What type of instrument is used to polish teeth with a prophy cup?

The instrument used to polish teeth with a prophy cup is a prophy slow-speed handpiece. This specialized handpiece is designed specifically for dental prophylaxis, which is the process of cleaning teeth to remove plaque, tartar, and stains. The slow-speed handpiece operates at lower RPMs compared to high-speed handpieces, allowing for better control during the polishing process.

The prophy cup, which is typically made of soft rubber or silicone, attaches to the slow-speed handpiece and spins at a controlled speed to apply polishing paste to the teeth effectively. This combination helps create a smooth surface on the enamel and removes any debris without causing damage to the tooth structure or gums.

In contrast, instruments like the electric handpiece unit and surgical electrical handpieces serve different purposes, such as cutting and shaping tooth structure or performing surgical procedures, rather than polishing. An air abrasion unit utilizes a different method for removing decay or surface stains by blasting fine particles, which is not suitable for the polishing process that requires a prophy cup. Therefore, the prophy slow-speed handpiece is the most appropriate choice for this specific dental procedure.