,Lightweight NSK handpieces use piezo technology to effectively remove calculus and biofilm, and make cleanings more comfortable for patients and clinicians, ,
,No doubt about it, the hygienist is the backbone of the dental practice, just as the hygiene appointment is the backbone of a healthy mouth. But whether it’s by hand scaling or with the aid of powered instruments, cleanings can be uncomfortable for hygienists, who are tasked with removing heavy calculus and biofilm all day long. Fortunately, there’s a better way., ,NSK’s Varios is an ultrasonic scaler with piezo technology and a lightweight, slim handpiece that easily accesses the oral cavity to remove even the toughest calculus., ,“It’s an efficient and easy way to remove calculus, with much less wrist strain,” said Schelli Stedke, MDH, RYT, CHC, a dental hygienist for almost 20 years and a clinical instructor for a dozen more., ,The Varios handpiece works by using the energy of ultrasonic vibration. With a vibrating tip that operates at a frequency between 28 and 32 kHz, the piezo handpiece uses the energy made by that vibration to crush and remove calcified deposits and other debris on the teeth., ,While hand instruments are cumbersome, less time efficient, and more labor intensive, other powered instruments that use magnetostrictive technology have a tip that oscillates in an elliptical motion, which means more vibration and water output—issues that can have a negative effect on patient comfort. “The Varios tips vibrate in a linear motion for less vibration, heat, and patient discomfort,” Stedke explained., ,NSK offers 2 models: the Varios 970 and the Varios 370. The Varios 970 has a built-in LED light that increases visibility in the oral cavity for virtually shadowfree illumination. User-friendly and self-flushing, the Varios 970 can be completely self-contained using 2 water reservoirs if it can’t be connected to dental unit waterlines. The Varios 370 is a compact unit that can be mounted to a dental delivery unit and comes in both optic (with LED) and non-optic models. Both feature a wide choice of ultrasonic scaler tips for every scenario—from heavy ledge-like calculus to accessing deep, narrow pockets and furcations., ,“Patients benefit from not having their mouths fi ll with water as quickly as with the magnetostrictive instruments, and clinicians can work in a less saturated fi eld, which means less aerosol is created,” said Stedke. “This results in a cleaner, safer environment for both patients and clinicians.”
