Company History

Essential Products. Essential Technologies. Essential Information.

Air Techniques began as a single simple solution to a common problem 43 years ago. Today, we are a dynamic manufacturer bringing significant product technologies to our customers. All of our products are manufactured in our 200,000 SF facility in Melville, NY. Air Techniques products are distributed through our network of authorized full service dealers so you will always have the support you need. We invite you to read our history and enjoy our products.

1962. The beginning of Air Techniques. A postage stamp cost 4 ?cents. Johnny Carson had recently taken over hosting the Tonight Show. John Glenn orbited the earth three times, and West Side Story won an Oscar for Best picture.

Essential Utilities Products

In 1962 the new air driven handpieces were gaining popularity. Though smaller, lighter and more efficient than the belt driven instruments they supplanted, there was a problem. They were failing prematurely. In order to run properly they required dry compressed air. Available compressors did not produce air of the requisite quality. Louis E. Brooks saw both the need and the opportunity. He founded Air Techniques and patented Dento-Dri, a device that when attached to a compressor removed water from the air stream. That first product launched a process of innovation and refinement that, four decades later continues to be a defining characteristic of Air Techniques.

Soon, Dentists wanted a compressor that by design produced dry air. Air Techniques responded in 1966 with Compresso-Dri, which contained an integral desiccant drying system, a first for dentistry. Once water was controlled, the next target contaminant was oil. The presence of oil was an impediment to dentistry. Oil vapor can negatively impact health, restorations and dental instruments. It became very clear that oil had to go. In 1971 the oil-free Compresso–Dri was introduced. Finally, Dentists could take advantage of ultra dry, oil free dental quality compressed air.

Imaging Products

The second branch of Air Techniques’ business, Imaging products, was born in the 1970’s. Then, many Dentists processed X-ray films by hand dipping. Others who used roller processors were too often frustrated by films lost inside the machine. Again, the need for a better product became apparent. Dentists began using our All-Pro processor in 1975.

By 1977 Archie Bunker was preaching from his living room into ours and one of dentistry’s most successful products ever was introduced. The Peri-Pro processor met the needs of the majority of Dentists who did not own an extraoral X-ray unit. The simple, gravity fed film transport, compact size and reliability made Peri-Pro an immediate success. Today, over 90,000 Peri-Pros have been sold and the processor remains popular.

Continued Expansion...

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