Congratulations on completing dental school! As you embark on your journey as a dental professional, one essential piece of equipment that you may need to consider is a cephalometric X-ray machine, commonly known as a ceph X-ray. This specialized imaging tool plays a crucial role in orthodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, and other areas of dentistry.
If your area of focus in dental school covered ortho, maxillofacial and/or others, you likely spent considerable time training with cephalometric scans, including interpretation and diagnostics.
Rather than repeat what you already learned in dental school... Today, we're taking a deeper look into the ceph X-ray machine itself, including considerations other doctors we work with wished they knew before they purchased their equipment.
Types of Ceph X-Rays Available Today
Today's marketplace is full of competitive options, how can you be sure you're getting the best value from your machine? Here at Renew Digital, we've been in the business of matching doctors with the right imaging equipment to meet their long-term needs for over 10 years. So, we know quite a bit about what doctors are looking for when they start shopping for a ceph X-ray machine (including pan/ceph + CBCT).
Based on the types of ceph X-ray machines available to doctors today, here are a few recommendations of what to ask your dealer and/or manufacturer to better understand your options.
3D and Cephalometrics
One of the first major considerations you'll want to think about with your purchase is whether you're shopping for a 2D or 3D machine. Some X-ray systems today have the added benefit of a dedicated 2D pan/ceph X-ray machine combined with a 3D sensor, giving you the flexibility of capturing 3D scans or traditional 2D images, based on your patient and practice needs.
This will have the biggest implication over the upfront price you'll pay, but it will also impact your diagnostic/clinical capabilities and the dental services you can offer - ultimately impacting your potential for ROI.
PRO TIP: A few dental X-ray manufacturers, such as i-CAT, have developed CBCT systems that can simply capture a large field of view 3D scan, then extract a 2D cephalometric image from the volumetric CBCT data. That way you get all of the records and patient information that you need in one convenient scan – a great solution for orthodontic or surgical practices.
Configuration & Footprint
Many practices don’t realize that flexible cephalometric X-ray configuration is important. Let’s face it, ceph X-rays require a larger footprint than any other imaging device. Sometimes you have to be creative in your room design to get a cephalometric X-ray to fit.
To help minimize this frustration, manufacturers feature models that allow for either a right or a left configuration. That means that the ceph X-ray attachment could be affixed to the right or the left of the panoramic X-ray machine based on spatial needs. If space is a consideration for your practice, make sure you ask about ceph orientation options.
Your dealer should be able to work with you to match the floor plan of your X-ray exam room (even if still under construction) to a ceph X-ray machine that meets local regulatory guidelines. While smaller footprints limit your options, desirable brands such as i-CAT and Carestream have a specifically designed models to help meet these requirements.
“One-Shot” Cephalometrics
For a little background... when digital ceph X-ray machines first entered the market, images were captured by scanning the patient twice, and then “stitching” two narrower images together to make a large cephalometric image. This dual capture method could result in seams between the two images as well as image distortion due to patient movement.
Over the years, several dental X-ray manufacturers have introduced “One Shot” cephalometric models. Much like analog X-ray units, “One Shot” cephalometrics captures the entire area in a single pulse of radiation, minimizing risk of exposure, streamlining capture time, eliminating imaging seams and reducing motion artifacts.
Lastly.. Software Considerations
Your ability to compare and contrast ceph images can be one of the most effective ways to measure growth, and these images can also help you see how the mouth is responding to treatments such as orthodontics. Plus, advanced treatment simulation modules available in some software packages, allow you to diagnose, plan, and present cases using digital ceph X-rays, improving case acceptance.
Evaluate the software capabilities offered with the ceph X-ray machine. Look for user-friendly interfaces, advanced analysis tools, and seamless integration with your practice management software or electronic health records (EHR) system. Consider the compatibility with existing or future imaging systems and the ease of sharing images with colleagues and specialists.
Looking for Ways to Lower Your Investment?
Did you know doctors who purchase certified pre-owned through Renew Digital typically save between 30-50% off new list prices on 2D and 3D pan/ceph systems? Plus, with the option to look at current and previous generation ceph models from the most in-demand brands, you'll have greater possibilities to choose from.
For over 10 years, we've been the leader in certified pre-owned dental imaging equipment. We have a wide range of pan/ceph systems all from the leading brands dentists trust - including Sirona, Planmeca, Carestream, i-CAT/DEXIS, Vatech, and many more.
We back the quality of our pre-owned equipment through a rigorous system of testing and inspection and then give peace of mind with our comprehensive parts and labor warranty. You can be sure the equipment we install will work safely and effectively for many years to come.
We also provide full-service installation, training, and project management services, just as you would receive if you purchased a new machine.
And if you have a need for an intraoral scanner as well, don't miss our great prices on NEW-IN-BOX and Certified Pre-Owned intraoral scanners, from today's top brands like iTero, Medit and Carestream.
Reach a dedicated sales rep by calling Renew Digital at (888) 246-5611 or completing the form below. Your rep will work with you to determine how your equipment will be used, where it will be placed, and match you to the brands and models most likely to work within your configuration (including considerations like network/electrical as well).
From purchase through installation, we'll provide you 5-star rated customer service.
