What You Should Know Before Buying a Dental Turbine

Buying rotary instruments can seem like a challenge at first glance. However, it is not difficult if you know what you are looking for. The key is to understand how they work. Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about turbines that can get you started purchasing the right one. 

How Do Turbines Work?

The first step for buying the right dental turbine is to understand how they work. A turbine is a component inside of a handpiece that spins when compressed air is forced over it. The turbine is attached to the cutting bur, which causes it to spin. They can spin at very high speeds, but they tend to produce lower amounts of torque. 

What Are Their Parts?

The turbine is made up of several parts that do all the work. The standard parts include the spindle, chuck, impeller, front bearing, rear bearing, o-rings, washer, and slinger. 

What Impacts Their Performance?

Two primary factors impact the performance of a turbine, starting with head size. For instance, if you have a smaller handpiece, you will need to purchase a smaller turbine. Getting a turbine that is the wrong size can prevent it from being installed into your handpiece. Additionally, you will want to consider the vibration a turbine produces. The noise produced by turbines is irritating to both you and your patients. Look for parts with higher vibration levels for lower amounts of noise. 

What Can Cause Them To Fail?

The turbines inside of your dental handpieces won’t last forever. Over time, the turbines are still going to wear down due to tooth fragments, excessive air pressure, the sterilization process, general wear, water, improperly fitting lathes, poor quality balls, and residue buildup. However, you can prolong their life by choosing the right turbine and using proper maintenance techniques. 

There are a few things that you need to know to choose the right turbine for your practice. While this may seem like a daunting task, it is easier after learning what to look for.