PRODUCT EVALUATION UPDATE
DPS revisits the evaluation of the Forza V3 Piezo Ultrasonic Handpiece System, checking in with current users and reporting on updates.
Forza V3 Piezo Ultrasonic Evaluation
Ergonomic for the clinician and comfortable for patients, this versatile piezo ultrasonic is ideal for hygiene, periodontal, and endodontic procedures
If you can use one piece of equipment for multiple applications and procedures, with positive clinical results and a reasonable ROI, why not give it a try? It seems like a no-brainer, especially if a competitor’s product only performs a fraction of the procedures. Brasseler’s Forza V3 Piezo Ultrasonic is one of those multipurpose products that offers versatility for the dental practice and comfort for the patient—all in one package.
Although it’s ideal for scaling and root planing and other hygiene procedures, the Forza V3 is not just limited to hygiene. In fact, it has just as many, if not more, applications for endodontic and periodontal procedures, according to Brasseler. Originally evaluated in 2015, DPS recently checked in with some clinicians who depend on the Forza V3 daily in their practices, including Lynn Ramer, LDH, who had nothing but high praise for the piezo ultrasonic.
Versatility for Hygiene, Endo, & Perio
Ramer has relied on the Forza V3 Piezo Ultrasonic for countless hygiene procedures over the last 6 years and is convinced that, when combined with a wide variety of tips, it makes life easier for her and for any hygienist who uses it. “I use it for biofilm and stain removal, prior to sealant placement, to remove heavy and tenacious supra and subgingival calculus, and for scaling and root planing. I have also used it to smooth slight overhanging margins of composite restorations,” Ramer noted.
With over 80 piezo ultrasonic tips available, the Forza V3’s versatility extends beyond hygiene applications and into dentistry, where it’s useful during endodontic, periodontic, surgical, and restorative procedures. A dentist who prefers to remain anonymous said the Forza V3 is reliable and has never failed him in 6 years. “The beauty of using a piezo scaler for bone surgery and endodontic procedures is in the precise control you have over the cutting point, even while using a mirror. The visual access is much better with a piezo than with a drill,” he shared. Endodontist Nathaniel Behrents, DDS, used it for a variety of endo procedures and said, “The small simple layout makes it easy to use, and its power makes it very effective.”
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"The small foot- |
"My patients said |
offers a great balance of size, weight, and ease of use." |
| Nathaniel Behrents, DDS Fayetteville, AR |
Lisa Juliana, PHDHP Carlisle, PA |
Rory Sprouse, DMD Marietta, GA |
Ergonomics
At only 33 grams, the slim, ergonomic design of the Forza V3 handpiece provides excellent visibility and access to the oral cavity. “It’s lightweight, well-balanced, and ergonomically designed, which reduces hand fatigue and allows for great tactile sensitivity,” shared Ramer, who said vibrations to the patient and operator are minimal, and she has not experienced hand fatigue from prolonged use.
The Forza V3 operates at a reduced noise level, which appeals to both patients and clinicians. “I loved that there was barely any noise,” shared hygienist Lisa Juliana, and Ramer said, “Patients have commented on the noise reduction, especially those who are extremely sensitive to high frequency noises.”
Dr. Behrents praised its compact size, saying, “The small footprint allows it to be present but not intrusive in the operatory.” Dr. Rory Sprouse agreed and noted, “I especially liked the small footprint of the motor/brain/control unit. It offers a great balance of size, weight, and ease of use.”
Visualization & Patient Comfort
With optional dual LED fiber optics, the Forza V3’s LED illumination allows for clear views with maximum visibility. “The light is a significant aid in visualization,” said Ramer. “It improves visibility, and I wear loupes and a light.”
Comfort is a common denominator among clinicians who use the Forza V3. Not only is the handpiece comfortable for the operator, but it also improves patient comfort. One doctor said his patients did not experience the “sting” associated with earlier piezo devices and, as a result, he was able to avoid using anesthetics. “My patients said they had less sensitivity with the piezo compared to a [competitor],” said Juliana, and Ramer stated, “Many of my patients have expressed less sensitivity and reduced or no discomfort, compared to other ultrasonic scalers.”
The adjustable water flow is another feature that’s appreciated by users and patients. “I find the water flow easy to adjust,” said Ramer, and Juliana agreed that the water amount was easy to manage. Ramer said she can use the device with minimal to no water for those patients who need an ultrasonic scaler but have difficulty swallowing. “I can also greatly reduce or eliminate water flow and not worry about the tip overheating,” she added.
"It's lightweight, well-balanced, and ergonomically designed, which reduces hand fatigue and allows for great tactile sensitivity."
-Lynn Ramer, LDH
Kokomo, IN
Overall Satisfaction
When asked if she would consider purchasing the Forza V3 Piezo Ultrasonic system, Juliana, who works in public health, replied, “If our clinic was in a better financial state, I would insist that we purchase it.” Ramer concluded, “I would definitely recommend the Forza V3. It’s a great value for the money and I have had no issues with the unit in 6 years.”
Takeaways
• Versatile piezo ultrasonic for hygiene, endo, perio, & restorative procedures
• Lightweight, slim, ergonomic design improves visibility and access
• Comfortable for patients and reduced noise level
• LED optic and nonoptic options
• Over 80 piezo ultrasonic tips available
