How Low-Quality Burs Can Damage Your Airotor – And Cost You More in Service and Repairs

How Low-Quality Burs Can Damage Your Airotor – And Cost You More in Service and Repairs

Airotor handpieces are among the most vital (and expensive) tools in any dental clinic. Designed for speed and precision, they help dentists work efficiently and with confidence. But did you know that something as small as a low-quality or damaged bur can drastically affect the life and performance of your airotor?

Let’s break down how using poor-quality burs can hurt your airotor handpiece – and your wallet.

1. Imbalance Causes Bearing Damage - Cheap burs often have uneven shanks or poor manufacturing tolerance, which leads to imbalance at high speeds. This creates micro-vibrations that may not be felt initially but wear down the bearings inside your airotor rapidly. The result?

Increased noise during use, Reduced cutting efficiency, Frequent bearing replacements

2. Heat Build-Up Can Burn Internal Components - Low-quality or dull burs require more pressure and time to cut. This causes excessive friction and heat, which not only affects patient comfort but also:

Damages O-rings and turbine parts, Warps internal components, Reduces overall handpiece lifespan

3. Risk of Bur Slippage or Breakage - Improperly fitting burs can slip during use or break inside the handpiece, posing a serious safety risk. Bur breakage can damage the chuck mechanism, which is one of the most expensive parts to replace or repair.

4. More Frequent Airotor Servicing - When burs cause wear and tear, your airotor ends up in service centres more often. You’ll be spending on:

Bearing and turbine replacements, O-rings, Chuck mechanism repairs, Spindle issue,  Increased downtime = fewer patients treated. Over time, the cost of service and lost productivity exceeds the money saved on cheap burs.

5. Handpiece Warranty Issues - Some manufacturers may void warranty claims if it's found that substandard or non-recommended burs were used. Saving a few rupees on burs could cost you thousands on a new handpiece.

The Bottom Line - Your airotor is only as good as the bur you use in it. Investing in high-quality, well-balanced, and certified burs not only improves your clinical outcomes but also extends the life of your handpiece and reduces maintenance costs.

Choose wisely. Spend smart. Save more.

BRIXO Dental – The NAME you can TRUST.