My Aim Is True
Paul Feuerstein, DMD
For more on this topic, go to www.dentaleconomics.com and search using the following key words: digital sensor, sensor holders, rings, aiming devices, Dr. Paul Feuerstein.
Digital sensor systems usually come with sensor holders for aiming the X-ray head. Occasionally, something happens to one or more of them, and the dental office needs a replacement. You can go to the original sensor manufacturer or look into the dental marketplace for other options, and there are many.
They are often called “Rinn” holders, which the DENTSPLY Corporation loves and hates. Rinn is a trade name, just like Kleenex and Xerox. Yes. They do have a line of excellent aiming devices. Rinn has universal holders, as well as a few that are sensor brand-specific and a version of its “Snap-A-Ray.”
Rinn’s XCP-DS FIT is adaptable to most sizes because of the little elastic silicone band, as well as the new XCP ORA that uses a single ring with three color-coded positions. Rinn also has bitewing “tabs” for sensors just like the ones you were used to with film. For more information, visit www.rinncorp.com.
The marketplace, though, has many options. I will mention a few.
Kerr has a series of holders that are also quite adaptable. The Super Bite and Kwik-Bite Senso line has a little ratchet type design that, when squeezed on the sensor, holds on and stays in place. There are multiple colors to guide the practitioner for each sensor position. For more information, visit www.kerrtotalcare.com.
Based in the Chicago area, Dr. Harold Schmulenson and Tom Gillen can be seen at many meetings with the ClikRay group of products. The original device, as well as the new ClikStik, is simple, color-coded, small, and comfortable for patients.
Their motto, “Eliminate the Three Ring Circus,” is well explained on the company’s website. ClikRay also has a line of excellent barrier sleeves. The website explains this system in detail, and has images and videos available at www.clikray.com.
Troll Dental from Sweden has introduced a new sensor holder called TrollByte Kimera. Many of us have been using the classic green Troll Mounts for our film (which are still sold), so this is a natural transition for the company. The company’s holder is one piece, and can be used with or without its ring. It is color-coded and simple to place, depending on the shot you are taking.
If you are not familiar with its other products, TrollFoil articulating paper is very thin, and marks easily. Its unique feature is that each piece has its holder. There are also several other products that deserve a visit to the company’s site at www.trolldental.com.
Another company, Steri-Shield, offers a variety of sensor holders, as well as covers and other accessories to aid in taking images. Steri-Shield has the Wingers line of products. In addition to the sensor holders, there are barriers and some soft sponge covers called Smoothies. They show 13 items on the front page of the website, and offer free samples at www.steri-shield.com.
There are two simple systems that do not use rings.
AnyRay has an interesting design with a rotating holder on the end of the bite block so you use only one for all shots. See www.theanyray.com. From New Zealand, there is the “1 Shot” sensor aiming device that brings this to a one-piece, no-ring device. (Dr. Bede McElwee, the inventor, comes to some U.S. meetings to show this device. He is quite a charming character.) Visit www.1shotdental.com.
Finally, Crosstex, the maker of paper goods that many of us use, has some interesting barriers, as well as its “sensor slippers,” which cover and cushion the sensors. See more at www.crosstex.com.
Speaking of aiming devices, IDI has the Tru-Align system, which uses rectangular collimation with a smaller beam size. Using clever magnetic aiming, this is foolproof in terms of no cone cuts and sharper images. The rectangular collimation eliminates most scatter radiation. This reduces the exposure to the face. Information is available at www.idixray.com.
Carestream/Kodak Dental Systems’ new 6500 uses an Intelligent Positioning System that is much like a GPS to aim the X-ray head. There is also WiFi connectivity, as well as an iPad capture feature available that is intriguing. There is a full explanation on the company’s website at www.carestreamdental/6500.
As you plow through these websites, look for specials as well as free samples of many of the disposables for your offices. With this amazing variety, you will surely find the system that works best in your hands.
Dr. Paul Feuerstein installed one of dentistry’s first computers in 1978. For more than 20 years, he has taught technology courses. A general practitioner in North Billerica, Mass., since 1973, Dr. Feuerstein maintains a website (www.computersindentistry.com) and can be reached at [email protected].