Whether air or electric, handpiece motors create the rotary power necessary to operate a handpiece. Many motors have what is known as an “E-Type” attachment connection. “E-Type” is a recognized international standard that ensures compatibility between any “E-Type” handpiece attachment and any “E-Type” motor.
Top 10 Handpiece Control Units in Dentistry
Table 1: Comparison of Numeric Features
| Feature | elements™ e-motion | Shorty® Low Speed Air Motor | Alegra Low Speed Air Motors | Titan® 3 Motor | Titan® E Low Speed Motor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum Speed (rpm) | N/A | 30,000 | 25,000 | 5,000 | 20,000 |
| Minimum Speed (rpm) | N/A | 0 | 5,000 | 100 | 150 |
| Motor Connection Type | E-Type | 4 Hole | E-Type | N/A | E-Type |
| Power Type | Electric | Air | Air | Air | Electric |
| Manufacturer Name | KERR CORPORATION | DENTSPLY NORTH AMERICA | W&H IMPEX INC | DENTALEZ | DENTALEZ |
Table 2: Comparison of Key Features
| Feature | elements™ e-motion | Shorty® Low Speed Air Motor | Alegra Low Speed Air Motors | Titan® 3 Motor | Titan® E Low Speed Motor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Application | Endodontic | Restorative | N/A | N/A | Restorative |
| Brand | elements™ | Midwest® Shorty™ | N/A | Titan | Titan |
| Speed Type | N/A | Low Speed | Low Speed | Low Speed | Low Speed |
| Tubing Connection Type | N/A | 4 Hole | 4 Hole | N/A | N/A |
| Special Features | Adaptive Motion Technology, Touchscreen Interface | Precision Control, Easy Attachment of Modular Components | Ergonomic Lightweight Design, High Torque | Lubrication Not Required | Lube-Free, Forward and Reverse Rotation |
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Top 10 Dental Air & Electric Handpieces
1. elements™ e-motion Endodontic Motor System
elements™ e-motion Endodontic Motor System features adaptive motion technology that automatically changes from rotary to reciprocation based on the file load. It consists of nearly 200 preset file settings and has a touchscreen interface.
- Designed to be used with NiTi files for canal instrumentation
- 4 mounting options for handpiece holder
Brand: elements™
Contains: 1 INTRA LUX Motor KL 207 LED, 1 control unit, 1 elements™ 8:1 handpiece, 1 power supply, 1 power cable, 1 foot control and 1 motor cord
Manufacturer Name: KERR CORPORATION
Motor Connection Type: E-Type
Power Type: Electric
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2. Shorty® Low-Speed Air Motor
The Midwest Shorty® low-speed air motor connects to a handpiece and is used for restorative procedures.
- Available in single-speed (0-6000 rpm) or 2-speed (0-6000 rpm and 0-30,000 rpm)
- Precision control and quiet operation
- Easy attachment of all modular angle components
Application: Restorative
Brand: Midwest® Shorty™
Manufacturer Name: DENTSPLY NORTH AMERICA
Maximum Speed: 30,000 rpm
Minimum Speed: 0 rpm
Package Quantity: 1/Pkg
Power Type: Air
Special Features: Accepts All-Midwest Modular Attachments, Non-Fiber Optic
Speed Type: Low Speed
Tubing Connection Standard: ISO Type B
Tubing Connection Type: 4-hole
Top 10 Dental Air & Electric Handpiece Sets & Kits
3. Alegra Low-Speed Air Motors
Alegra Low-Speed Air Motors are quiet and operate smoothly to provide tactile feedback.
- A-dec|W&H, Midwest, or StarDental connection
- Ergonomic lightweight design, high torque, smooth operation
- Nonlighted; no spray
- Fixed back; connects to 4-hole tubing
Compatible Coupler Type: E-Type, W&H RotoQuick RQ-24, W&H RotoQuick RQ-04
For Use With A-dec W&H
Manufacturer Name: W&H IMPEX INC
Maximum Speed: 25,000 rpm
Minimum Speed: 5000 rpm
Motor Connection Type: E-Type
Operating Pressure: 45 psi
Package Quantity: 1/Pkg
Power Type: Air
Speed Type: Low Speed
Tubing Connection Type: 4-hole
Weight: 88 g
4. Titan® 3 Motor – 5K Motor
Titan® 3 air motors connect with Titan® 3 attachments to perform a variety of dental procedures.
- Forward and reverse rotation
- Lubrication is not required
Brand: Titan
Compatible Sterilization: Autoclave
For Use With Extended Straight Attachment
Manufacturer Name: DENTALEZ
Material: Stainless Steel
Maximum Speed: 5000 rpm
Minimum Speed: 100 rpm
Operating Pressure: 40 to 45 psi
Package Quantity: 1/Pkg
Power Type: Air
Speed Type: Low Speed
Standards Met: CE 0344, ISO 13485:2003
5. Titan® E Low-Speed Motor
Titan® E low-speed motors connect to all E-type attachments to perform a variety of dental procedures.
- Comes in both swivel and 4-line fixed back end
- Lube-free to reduce maintenance time and cost of repeated lubrication
- Better performance under high load
- Less likely to stall under higher torque requirements
- Forward and reverse rotation
Application: Restorative
Brand: Titan
Manufacturer Name: DENTALEZ
Material: Aluminum, Stainless Steel
Maximum Speed: 20,000 rpm
Minimum Speed: 150 rpm
Motor Connection Type: E-Type
Operating Pressure: 40 to 45 psi
Package Quantity: 1/Pkg
6. Ultimate XL Series Brushless Torque Micromotor
The Ultimate XL Series Brushless Torque Micromotor reduces hand fatigue and allows smoother operation when working on even the most delicate procedures for extended periods.
- Ripple-free, smooth rotation with 180° vector control system
- Powerful and stable torque across the entire speed range
- A lightweight, compact body improves balance.
- The unique dust-proof mechanism prevents contamination for higher durability.
- Minimal vibration and noise from hermetically shielded micromotor unit
- Approximately 30% increased chuck strength enables work on a wider variety of materials
Manufacturer Name: NSK AMERICA
Maximum Speed: 50,000 rpm
Minimum Speed: 1000 rpm
Package Quantity: 1/Pkg
Power Type: Electric
7. Titan® E Low-Speed Motor
Titan® E low-speed motors connect to all E-type attachments to perform a variety of dental procedures.
- Comes in both swivel and 4-line fixed back end
- Lube-free to reduce maintenance time and cost of repeated lubrication
- Better performance under high load
- Less likely to stall under higher torque requirements
- Forward and reverse rotation
Application: Restorative
Back End Connection Type: Fixed
Brand: Titan
Manufacturer Name: DENTALEZ
Material: Aluminum, Stainless Steel
Maximum Speed: 20,000 rpm
Minimum Speed: 150 rpm
Motor Connection Type: E-Type
Operating Pressure: 40 to 45 psi
Package Quantity: 1/Pkg
8. iProphy Air Motor
Application: Hygiene
Brand: iProphy Air
Manufacturer Name: NSK AMERICA
Maximum Speed: 3000 rpm
Operating Pressure: 35.5 PSI
Package Quantity: 1/Pkg
Power Type: Air
Speed Type: Low Speed
9. Brushless Torque Micromotor
The world’s leading laboratory micromotor just got better. The ultimate range has evolved to run even smoother and be more powerful. With a 180° vector control system, it assures you to work more efficiently and stress-free. The handpiece shape has been designed extremely carefully, with ergonomy and functionality always being at the forefront of the designer’s mind. The result is a handpiece that considerably reduces hand fatigue and makes it easier to work on even the most delicate pieces of work for extended periods. Experience the next-generation performance the Ultimate XL has to offer.
- Ripple-free smooth rotation with 180° vector control system
- Powerful and stable torque across the entire speed range
- Easy-to-hold handpiece design ensures precision
- The lightweight compact body reduces hand fatigue and improves balance.
- The unique dust-proof mechanism prevents contamination, therefore, achieving higher durability
- Minimal vibration and noise from hermetically shielded micromotor unit
- Approximately 30% increased chuck strength enables you to work on a wider variety of materials
Manufacturer Name: NSK AMERICA
Maximum Speed: 50,000 rpm
Minimum Speed: 1000 rpm
Power Type: Electric
10. Electric Doriot Motor
- High torque at all speeds
- Variable foot control
- Solid-state transistorized feed-back circuitry maintains speeds under heavy loads.
- Double rear cooling vents allow for continuous operation without overheating
- A heavy-duty motor to withstand the laboratory environment
- No lube required
- Not autoclavable
- 1-year warranty
Application: Laboratory
Compatible Bur Diameter: 3/32″
Manufacturer Name: MEDIDENTA INTERNATIONAL
Maximum Speed: 35,000 rpm
Operating Voltage: 0-30 V
Power Type: Electric
Table 3: Comparison of Numeric Features
| Feature | Ultimate XL Series Brushless Torque Micromotor | iProphy Air Motor | Brushless Torque Micromotor with 2 m Cord | Electric Doriot Motor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum Speed (rpm) | 50,000 | 3,000 | 50,000 | 35,000 |
| Minimum Speed (rpm) | 1,000 | N/A | 1,000 | N/A |
| Motor Connection Type | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Power Type | Electric | Air | Electric | Electric |
| Manufacturer Name | NSK AMERICA | NSK AMERICA | NSK AMERICA | MEDIDENTA INTERNATIONAL |
Table 4: Comparison of Key Features
| Feature | Ultimate XL Series Brushless Torque Micromotor | iProphy Air Motor | Brushless Torque Micromotor with 2 m Cord | Electric Doriot Motor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Application | N/A | Hygiene | N/A | Laboratory |
| Brand | N/A | iProphy Air | N/A | N/A |
| Speed Type | N/A | Low Speed | N/A | N/A |
| Tubing Connection Type | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Special Features | Ripple-Free Smooth Rotation, Powerful and Stable Torque, Lightweight Compact Body, Unique Dust-Proof Mechanism | N/A | Ripple-Free Smooth Rotation, Powerful and Stable Torque, Lightweight Compact Body, Unique Dust-Proof Mechanism | High Torque at all Speeds, Variable Foot Control, Solid State Transistorized Feed-Back Circuitry, Double Rear Cooling Vents, No Lube Required, 1-Year Warranty |
