It has been replaced by a far better device, the Fine-Cut Endodontic Handpiece.
But since so many people still have them, I leave this here for it's historical value and for the tidbits of information that you might glean from it and the fact that the Fine-Cut Endo Handpiece does exactly the same motion as the STS but without all the drawbacks. Among which are:
(Notice Finger Positions)
The plain truth is that the STS is a modified toothbrush.
It is larger than a typical handpiece, and heavier, and more awkward to use.
The main advantage it has is that it is the fastest, most efficient, safest way to prepare canals.
No rotating instruments.
Minimal possibility of breakage.
AND IT IS FAST.
Most canals can be enlarged from 15-50 in less than two minutes, most of the time with only four and sometimes only ONE file.
These magnets inside the handle create a magnetic field that affects two permanent magnets in the tooth brush (now endodontic) assembly, moving them back and forth or in the case of endo, in and out.
Since the head is so small, Fine-Cut files are the only ones that will fit.
Notice the small sise of the file holding adapter.
It is generally a good idea to adjust the position of the rubber stop after the file is in place to avoid moving it while handling the file.
To stabilize the file, simply slide your fourth finger forward. There is too little movement to injure the finger or to cut through the rubber glove.
Notice Water Spout Position If the amount of linear movement is too small and the free-floating self-aligning feature of the Fine-Cut Sonic Adapter is not needed for some reasong, it is possible to insert the file up-side-down.
The file will be held much more rigidly in place and the amplitude of the stroke will be greater.
This might be used to remove set cement.
Then simply screw the adapter off, screw the lock nut off, sterilize and reverse the process to reassemble.
Note: This is not necessary with the Fine-Cut Endo Handpiece as the head is permanently attached and is sterilized with the whole handpiece.
Align it properly and holding it in place, turn the lock nut counter-clockwise until tight against the adapter.
Small adjustments for proper alignment can be made by turning the adapter itself after the lock nut has been tightened.
The modified toothbrushes will wear out before the Fine-Cut Sonic adapter.
If you are mechanically inclined and want to save a few dollars, you can even make your own modifications of the toothbrush.
It would probalby not be productive but it is simple to do.
We suggest that you buy your first one so you can be sure it will be done correctly and then copy it after that.
They are available in lengths 22, 25 and 29mm.
If you are a pedodontist you may need 22mm but no one else will. The overall size of an adapter including a 25mm file is about 28mm which makes it shorter than most handpieces with a 21 mm file.