One of the easiest ways to ensure your new turbine is installed correctly, is by maintaining proper turbine alignment during installation. If a turbine gets slightly out of alignment during installation, it is very easy to damage one or both of the 'O' rings which are crucial for optimal performance, balance, and a long handpiece service life.

The best way to keep your new turbine aligned during installation is to insert the rear bearing (opposite bur end) of the new turbine fully in the back cap first. Once the turbine is fully "seated" in the back cap, insert your new turbine and back cap in the head of the handpiece. Next, slowly thread and tighten the back cap one full rotation (the bur should always spin freely between your forefinger and thumb during this step). Continue to do this until the cap is fully tightened. If the bur does not spin freely at any time during this step, stop, and repeat step. Once the back cap is fully tightened, depress the push button to help fully seat the turbine in the head of the handpiece. 

*Take a look at the illustrations below. The handpiece we are using for this illustration is the Star 430. These principles can be applied to most highspeeds.  

Step 1: Fully seat the rear bearing of the turbine in the back cap. 

Step 2: Once the turbine is fully "seated" in the back cap, insert your new turbine and back cap in the head of the handpiece.

Step 3: Slowly thread and tighten the back cap one full rotation (the bur should always spin freely between your fore finger and thumb during this step). Continue to do this until the cap is fully tightened. If the bur does not spin freely at any time during this step, stop, and repeat step.

Step 4: Depress the push button to help fully seat the turbine in the head of the handpiece. 

Give this a try the next time you install a new turbine in your handpiece. I think you will be happy with the results!

Thank you for taking the time to read our first Tech Tip! Be sure to be on the lookout for more of these helpful tips in the future.

We are always here to help!  If you have any questions, or if we can help in any way, don't hesitate to contact us.

support@theturbinesource.com - 866-784-0366

Josh Gross is the owner and founder of The Turbine Source with over 30 years of experience in the dental handpiece and dental handpiece turbine business.