of splatter.” Once he switched to the Ultrapro Tx Air handpiece, Dr. Lee and his team began using disposable prophy angles and discovered that “they spin at a lower speed, causing less splatter, and do not generate heat.” Seaborg said she likes the flexible rubber cups of the prophy angles, and Dr. Lee explained, “Using this product has allowed me to polish without worrying about splattering prophy paste all over myself and the patient.”

"They are quiet, lightweight, and easily cleansable."
-Suzanna McAninley, DMD
Seattle, WA

Overall Satisfaction

All of the evaluators said they would recommend the Ultrapro Tx Air to their colleagues, including Dr. Lee, who said he’s planning on purchasing another motor for his other operatory. “It’s light, looks sleek, and is reliable,” he noted. Commenting that they needed more handpieces so they can sterilize between patients and comply with new regulations, Brasuel said, “Ultrapro Tx’s 3 sterilizable heads fulfilled the need.” Seaborg said that the affordable price point allowed their office to purchase additional handpieces to meet CDC guidelines. Describing it as a great smooth handpiece that her patients enjoy, McGraw added, “It’s sharp looking.” Dr. McAninley concluded, “Ultradent makes great products and this handpiece is no different.”

Takeaways

•2.2-oz ergonomic handpiece is designed for optimal practitioner and patient comfort
•60° swivel enables easy rotation while reducing hand and arm fatigue
•Soft-start, vibration-free motor removes tough stains while minimizing splatter
•Ultrapro Tx disposable prophy angles feature patented gear design for smooth, quiet operation]
•Innovative cup design provides optimal flare and reduces splatter