Digital dental X-ray machines have been around for over two decades. Today, digital radiography is widespread throughout the dental market. In fact, some studies have shown that over 70% of all dental practices now use digital dental X-ray machines. And, over the years, more brands and models have emerged, widening the range of products available to doctors.
So, if you’re in the market for a new dental X-ray machine, what considerations should be made in order to find the right equipment for your practice? Today, we’re diving into the top things to think about so you’re prepared for your purchase.
#1. Modality
One of the first questions a certified equipment dealer should ask you when shopping for a dental X-ray machine is “how will it be used?” The reason why this is so important to know first thing is because it will narrow your available options. Typically, your response will vary depending on your area of specialty, or the specialists who may use the machine in your office, as well as the procedures you offer.
The leading dental X-ray brands from across the world have a model suitable for nearly any dental practice, and any procedure. With brands such as Planmeca, Sirona, and Carestream, they offer different models for each modality – namely 2D panoramic, pan/ceph, and cone beam/CBCT. And, even within each modality, particularly CBCT, there are options ranging in field of view (FOV) which will impact the scanning size as well as the price you’ll pay.
Most commonly, doctors choose the modality and option which helps them accomplish all the imaging their practice needs, minimizing functions unnecessary to their practice.
For example, cephalometric X-ray machines are typically used with ortho work, a ceph attachment is only necessary for specialty practices or those working with an orthodontist.
#2. Features
With a wide variety of brands and models to choose from, you’ll also want to narrow down your wish list by deciding which features you need today and will need in the future. Today’s marketplace comes with many desirable features, designed to make operators and patients more comfortable, improve workflows, or even give you the ability to upgrade in the future.
Some popular features on dental X-ray machines today include:
● Extraoral bitewings
● Ceph/CBCT upgradeability
● Motion detection
● Low-dosage capability
● 3D imaging software
Similar to buying a car, when you understand the features available, as well as the features you need, it will help you get the most value from your investment.
#3. Practice Space
Once you’ve filtered to the best modality, and desired features, you’ll also need to envision the space your machine will occupy in your office.
If you’re limited in practice space you can allocate to imaging, your choices will also be limited. If you’re replacing an existing machine, you may already have your space mapped out. You may look to replace it with a similar size machine, to ensure you’re meeting regulatory requirements.
#4. Service & Warranty
With the sizable investment made in your equipment, you won’t want poor support getting in the way of your usage of your new equipment. You want peace of mind that your investment is covered with readily available support and a comprehensive warranty. This is a critical consideration on which equipment is right for your practice, as well as who you purchase from.
Speak to a sales representative and inquire about the support and warranty programs. Read online reviews from other dental professionals. Learn what’s covered with your purchase, and what’s not, so you can feel confident with it. Sometimes, you may also need to consider your location, because some providers won’t have coverage in your area.
#5. Price
Overall, the price of today’s dental X-ray machines continues to decrease as competition increases. Today’s market offers machines at a range of prices. All of the above considerations impact the price you’ll expect to pay for new equipment. And, just like with other investments, you want to match the right features you need to help your practice make the best investment at the best possible value. The Renew Digital Difference
Did you know you can save 30% to 50% off list prices by purchasing certified pre-owned equipment?
For more than 10 years, Renew Digital has been the leader in certified pre-owned dental imaging equipment. They carry panoramic, pan/ceph, CBCT systems, and even intraoral scanners, from the leading brands, at low prices.
Their team backs the quality of their pre-owned equipment with rigorous inspection and testing and then protects it with a comprehensive warranty that covers on-site parts and labor and unlimited remote support.
Reach out to them at 888-246-5611 or contact them online. Your rep will work alongside you to determine the best fit for your practice in terms of features and functionality, and will even help you account for your unique network configuration and where the machine will be placed.
Contact them today!
