The HVE Air Protect Series from Air Techniques is designed to capture ambient aerosol. Available in two models, a swivel-head HVE and a combination retractor-HVE. An adapter is available to utilize hands-free with a saliva ejector during hygiene procedures (see photos below). HVE Air Protect is reusable and autoclavable.
Swiveling the shield on the HVE Air Protect
Using the adapter to combine the HVE Air Protect and a saliva ejector
Hands-free suction and aerosol capture
Initial Insights
I love the retraction feature!
This HVE feels lighter and has a better angle than a straight, disposable HVE tip.
The extra HVE didn’t feel heavy hanging on my face.
The 360º swivel head can be positioned horizontally or vertically depending on the amount of aerosol being generated.
Keep an eye out for this product in an upcoming issue of DENTAL ADVISOR!
Standard HVE tips are effective and comfortable to use, but can sometimes cause discomfort to the patient. The hard plastic can create pressure in sensitive areas of the gums. Safe-Vac is an HVE tip that has a rigid but cushioned end, designed to cause less discomfort. It comes in two varieties: Standard or Screened. The Standard Safe-Vac is similar to normal HVE tips, with the addition of the soft green end. The Screened Safe-Vac comes with a small screen just inside the opening to catch debris such as fillings or tooth fragments.
Safe-Vac HVE tips are a comfortable size
The blue-tip Safe-Vac has a built-in screen
Initial Insights
I really like the idea of using the screened HVE tip during certain procedures to catch debris.
It genuinely feels softer in my mouth and doesn’t poke at all.
Looking forward to having cleaner traps!
Keep an eye out for this product in a future issue of DENTAL ADVISOR!
Aerosol Assist is a hands-free suction device designed to reduce aerosols during dental procedures while acting as a high volume suction. There is space for a typical saliva ejector (SE) tip, and the “funnel” is designed to capture aerosols during the procedure. Once it is attached to HVE, it is placed in the patient’s mouth against the cheek; be sure to avoid leaning it against the patient’s teeth. After use the device is rinsed, cleaned with a tube-brush, and then autoclaved before reuse.
Our team tried out the prototype; what is pictured is not the final product.
Device placed in patient’s mouth
Device placed against cheek, not touching any teeth
Aerosol Assist with a green SE tip
Aerosol Assist set up in an operatory
Aerosol Assist with a pink SE tip
Initial Insights
The Aerosol Assist allowed me to retract with a mirror while scaling and it took care of all the suction on its own.
Very strong suction, my patient said it felt like it even dried out her entire mouth.
It didn’t feel like saliva pooled at all, even on the opposite side.
Super easy setup.
Keep an eye out for this product in an upcoming issue of DENTAL ADVISOR!
Miracle Suction is part of a kit that was created to confront the problem of not having enough hands. The colorful mirrors attach directly to standard HVE handpieces and have small holes in the side and bottom surfaces of the head, designed to eliminate the need for separate mirror and suction. Each reflective surface is anti-fog and autoclavable for ease of use and cleaning.
Brief retraction and suction with Miracle Suction
Mirror head surfaces displaying suction holes
Suction of water out of a cup
Initial Insights
The colors might make it fun for kids especially.
It suctions very well, especially considering it has to be used as a mirror the entire time.
It could do with more sizes to connect with the HVE more accurately.
I found it easiest to use when I periodically dipped the mirror down to suction pools of saliva.
Keep an eye out to see this device in a coming issue of The Dental Advisor!
We recently received the VacuVUE HVE Mirror (Ascentcare™ Dental Products). This mirror/suction/retraction device hooks up easily to your existing high-volume suction line. Some of its top features include a PureHD mirror, has suction on both the front and the back, and has replacement mirrors for when scratches occur. The kit also contains a Wrist-Assist, a small holder that attaches to the user’s wrist to take the weight of VacuVUE out of the hand.
Initial Insights
Strong suction.
Mirror is pretty thick, which allows for better suction but can make it tough to maneuver in certain situations.
Attaches to HVE so you may not be able to use it in hygiene rooms.
Suction on the backside as well allows you to retract the cheek while using the handpiece and still utilize the suction.
The “wrist assist vacuum line relief band” (included in evaluation) made a big difference in the weight on your wrist.
Keep an eye out for more on this product in an upcoming issue of Dental Advisor!
Controlling aerosols can seem like a difficult task for a dental professional; with one hand dedicated to suction, it can be difficult to both isolate and retract. Zirc Dental designed Mr. Thirsty One-Step to combine suction, isolation, and retraction in one disposable device. It comes in multiple trimmable sizes to create a unique fit to each mouth. The flexible material holds the tongue and opposite cheek away from the desired area, and can be flipped to either side of the mouth as needed.
Mr. Thirsty device
Placing Mr. Thirsty
Patient isolated with Mr. Thirsty
Initial Insights
It was easy to move during procedures and keeps the patient dry. It provides clear vision and holds back the tongue well.
Mr. Thirsty seems to reduce aerosol and splatter while working on a patient.
Having Mr. Thirsty kept my mouth very dry and comfortable during the procedure.
Keep watch for this product in an upcoming issue of Dental Advisor!
