Aerosols: Science Using Common sense... 

  • By Lee Emmons
  • 24 Apr, 2020
There Are several dental suction mirror devices on the market claiming to be HVE but are really simply just plug into the HVE and really don't perform at the level necessary and in some cases are at the level of a saliva ejector or less. Simply having a large bore device used in an office having a weak suction system could be a recipe for disaster and backwash. Port velocity the right ratio to volume is key to multi factor issues encountered in dental offices. To answer your questions requires in-depth understanding of how this all works in regards to all the variables and if they can be controlled ie variable vs invariables in the testing process.  I understand what CDC mentions in the webinar. In reality, this would suggest all dental offices use the exact same vacuum system, layout, line size, number of op's and the exact same number of clinicians using the exact same devices at the same time. I believe my point is understood. Device design is extremely important and how clinically it is used. Simple designed devices often become complicated to use. NuBird dental evacuation mirror is designed to meet the needs of the clinicians by allowing focus on primary tasks while the mirror design will handle the aerosols provided the clinicians are using the device, office vacuum system is in working order (9-14 mmhm static pressure reading at the HVE valve end and the traps and lines are not clogged up with Fl varnish. 250 NL/min. (may be from CDC?) is referring to the dental office vacuum motor itself as devices themselves cannot "self" create vacuum and are connected to a vacuum motor to work. Being 98% in aerosol reduction starts first at the vacuum motor then the supply lines and ends at the terminus end point (device being used) Let's be realistic...My point, an unpowered device plugged into a dental office vacuum system cannot achieve more than what that system is performing at. Terminus end point is where the patented NuBird evacuation Mirror system performs above all others from start to finish.  Simple tests can be performed by anyone to actually see the difference in device design as I have demonstrated and have suggested in articles published in magazines. I encourage and strongly suggest these tests be performed by the users of HVE devices. There are so many variables to address I could write a book about this and may in the future. Read the article on our Blog called Technology, Dentistry and HV Evolution. This will help explain more in detail the science and give more understanding.  Be informed and STAY SAFE.
Lee Emmons RDH
President  Nu-Bird Inc.
By Laura Emmons January 30, 2023
NU-bird’s New HVE Valve unit adapts directly to our Ergonomic HVE hose, allows clinicians to easily switch from Hygiene to restorative procedures which require a standard HVE tip in a snap.One of a kind, we are first to introduce a small compact ergonomic HVE VALVE. LIGHTER IN WEIGHT and more ergonomic to use then standard HVE valve units. Standard clinical aluminum HVE valves, WEIGH approx. 2oz and stainless steel versions weigh up to 4 oz. !! this is not including the weight of the standard HVE hose attached which can weigh up to 1lb! The Nu-Bird HVE Valve only weighs 1/2 oz!! Our HVE hose weighs approx. 4 oz. These are extremely important features and make it easy for clinicians to use who normally avoid using standard HVE because of the weight on the wrist and hand and repetitive strain it can cause.
By Laura Emmons January 30, 2023
The NuBird SR Banchi Series! On this new model, the HVE valve is integrated directly into the handle of a suction mirror for easy ON/OFF control of suction. Your efficiency improves because with it, you don’t have to reach over to the delivery system to turn the suction on or off thus making it more ergonomic to use. It's a must for clinicians who work without an assistant performing both restorative and hygiene procedures.
By Laura Emmons September 20, 2022
The Cellerent group presents NuBird with the "Best of Class" Hygiene Award.
By Laura Emmons April 16, 2020
Multi directional ports have continuous air flow even when the mirror is pressed against mucosal tissue so the mirror won't fog and you will have plenty of power to remove water and aerosols (KEY) before they leave the mouth!
By Laura Emmons October 24, 2019

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!




By Laura Emmons October 19, 2019
High volume, high port velocity and a wide air pathway in dental evacuation is needed for proper management of water and aerosols.
By Laura Emmons, Cheri Wu and Tia Shutter August 1, 2017
It’s What You Can’t See That Can Hurt You Recently, when a hygienist contracted a virus at work, it came on so quickly and aggressively that she ended up taking a whole month off at home to recover. Eventually, all of the other staff...
By Laura Emmons March 28, 2017
The Nu-Bird HVE suction mirror is the ultimate suction/viewing/retraction instrument for dentists, hygienists and assistants. The strong suction capacity performs high volume evacuation very efficiently and better manages the generated...
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