Wet versus dry technique

A difference like night and day

Wet versus dry – these absolute opposites extend to podiatry and foot health. Podiatry drills work with two different techniques that pursue the same goal but take a different approach. But how does the dry technique differ from the wet technique? What are the advantages and disadvantages, and why does RUCK set on the dry technique?

The large difference between the two techniques is located in the binding of the dust. If the nail and callus dust is sucked directly into the handpiece during dry work and collected in a special bag, a wet spray mist ensures that the dust is bound during treatment with the wet technique. Although both techniques remove dust from the field of vision equally well, the difference between them is significant, as opinions on the preferred option vary greatly. Ultimately, personal preference will always determine which technique you prefer. Take your time before purchasing a device and weigh up the pros and cons. Do not ignore the arguments that, in our eyes, can be considered disadvantages of the wet technique.

Advantages and disadvantages of the wet technique

Advantage:

The spray mist cools the skin and nail surfaces, which many patients find extremely comfortable, especially in summer. Moreover, no heat is generated even at high speeds. Nail burs and grinders glide more easily over the skin. In addition, the drills work quietly because they have no suction.

Disadvantage:

The mist created by the spray results in deposits on all the surfaces in the clinic, which then require extensive hygiene measures in the form of surface disinfection. In addition, the slurry of water covers the work surface and obstructs visibility. The moisture also adheres strongly to the skin, hair and clothing.

Disadvantage:

Inhalation of the mist along with airborne pathogens poses health concerns for both the practitioner and their patients. If the fluid used for the spray contains disinfectant or alcohol, these aerosolised chemicals obviously pose further health concerns since they are suspected of damaging the respiratory tract and mucous membranes.

Disadvantage:

Because the head size of the bur can affect the spray, the choice is limited. Due to the presence of a fluid tank, the drills are also larger and heavier than those that use the dry technique. A particularly high effort is the constant refilling of the spray liquid.

The advantages and disadvantages of the dry technique

Hygiene is the key benefit when using the dry technique: The nail and skin dust that forms during treatment is immediately extracted at the handpiece, which ensures that the field of vision is always clear and so ensures precise work. Even micro particles are permanently and successfully trapped and then the dust bag/filter is easily disposed of. As no spray mist is used to bind the dust, no moisture collects on skin, hair and clothing. In addition, when working with the dry technique, there are no restrictions in the choice of your bur. The fact that the technology used by the dry technique is robust and easy-to-maintain is another benefit that contributes to the good price-performance ratio of our drills. A disadvantage is the slightly higher noise level due to the suction along with the danger of heat development at higher speeds and when not used properly.

The technology used is practical thanks to its robust and easy-to-clean properties. Should you ever need servicing, you will receive a suitable replacement device with CarePlus.

The dry technique is perfectly suited for work over a wide area, for example during the removal of callus.

The dry technology offers high power even in low speed ranges, which are intended for burs or grinders with large heads.

Since the drills do not have a large weight, they are ideally suited for both fixed and mobile purposes.

Two techniques - one clear verdict

Ultimately, the decision will always be yours to determine. However, you should base your decision on sound reasoning in addition to purely personal preferences. At RUCK you will only find high-quality drills that use the dry technique. After having carefully evaluated the advantages and disadvantages of both techniques, we have chosen this direction and have only had favourable outcomes, which confirm to us every day that we advocate the right technique.

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