Benchmark: KaVo Dental's COMFORTdrive handpiece

The Dental Advisor;

Benchmark: KaVo Dental's COMFORTdrive handpiece

March 21, 2012

Dental Products Report, Dental Products Report-2011-08-01, Issue 8

The characteristics of high-pitched noise, reduction in torque under load and vibration of the bur, often associated with air-driven handpieces, are being replaced by the quieter, smoother and concentric motion of electric handpiece systems. Electric handpiece systems have taken dental handpieces to new levels of performance by offering advances in torque control, power, noise level, illumination, concentricity of movement, lubrication and maintenance.

Doctors use a handpiece for every procedure in the office. It is critical to have this instrument perform without breakdown during operation. Handpiece sizes have evolved to smaller head sizes and the introduction of multi-directional, multi-speed electric handpieces allowed dentists to have slowspeed control with highspeed power and torque. Electric handpiece systems offer high torque, low vibration and quieter operation. The ability to maintain a constant speed under load is what gives the electric handpiece the power advantage.

Ideal Handpiece Features
Constant speed and torque
Concentric cutting
Quietness during operation
Versatility for multiple types of procedures
Manual control of operating speed
Excellent optics
Consistent water spray

KaVo COMFORTdrive offers a no-bur-stall feature and exceptional bur concentricity for improved efficiency. One of the greatest complaints of clinicians converting to electric handpiece systems was the increased weight as compared with air-driven handpieces. KaVo COMFORTdrive was evaluated to be lightweight as well as ergonomic while offering the power and torque one would expect from an electric handpiece. The handpiece features an integrated sterilizable motor that provides consistent performance while reducing the distal area length after the pivot point in the doctor’s hand, allowing for comfort and control. The KaVo COMFORTdrive operates at 55 dB and all evaluators reported it to be the quietest handpiece they had ever used. The handpiece delivers excellent fiber optic light output. The system is designed for easy setup with no learning curve and doctors using air-driven handpieces can seamlessly make the transition. The handpieces were easy to maintain on a QUATTROcare handpiece maintenance system with the COMFORTdrive adapter. KaVo COMFORTdrive is designed for precision cutting and quieter operation and all evaluators indicated they would recommend this handpiece to a colleague.