What dental handpiece attachment is used to hold polishing cups, disks, and brushes?

The prophylaxis angle is specifically designed to hold polishing cups, disks, and brushes used in dental procedures. This attachment allows dental professionals to effectively clean and polish teeth, making it essential for maintaining oral hygiene and for aesthetic purposes. The shape of the prophylaxis angle facilitates maneuverability in the mouth, enabling the clinician to reach different areas of a patient's teeth with precision when applying the polishing tools.

In this context, the other options do not fulfill the function of holding polishing instruments. The high-speed handpiece is primarily used for cutting and shaping teeth due to its ability to rotate at high speeds, while a torque wrench is a tool used to apply a specific torque to various attachments but does not hold polishing components directly. A scaler, on the other hand, is used for removing calculus and plaque from teeth rather than polishing. Therefore, the prophylaxis angle stands out as the correct choice for holding polishing instruments in dental practice.