Handles

There are many handle options when ordering dental instruments from any manufacturer. Considerations include weight, balance, texture, diameter (size), shape, markings, and whether instruments are single- or double-ended. Double-ended instruments are often more efficient because the operator can flip the instrument rather than change instruments.¹⁰

Instrument weight should be balanced between ends and substantial enough that the handle is not pinched to activate a stroke. An instrument that is too light can cause as much hand stress as one that is too heavy.

Handles may be smooth or textured, rounded or contoured. Ergonomic guidance favors larger-diameter, textured, rounded grips over small, smooth, or sharply angled handles to reduce pinch force.^10,11 Many manufacturers offer large-diameter silicone or resin handles (examples include HuFriedyGroup handle systems, American Eagle ResinEight and similar lines, PD, LM-Dental, and others). Some designs use an hourglass or tapered profile intended to reduce pinch force and pressure on the tooth; reported percentage reductions vary by manufacturer study and should be interpreted as manufacturer-reported data unless supported by independent trials.¹²

Some instruments have shank markings to identify the correct cutting edge. Gracey-style curettes may include millimeter markings on the terminal shank. See Figure 2 for a variety of handles.

Figure 2.

Figure 2.