Some modern brushless electric dental handpiece motors operate at approximately 30,000 rpm. These are sometimes used with a 1 to 7 speed increasing contra angle and a friction grip type head capable of handling speeds above 200,000 rpm. Constant torque is what makes the electric application so special. What this means is, at the entire speed range of the handpiece, torque remains relatively constant. With Air Driven Handpieces, you have to wait until turbine comes up to speed before maximum torque and cutting power is achieved. Electric handpieces will require a significant amount of patience to get use to, but high torque and quiet operation (which patients surely appreciate) should make it worth the wait.
