If you’re considering upgrading to a dental cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) machine, one of the first things you should consider before getting started is cost. While prices have become a lot more affordable since the early days of CBCT thanks to increased competition (to meet increased demand) CBCT systems still represent sizable investments that require proper planning and consideration.
After all, you want your purchase to return the best value for your money. It’s also important that you get all the details regarding size, features, and warranty in order to make appropriate comparisons between brands and models.
Additionally, arriving at a totally transparent cost can be difficult because of the number of factors involved in determining the overall cost of a CBCT machine. In this article, we’ll outline what you can expect to pay for a dental CBCT machine and some considerations that will impact the price.
WHY CBCT?
One of the most common reasons that dental professionals seek CBCT technology is to be able to offer optimized imaging for specialized treatments, such as dental implant planning, endodontics, and 3rd molar extractions. Increasing your in-house capabilities allows you to minimize outsourcing, keep your schedule full, service more patients and improve patient care all at once. CBCT imaging captures more data, improves treatment planning, and is quickly becoming the standard of care.
It’s also important to recognize that most dental CBCT systems also have a dedicated 2D panoramic setting for capturing traditional 2D scans. In this instance, upgrading will not limit your practice’s capabilities; it will only expand them. Many CBCT systems also have features that enable the FOV size to be collimated down. Both of these features allow dental professionals to adhere to the ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principle while acquiring radiographs.
When considering the price you’ll pay for a CBCT machine, it’s also important to evaluate the total cost of ownership compared to the potential return on investment you’ll see from decreased outsourcing and expanded offerings. We’ve been working with dental and specialty professionals over the past ten years so we’re able to provide expertise to our customers to evaluate the cost of their equipment so they can calculate both their return on investment and their expected timeframe to see returns.
LIST PRICES OF A NEW DENTAL CBCT MACHINE
Purchasing new dental equipment is often comparable to the expense of purchasing a new car. There is a sticker price, and then there is the amount that you will actually pay. Often they are very different.
Like the MSRP for a car, the sticker price of a dental imaging system is set by the manufacturer according to the model and its features. Typically, this list price can be negotiated down to an average price paid by other consumers for the same model. Let’s take a look at what you can expect to pay for a new CBCT machine.
THE AVERAGE COST OF A NEW DENTAL CBCT MACHINE
CBCT machines, regardless of manufacturer, are typically classified into one of three FOV (field of view) categories. As the field of view increases, so does the cost of the machine, and just like buying a new car, other factors like optional features, upgradeability, and warranties will impact the list price.
Today’s market offers CBCT machines at a range of prices. Generally, the range you can expect to pay is between $50,000 and $100,000 for a small to mid-sized CBCT machine. This ultimately varies by brand and included features.
AVERAGE COST OF A USED DENTAL CBCT MACHINE
At Renew Digital, we pioneered the marketplace for pre-owned dental equipment. Across the country, professionals who are looking to upgrade their dental imaging equipment typically have quality used imaging equipment they are replacing, which has created a market for pre-owned imaging systems.
Plus, because most CBCT machines in the marketplace can take 2D panoramic and optional cephalometric images, as well as collimate to the desired field of view, a CBCT machine can potentially cover all of the required extraoral imaging your office may need.
Many other reputable dental equipment dealers and manufacturers do not purchase back or deal with pre-owned equipment, leaving dental practices with valuable equipment on which they cannot recover any value.
In the certified pre-owned marketplace, dental professionals have an option to trade in their used imaging equipment, with its value typically determined by a combination of brand, age, features and market demand. Certified pre-owned customers also typically save 30% to 50% off new list prices which helps them achieve a quicker ROI with a lower initial investment. Renew Digital customers can find used small-to-mid-sized CBCT machines starting at $34,995.
For a full background on our trade-in program, and to see if you qualify, check out our FAQ article, Will You Take My Existing X-ray or Intraoral Scanner as a Trade-in?
CONSIDERATIONS THAT IMPACT COST
As previously mentioned, the cost of a CBCT machine will vary based on a number of factors including field of view, features, age, and exposure count (for used systems only). Let’s explore these considerations to help you understand the price you can expect to pay.
Field of View: As the FOV increases, so will the cost of the machine. Size also matters when discussing FOV, which refers to how much of the patient’s anatomy will be captured by the scan. The larger the FOV, the more data you will be responsible for interpreting. When shopping for a CBCT machine, we recommend selecting a machine with the smallest FOV for what you need to accomplish. Most machines will allow you to narrow down the FOV (decreasing the radiation exposure) to only the anatomy required.
Features: The following features are available through most manufacturers, including but not limited to:
Cephalometric Attachment: For orthodontists using 3D imaging, they will also likely require cephalometric imaging. This requires an additional sensor on the machine which may increase the total cost.
Some manufacturers produce CBCT machines that are ceph-upgradeable, meaning they can be fitted to capture cephalometric scans in the future. Upgrade costs typically vary and can often be considerable. If this is the case it might make more sense to trade in your non-ceph CBCT machine towards the cost of a “new” pre-owned ceph-capable CBCT system to utilize a new warranty period.
Other models, such as the i-CAT Next Generation or i-CAT FLX, include a 3-in-1 design wherein cephalometric images can be extracted from an extended-size 3Dvolume. Your patients benefit from reduced radiation exposure because only one scan is required for both 2D pan/ceph and 3D imaging, but you can expect to pay a bit more for these premium models compared to a comparable system from another brand.
Low Dosage Technology: Some CBCT manufacturers differentiate their technology by offering low dosage technology, or LDT. Some LDT uses up to 5 times less radiation to capture 3D cone beam scans than would be used for traditional 2D panoramic X-rays.
Dental Robotic System Compatibility: Some CBCT machines are fully compatible with robot-assisted dental surgical devices such as Yomi and X-Guide systems and support applications such as implant placement, bone grafts, sinus lifts, extractions, and other surgical procedures. This premium feature comes standard with certain brands and models, but expect it to impact the price you’ll pay for a machine. Make sure you determine whether or not these features will bring value to your practice.
Rapid Scanning Protocols: Some machines offer a premium scanning protocol to optimize workflow with rapid scan and reconstruction times.
Age & Exposure Count (Used Equipment Only): For the pre-owned equipment we sell, you’ll see a “Starting at” price on our site. Our listed starting price is typically the lowest cost unit of that particular system that we currently have in stock.
The prices of our used dental imaging equipment vary according to age, amount of use, and the features of a unit. As can be expected, newer units typically command a slightly higher price than older units.
We also capture the exposure count of each dental X-ray machine or cone beam system upon purchase. Like a car’s odometer, the exposure count tells us how many times a system has been used for an exam. The lower the exposure count, the higher the price tends to be.
We also factor in age and exposure count in our considerations when purchasing or trading in a system.
For a full summary of our pricing, please see our FAQ article, What Does the “Starting at” Pricing Mean on Your Website?
WARRANTY, FINANCING, AND OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
Now that we’ve covered the range of costs for new and used CBCT machines, let’s wrap up by covering the other financial considerations to help you close on your next purchase.
First, your investment in CBCT technology is significant. You’ll want to make sure your investment is protected as long as possible. Purchasing a reputable brand from a trustworthy dealer can help ensure you’ll have access to the level of support you need, as frequently as you need it.
Many dealers also offer extended warranties to help increase the level of protection you have for your equipment.
At Renew Digital, we understand that purchasing pre-owned equipment is similar to purchasing a used car. You want to make sure your equipment can function well for your practice in the long term. This is why all of our equipment purchases are backed by a comprehensive warranty, including telephone and remote support, onsite service, and replacement parts, covered by our five-star customer service team.
For a comprehensive list of what is covered under a Renew Digital warranty, please see our FAQ help article, What Is Included in the Comprehensive Warranty?
Finally, as you’re preparing to purchase, you should make sure you’re aware of the financial offers and incentives available from the dealers you’re working with. Oftentimes, they can provide referrals to financial institutions they work with and offer exclusive incentives. At Renew Digital, we’ve been known to offer special financing and payment options..
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS? WE’RE HERE TO HELP
Making the investment in advanced technology requires careful consideration and planning. You want to be sure you’re getting the best value and making the right decision for your practice. For over 10 years, Renew Digital has helped our customers save money on their CBCT machines by purchasing certified pre-owned systems.
With our brand-neutral approach, we can recommend the right system for your practice based on your unique imaging needs. Start your CBCT machine purchase plan with a call to our sales reps at 844-220-4963 or click the button below.
