How the Air Flow Machine Works
AIR + POWDER + DISTILLED WATER
The machine creates a controlled cleaning spray that removes buildup, plaque, bacteria, and stain.
AIR
+
CLEANING POWDER
+
DISTILLED WATER
→
CLEANING SPRAY
DISTILLED WATER ONLY — EVERY TIME
Core principle: Air mixes with cleaning particles and water to remove plaque, bacteria, stain, and buildup from tooth surfaces.
Know the Machine Parts
CARTWheeled cart
The unit sits on a mobile cart and connects to the operatory's air output.
DISTILLED WATERWater chamber/bottle
Fill with distilled water only. Check the level before starting.
POWDERCleaning powder chamber
Contains the cleaning powder used by the Air Flow handpiece.
2 POWDERSSupra- and subgingival powders
Use the correct powder for the procedure. The fast powder is used for most regular cleanings.
HANDPIECE 1Prophy / scaling handpiece
Used with the machine's compatible Cavitron-style tip.
HANDPIECE 2Air Flow cleaning handpiece
Delivers the air + powder + water cleaning spray.
WIRELESS PEDALAir Flow foot pedal
The Air Flow unit uses its own wireless pedal. Keep it charged and ready for use. The Cavitron/scaler has a separate pedal.
Setup Before Every Patient
CONNECT TO AIR
→
CHECK DISTILLED WATER
→
CHECK POWDER
→
SELECT HANDPIECE
Connect to AIR OUTPUT only. If the machine is accidentally connected to the water output instead of air, it can stop working.
NEVER CONNECT THE MACHINE TO THE WATER OUTPUT
Pedal rule: Keep the Air Flow wireless pedal charged. The Cavitron/scaler uses a separate pedal, so do not mix them up. If the Air Flow pedal battery is discharged, connect the pedal with its cable and use it while connected.
- Confirm there is enough distilled water for the procedure.
- Confirm there is enough cleaning powder.
- Confirm the correct powder is loaded.
- Confirm the correct handpiece/tip is installed.
- Confirm the Air Flow wireless pedal is charged.
- Make sure you are using the Air Flow pedal, not the separate Cavitron pedal.
- If the wireless pedal is discharged, connect it with the cable so it can be used while connected.
- Set up high-volume suction before beginning.
The Four Main Controls
POWERControls the amount/intensity of air and particles.
WATERControls water volume.
TEMPControls water temperature.
PURGEFlushes/clears the system after use.
Recommended starting point: Temperature 3, medium water, medium air/power. Adjust as needed.
For heavier stain or less-sensitive patients, settings may be increased as needed. Always keep enough water flowing for safe, comfortable use.
Correct Clinical Technique
ANGLEHold the handpiece at an angle
Direct the spray toward the coronal/tooth surface, not straight into the gingiva.
SOFT TISSUENever point directly at soft tissue
Direct spraying at gingiva or other soft tissue may injure or irritate the tissue.
WATERMaintain adequate water
Do not run the cleaning spray too dry. Adjust water and power together as needed.
SUCTIONUse suction
This is easier with an assistant who can hold suction and control excess water/powder.
Do not shoot water or Air Flow spray directly at the gums. Keep the handpiece away from the tissue and angled toward the tooth.
Use Only Air Flow-Compatible Cavitron Tips
ONLY USE THE CAVITRON TIPS MADE FOR THIS AIR FLOW UNIT
The tip connection/thread is different from a regular Cavitron.
| Correct | Wrong |
|---|
| Use the Air Flow-specific compatible Cavitron tip. | Do not use a regular Cavitron tip just because it looks similar. |
| Thread/install it gently by hand. | Never force a tip that does not fit easily. |
| If there is resistance, stop and verify the tip. | Forcing the wrong thread can damage the handpiece/unit. |
Important: A wrong tip can damage the Air Flow handpiece, and attempting to use the wrong threaded tip can also damage regular Cavitron components.
KEEP AIR FLOW CAVITRON TIPS SEPARATE FROM REGULAR CAVITRON TIPS
Storage rule: Air Flow-compatible Cavitron tips must be stored in a separate, clearly identified location from regular Cavitron tips. This helps prevent staff from accidentally mixing them or attempting to install the wrong threaded tip.
The Most Important Step: PURGE
PURGE THE SYSTEM AFTER EVERY USE
Powder left inside the tubing can mix with moisture and clog the system.
FINISH CLEANING
→
ACTIVATE PURGE
→
CLEAR PARTICLES FROM TUBING
→
PROTECT THE MACHINE
If you skip purging: water/moisture can cause particles to clump inside the tubes. The lines can clog and the machine may stop working.
My rule: I do not leave the operatory until the system has been purged.
Sterilize the Handpiece Between Patients
STERILIZE THE HANDPIECE BETWEEN EVERY PATIENT / USE
AFTER USERemove contaminated components safely
Handle the handpiece/tip as a contaminated clinical item after treatment.
STERILIZATIONFollow Smile Center sterilization protocol
Process the handpiece and reusable tip/components according to the approved office/manufacturer sterilization instructions.
Do not simply wipe and reuse a reusable handpiece between patients. Complete the required sterilization process.
Common Problems and What to Check
| Problem | First things to check |
|---|
| No/poor air flow | Confirm the cart is connected to the air output, not water. |
| Weak cleaning spray | Check powder level, power setting, water setting, and handpiece connection. |
| Machine starts clogging | Think about whether purge was completed after the previous use. Moisture + powder can clog tubing. |
| No water / low water | Check the distilled-water level and water setting. |
| Water is coming out but no powder | The powder system may be clogged. Purge the system multiple times. If powder flow does not return, stop using the unit and contact the manager for additional troubleshooting. |
| Air Flow pedal is not responding | Check whether the wireless pedal is charged. Confirm you have the Air Flow pedal and not the separate Cavitron pedal. If the battery is discharged, connect the pedal with the cable and use it while connected. |
| Cavitron tip will not thread smoothly | Stop. Verify it is an Air Flow-compatible tip. Never force it. |
Water but no powder: Treat this as a possible clog. Purge several times. If the problem continues, contact the manager for additional troubleshooting rather than repeatedly operating the machine.
If something does not fit or the machine behaves abnormally, stop. Do not force components or keep running the machine when the cause is unclear.
How to Explain & Offer Air Flow
AIR FLOW UPGRADE = $60 EXTRA
The Air Flow upgrade is always an additional $60 when the patient chooses it.
$60 EXTRA — ALWAYS
Every patient should receive a simple explanation of what Air Flow is and why they may want to upgrade their cleaning.
KEEP IT SIMPLE
Explain the benefit in patient-friendly language.
Air Flow uses a controlled stream of air, distilled water, and fine cleaning powder to help remove plaque, bacteria, buildup, and surface stains from the teeth.
PRICE
The upgrade is $60.
I clearly tell the patient that Air Flow is an additional $60. I do not change the price or present it as included in the regular cleaning.
FIRST-TIME TRIAL
First-time patients may try it with a money-back guarantee.
The money-back guarantee is used only when a patient is trying Air Flow for the first time and is unsure whether they will like the new technology.
RETURNING AIR FLOW PATIENT
No repeated money-back guarantee.
If the patient has already tried Air Flow before, I can explain the service and the $60 upgrade, but I do not offer the first-time money-back guarantee again.
Suggested patient explanation:
“We also offer Air Flow, which is an upgraded cleaning technology that uses air, water, and a fine cleaning powder to remove plaque, bacteria, buildup, and stains. It is an additional $60.”
For a patient trying Air Flow for the first time:
“If you would like to try it today, we offer a money-back guarantee the first time you try the technology. If you do not feel that you liked the Air Flow upgrade, let us know.”
Important: The money-back guarantee is a first-time trial offer only. Do not promise it every time the patient receives Air Flow.
If the patient wants Air Flow at their next cleaning
PATIENT WANTS AIR FLOW NEXT TIME
→
ADD AIR FLOW TO APPOINTMENT NOTE
→
ADD 5 EXTRA MINUTES
AIR FLOW NEXT VISIT = ADD 5 MINUTES TO THE APPOINTMENT
SCHEDULING
Give the clinical team enough time.
When a patient requests Air Flow for the next visit, add 5 extra minutes to the cleaning appointment.
APPOINTMENT NOTE
Make the request visible.
Add a clear note that the patient wants Air Flow so the hygienist/clinical team can prepare the machine and supplies before the appointment.
My Air Flow offer: Explain it clearly → tell the patient it is $60 extra → first-time patient may receive the trial guarantee → if they want it next time, document it and add 5 minutes.
Air Flow Checklist
BEFORE → DURING → AFTER
The entire workflow in one place.
BEFORE
- Connect to AIR output.
- Use distilled water only.
- Check water level.
- Check powder level/type.
- Use correct Air Flow-compatible tip.
- Keep the Air Flow wireless pedal charged.
- Confirm you have the Air Flow pedal — the Cavitron has a separate pedal.
- If the pedal battery is dead, connect it with the cable.
- Set temperature 3, medium water/air as starting point.
- Set up suction.
- Confirm whether the patient selected the $60 Air Flow upgrade.
DURING
- Hold handpiece at an angle.
- Aim toward coronal tooth surface.
- Do not point at soft tissue.
- Maintain adequate water.
- Adjust power/water for stain and sensitivity.
- Use assistant/suction when possible.
AFTER
- PURGE THE SYSTEM.
- Confirm powder/particles are cleared.
- Remove reusable handpiece/tip safely.
- Sterilize handpiece between patients.
- Prepare the unit for the next patient.
NEVER
- Never use tap water.
- Never connect to water output.
- Never force the wrong Cavitron tip.
- Never store Air Flow Cavitron tips mixed with regular Cavitron tips.
- Never point directly at gums/soft tissue.
- Never skip purge.
- Never reuse an unsterilized handpiece.
Air Flow Machine Quiz
Choose the best answer. Passing target: 90%.
