Focus on Radiography

Orthodontic Products – October 2006

Focus on Radiography

Sirona Dental Systems
Sirona Dental Systems offers Galileos, a 3D x-ray imaging system that allows interaction between hardware and software, giving users the power of integrated diagnostics, planning, and treatment from a single system. The 3D imaging with Cone Beam technology calculates a large-volume 3D image set—more than 200 exposures—in a single low-dose 3D scan of 15 seconds or less. The 3D image set is processed and presented in the Galileos software, an extension of Sirona’s SIDEXIS XG imaging software. The imaging unit and its software work together to provide options for preoperative planning. Galileos allows clear navigation and diagnosis in the traditional PAN, CEPH, and TSA displays. This feature gives practitioners flexibility and potential in dental diagnostics. Galileos is controlled intuitively via its EasyPad Touchscreen.

For additional information, contact Sirona Dental Systems LLC, 4835 Sirona Dr, Suite 100, Charlotte, NC 28273; (800) 659-5977; www.sirona.com.

Schick Technologies
Schick Technologies offers CDR Standard and Wireless 2.0 digital radiography that provide instant, high-quality images, time-saving capabilities, and reduced levels of radiation. CDR Wireless 2.0 features signal-locking features that identify and receive the sensor signal even in an office environment filled with other radiofrequency sources such as wireless computer networks and cordless phones.

For more information, contact your local Patterson representative or your local Patterson branch, call (800) 873-7683, or visit www.schicktech.com.

Kodak Dental Systems
Kodak Dental Systems offers a new version of the Kodak 8000C digital panoramic and cephalometric system. The new version features an optical lens that enhances image sharpness and quality to create higher-resolution images. Rather than relying on horizontal or vertical scans, the quick image acquisition allows orthodontists to make fast, confident diagnoses, streamline practice workflow, and improve communication with patients and colleagues. The 8000C system exposes standard cephalometric images in a single shot that takes just over a second, reducing the risk of blurred images. New filters in Kodak orthodontic imaging software apply image enhancements on lateral and frontal images to help orthodontists conduct fast and precise tracings. The positioning accessories have been redesigned to secure the patient’s head to eliminate potential blurring due to the patient’s movement. Digital radiographs acquired with the Kodak 8000C system can be integrated into Kodak orthodontic imaging software, or can be used with other imaging software provided by Dolphin and Vistadent.

For more information, contact Kodak Dental Systems, 1765 The Exchange, Atlanta, GA 30339; (800) 944-6365; www.kodak.com/dental.

Air Techniques
Air Techniques introduces the In-Line Erase feature built into each ScanX digital radiography system. All ScanX models read the Phosphor Storage Plate and automatically erase it in the same continuous cycle. According to the company, In-Line Erase saves time and simplifies the imaging process. Eliminating the need for a separate eraser saves counter space. ScanX models have the same rapid image-cycle times and the same compact dimensions as prior models.

For additional information, contact Air Techniques Inc, 70 Cantiague Rock Rd, Hicksville, NY 11801; (516) 433-7676; www.airtechniques.com.

Planmeca
Planmeca introduces the ProMax 3D Cone Beam Volumetric Tomography (CBVT) system, which offers digital panoramic imaging, digital panoramic bitewings, and digital cephalometrics all in one x-ray system. ProMax 3D CBVT also offers the smallest-footprint 3D imaging unit available for use on-site in most doctors’ offices. The x-ray’s exposure time is 7 seconds with a rapid scan rate of 18 seconds per image. Its flat-panel semiconductor-based sensor provides high sensitivity, clear image resolution, and 1:1 ratio images. The system can be used for implantology, maxillofacial surgery, orthodontic planning, TMJ analysis, and other general diagnostic procedures. The radiation dose of a full-volume data set is approximately equivalent to an FMX series. ProMax 3D CBVT x-rays are available as upgrades to all existing ProMax x-rays or as new units from the factory.

For more information, contact Planmeca Inc, 100 N Gary Ave, Suite A, Roselle, IL 60172; (630) 529-2300; www.planmecausa.com.

Imaging Sciences International
Imaging Sciences International introduces the Extended Field of View feature on its i-CAT™ 3D dental imaging system. The feature reduces treatment-planning time by creating detailed 3D images of the skull—from the neck to above the bridge of the nose, or nasion—in 40 seconds. It captures 22 cm of height, nearly twice the amount of information that the 13-cm traditional i-CAT scans show. The result is a complete orthodontic scan of the frontal and lateral, cephalometric, panoramic, supernumerary, SMV, TMJ, airway, and spine, which allows orthodontists to provide accurate treatments and predictable outcomes. The i-CAT images with Extended Field of View are compatible with most orthodontic tracing programs. The i-CAT also provides 3D Volume Rendering software for viewing and rotating data from all angles. According to the company, the i-CAT may be used to view impacted teeth, to place implants, to guide bone reconstruction and grafting, to prepare for orthognathic surgery or orthodontics, to view trauma or pathology, to screen for infection, and to evaluate the TMJ.

For more information, contact Imaging Sciences International Inc, 1910 N Penn Rd, Hatfield, PA 19440; (215) 997-5666; www.imagingsciences.com.

Dent-X
Dent-X offers the Strato Digital Pan, which features a compact flash card that automatically stores images, eliminating the need for a computer. Strato Digital comes with 16 different applications and unique features for adults and children, and is available with a digital cephalometric arm. The Strato Digital can store up to 30 images at a time, which can be printed directly from the flash card.

For more information, contact Dent-X, 250 Clearbrook Rd, Elmsford, NY 10523; (800) 225-1702; www.dent-x.com.

Wehmer
Wehmer offers digital radiography solutions for panoramic and cephalometric applications that integrate with existing x-ray equipment. With computed radiography products, indirect digital radiography is no longer a bridge product for orthodontists. It is a viable alternative to direct digital that offers many benefits.

For more information, contact Wehmer Corp, 1151 N Main St, Lombard, IL 60148; (800) 323-0229; www.wehmer.com.

American Dental
American Dental offers the TC-2000 Transcranial Imaging Board, which may be used with digital CR plates. The TC-2000 imaging system includes a laser point light to accurately position the x-ray tube so the patient is aligned with the board’s Frankfurt Plane indicator line. The unit includes a specially designed tray that holds an 8- x 10-inch cassette for a standard CR imaging plate. The system provides six TMJ views: three for the left side (closed, rest, and open) and three for the right. The words “closed,” “rest,” and “open” are readable directly under the x-ray view of each position when the CR plate is developed. An acrylic ear post is provided to ensure proper patient positioning.

American Dental emphasizes that the transcranial images taken with the TC-2000 do not provide a definitive diagnosis. If the images show suspicion of any problems, the patient should be referred for more thorough tomograms.

For more information, contact American Dental, 4928 W Rosecrans Ave, Hawthorne, CA 90250; (800) 423-3535; www.amd4dental.com.

Gendex Dental Systems
Gendex Dental Systems offers the Orthoralix 9200 DDE Direct-Digital Pan and Ceph. The new sensor module replaces the traditional film cassette and eliminates the hassles and cost of a processor, film, and chemicals. The Orthoralix 9200 DDE includes both basic and advanced imaging programs, automatic exposure control, and advanced image quality. Available system upgrades include TRANSCAN cross-sectional tomography and cephalometric imaging. Gendex also offers solutions for all your digital or film-based x-ray needs, includingDenOptix (a flexible PSP solution), AC or DC intraoral x-ray units, intraoral digital sensors, and camera packages that fit your needs.

For more information, contact Gendex Dental Systems, 340 E Main St, Lake Zurich, IL 60047; (888) 275 5286; www.gendex.com/9200.

Progeny Dental
Progeny Dental introduces the Preva DC system with a receptor selection menu that allows orthodontists to select from a list of leading sensors. Each selection provides preset techniques based on the particular receptor. Preva DC offers a 0.4-mm focal spot and adjustable mA, kV, and time selections. A large LED screen allows the user to see technique settings at most distances within the operatory. An easy-to-use control panel provides 30 anatomical technique settings based on tooth type, patient size, and receptor type. The system is available in 56-inch, 66-inch, or 76-inch arm lengths and features Progeny’s arm mechanics for smooth and stable positioning.

For additional information, contact Progeny Dental Inc, 1407 Barclay Blvd, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089; (888) 924-3800; www.progenydental.com.

Instrumentarium Dental
Instrumentarium Dental introduces the Orthopantomograph OP200 digital panoramic system. The system features an integrated, onboard computer and intelligent SmartPad touch-panel control. SmartNav software’s navigation program provides easy selection of imaging programs, arch settings, and lateral scanning start position. The system’s optional pan/ceph model offers selectable one- or two-sensor configurations for efficient workflow and an adjustable horizontal lateral scan for optimized results with a minimized patient dose.