The W&H/A-dec Synea TA-96L™ fiberoptic high-speed handpiece is imported from Austria and distributed by A-dec. The handpiece has a compact head and is designed for a wide range of dental restorative procedures. It is designed to be used with the W&H 924 Roto Quick Coupler, which provides 360-degree swivel and easy interchangeability of handpieces. The fiberoptic bulb is inside the handpiece to reduce the distance from the light source to the handpiece head. In addition, the fiberoptics have been changed to a solid glass rod that is claimed to provide considerably brighter light and longer durability than W&H's previous fiberoptic technology. The handpiece has a push-button autochuck and can be heat sterilized in either an autoclave or chemiclave. The free running speed is reported to be 350,000 RPM at 45 psi. A pressure-regulating screw is standard that allows the handpiece to be used with air line pressures of either 32 psi or 45 psi. It should be noted, however, that using the handpiece at 32 psi reduces its power by 20%. The turbine is field replaceable to reduce handpiece down time but A-dec recommends returning the handpiece to the company for servicing. The W&H Synea TA-96L™ (including coupler) measures 14 cm in length and weighs 2.6 ounces. The head diameter and length of the handpiece are 10.5 mm and 13 mm, respectively. The distance from the back of the handpiece to the tip of a standard 19-mm bur is 22.5 mm (i.e., interocclusal clearance). The handpiece is warranted against defects in materials and workmanship for twelve months
The W&H Synea TA-96L and 96LW performed better than average for most parameters evaluated. The 11.2 watts of power, though in the lower third of all models, was still well above the 5 watts required for clinical acceptability. The concentricity of the unit ranked in the top half of all those reviewed, and its small head and good viewing angle increased visibility and access. The turbine only requires lubrication before sterilization and the turbine is field replaceable. The noise level of the handpiece was 65 decibels, which falls well below the maximum 8-hour, 85-dB(A) exposure limit established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The handpiecesaccepts air line pressures of 32 or 45 psi.
Although all of the turbines were still functioning after 1,000 simulated clinical uses/sterilizations without any degradation of power or speed, two of the chuck mechanisms failed. Improved fiberoptics in the TA-96LW model retained 80% transmission after 1,000 uses, while the 96L model only retained 21% transmission and also required frequent bulb replacement.
This review has been adapted from the DECS website. The DECS has no formal association with Dentalcompare or with vendors listed on dentalcompare.com. The DECS does not specifically endorse any particular product or vendor and is provided for informational purposes only.
