Hygiene & Prophy Handpieces

About hygiene and prophy handpieces

A prophy handpiece is one of the types ISO 14457 covers, and it spins a rubber cup rather than a cutting bur. The FDA describes the prophylaxis cup as a rubber device held by a dental handpiece: the handpiece spins the cup holding the polishing agent and the user applies it to the teeth to remove debris.

Slow, and for cleaning and polishing rather than cutting; the paste it carries is a separate device, applied to the teeth by a handpiece attachment.

Sources: ISO 14457:2017, Dentistry — Handpieces and motors · FDA 21 CFR 872.6290, Prophylaxis cup · FDA 21 CFR 872.6030, Oral cavity abrasive polishing agent