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Prophy angle

Also called: prophylaxis angle, disposable prophy angle, DPA

The angled head on a slow-speed handpiece that spins a polishing cup or brush.

A prophy angle snaps onto the slow-speed handpiece and turns a rubber cup or small brush at a right angle, so it can polish teeth with prophy paste. Most offices use disposable plastic angles that come with the cup already attached. Polishing is done with light, intermittent pressure at low speed.

How to spot it

  • A short plastic or metal angle with a rubber cup or brush on the end.
  • Clicks onto the nose of the slow-speed handpiece.

What it is used for

  • Coronal polishing (polishing the crowns of teeth) after scaling, using the least abrasive paste that works.
  • Some procedures, like sealants, may use a brush to clean grooves (follow the material's instructions).

Safety and care

  • Disposable prophy angles are single-use: throw away after one patient.
  • Reusable metal angles are cleaned and heat-sterilized between patients.

Related

Sources: US Patent 7,255,559. Disposable dental prophy angle with secure retention mechanism, CDC. Statement on Reprocessing Dental Handpieces, Boyd LD, Mallonee LF, Wyche CJ. Wilkins' Clinical Practice of the Dental Hygienist, 14th ed. Jones & Bartlett, 2024, CDC. Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings, 2003. MMWR 2003;52(RR-17)