Dental Economics "Dental Pearls"             Author Joshua Austin, DDS, FAGD

If I could have any superpower that would affect my dentistry, I think x-ray vision would be the best, for obvious reasons. After that, laser vision, hypnosis, time control, and superspeed would be on the list. Right in there with those would be a third hand. How great would that be? Having an extra hand for suction or to keep a mirror clean would be a game changer for dentists and dental hygienists. The Nu-Bird HVE Mirror System can give you that third hand superpower very economically.

The Nu-Bird HVE Mirror System marries the mouth mirror and high-volume evacuator (HVE) for several great benefits. First, Nu-Bird provides a clear, fog-free view. Nothing is as annoying as a mouth-breathing patient who constantly fogs up the mouth mirror. Nu-Bird’s air pathway ports on the front and back of the mirror will prevent the dreaded fog. Even when the mirror is placed against the mucosa, air flow is constant, and the mirror remains fog-free.

Aside from keeping your mirror fog-free, the Nu-Bird operates as a high-volume evacuator. The design of the Nu-Bird allows the air ports around the mirror to efficiently and effectively suction fluids without impeding the clinician’s vision. This makes the Nu-Bird great for the hygiene department. Having a mirror and HVE in one makes scaling and root planing procedures faster and easier.

Installation of the Nu-Bird HVE Mirror System is easy. Simply plug the metal Nu-Bird adapter into the HVE port. Loop the hose around toward the patient and insert the Nu-Bird mirror into the other end of the hose. Turn on the HVE, and you’re ready to roll. The Nu Bird suction mirror handpiece can be autoclaved after each use, so having a few of the suction mirrors will help keep the Nu-Bird sucking all day.  ne of my hygienists used the Nu-Bird in her operatory for a few days. She thought the Nu-Bird was easy to set up and maintain, and she liked that it gave her an extra hand, making procedures such as scaling and sealant application much easier. She also thought the Nu-Bird suction mirror was great for retraction on patients with strong cheeks and tongues. She did say that the extra bulk of the suction mirror takes a little getting used to, as does the extra sound. Her exact words were “ . . . but that’s a small price to pay!”

Nu-Bird can give you or your hygienist an extra hand when it’s needed most. Whether it be keeping your mirror fog-free or suctioning without requiring you to hold a standalone high-volume evacuation tip, Nu-Bird can make procedures easier on both clinicians and patients. Line-drive double into the right field corner for Nu-Bird!