Turbines are high-speed rotary tools used to remove dental tissue and decay from teeth in the shortest time, making them the most important tool in restorative dentistry. Turbines operate by compressed air hitting the cartridge rotor in their head, which generates rotation and torque. Turbines have high speed and low torque and do not exert much lateral force on the motor and handpiece. However, depending on the turbine design, varying levels of contra-angulation have been considered.
A turbine consists of a rotor and two bearing cartridges. Turbines vary in quality based on the manufacturer and system design but can generally be categorized into two types:
- Bearing Cartridge Turbine
- Air Bearing Cartridge Turbine
The operation of all turbines is based on these two types. Bearing cartridge turbines offer higher working quality compared to air bearing cartridge turbines.
Air motors are rotating tools with low speed, and their rotational force is generated by air. In air motors, the force causing rotation is air.