Air-N-Go Air Polisher
ACTEON Group
Air-N-Go from ACTEON Group is a dual-purpose air polisher that both polishes teeth and treats periodontal disease.
According to ACTEON Group, the Supra version of the Air-N-Go air polisher provides effective and painless polishing, and the Perio version efficiently aids in the treatment of periodontal disease and periimplantitis subgingivally.
Nine dental professionals (a combination of dentists and hygienists) participated in this Dental Product Shopper evaluation of Air-N-Go. In addition to rating their overall satisfaction with the product, the evaluators weighed in on several features, including ease of use, ergonomics, ability to reach difficult to access areas, and taste and color of the powders.
Ease of Use
ACTEON Group describes Air-N-Go as a simple system to use. The bayonet-type connector system enables powder tanks to be quickly prepared prior to treatment. In addition, the nozzle, head, and front plastic body of the unit are autoclavable for easy cleaning and to prevent clogging.
When asked to rate the ease of use of the Air-N-Go air polisher, 7 of the 9 evaluators rated it as excellent or very good. Four of the evaluators noted ease of use as a feature they liked best about the product. A dentist from Chesapeake, VA, who has been practice for 12 years, said “ease of use and portability” were her favorite features. She went on to say that she would definitely recommend Air-N-Go to colleagues, and she gave it an overall satisfaction rating of excellent.
When asked to rate ease of disinfecting and cleaning Air-N-Go, 6 evaluators rated it as excellent or very good, 2 rated it as good, and 1 rated it as fair. A hygienist from Clyde, NC, said Air-N-Go “cleans very well and it is great to be able to change the powder easily.”
Ergonomics
According to the manufacturer, the Air-N-Go handpiece has a nonslip silicone ring that increases grip, reduces the risk of dropping, and reduces unnecessary stress.
Seven evaluators rated the ergonomics of Air-N-Go as excellent or very good, 1 rated it as good, and 1 rated it as fair. When asked to rate the size and weight of the unit, 8 rated it as excellent or very good and 1 rated it as good.
Ability to Reach Difficult-to-Access Areas
ACTEON Group describes the Air-N-Go handpiece as lightweight with a 360-degree rotation that allows the user to reach difficult-to-access areas of the oral cavity.
When asked to rate Air-N-Go’s ability to reach difficult-to-access areas of the mouth, 4 rated it as excellent, 3 rated it as very good, and 2 rated it as good.
Taste and Quality of Powders
The Air-N-Go powders (Classic and Pearl for supragingival prophylaxis treatment and Perio powder for periodontal subgingival treatment) are designed, according to the manufacturer, to reduce damage to the enamel, gingiva, and root surface. ACTEON Group says that the powders are formulated to strike a balance between flavor and sodium saccharin concentration to remove any unpleasant salty taste. In addition, micro-particles shrink when the powders come in contact with water because of sodium bicarbonate, making the polishing effect more efficient. The powder dissolves gently, reducing trauma to delicate tissue and eliminating clogging of the device.
Seven evaluators rated the taste and quality of the powders as excellent or very good, and 1 as fair, and 1 evaluator did not rate this feature. A hygienist with 37 years of experience said that the “fineness of the powders and flavors of the powders” were her favorite features of the product. In addition, she said she would definitely purchase the Air-N-Go in the future and would recommend it to colleagues.
Overall Satisfaction
When asked to rate their overall satisfaction with the Air-N-Go air polisher, 2 evaluators rated it as excellent, 3 rated it as very good, 1 rated it as good, and 3 rated it as fair. A dentist from Bonita Springs, FL, who said he would definitely recommend the Air-N-Go to colleagues and gave it an overall satisfaction rating of very good, said, “Generally, I’m not a fan of this type of product, but this one is a winner!”
