Intraoral Dental Sensor Comparison Study
The data for this page will continually be updated. (Large resolution images may load slowly)
Background
This study is being conducted by Dr. David Crane, a general dentist
in Chippewa Falls, WI since 1967. His office is mostly digital including patient
records, intraoral sensors, digital panoramic x-ray, and bar-coded supply
management. Dr. Crane is a former partner in a business
that sold hardware and software to medical and dental offices.
Making the choice of hardware is probably the most difficult decision when converting
to digital x-rays. The selection of a digital pan is easier than the selection
of intraoral sensors because digital pans are grouped more by cost, quality of
images, and expandability. On the other hand there are many different intraoral
sensors with many options, different imaging software, choices of integration
into your practice management software, and choice of vendors. Demos by local
salespeople will often provide high resolution images but will not reflect how
they will appear on your computer or provide side-by-side comparisons with image
quality of other brands.
Unbiased results will be presented on an ongoing basis as different sensors are tested. Comments or suggestions are welcome. You may also call us at 715-723-1662.
Method
A small program, called an extension, was downloaded from the Apteryx web site for each make of sensor. (See all the different sensors on the market). This, along with the drivers for each sensor, allowed us to use all of the sensors with our CliniView imaging software. (See all the imaging software made by Apteryx). The sensors were used for all patients by all staff members in three treatment rooms for at least two weeks. Three staff members were the subjects for the images shown in the chart. All images are untouched and only converted to JPG format from the CliniView raw format. Rinn sensor holders were used and the aiming ring always touched the patients face. Exposure ranges for all sensors were between .060 to .160 seconds.Controls
- Proper exposure for each patient which may vary with each sensor (as dark as possible without burning out the CEJ area)
- Consistent radiation from x-ray machine (we used new Progeny Preva DC wall mount units)
- USB cables under 15 feet to eliminate poor signals
- Windows XP Pro, Dual Core processors, 2MG memory, networked computers
- CliniView imaging software made by Apteryx
- Data Grabber software to integrate with Dentrix
- High resolution Samsung monitors with at least 1000:1 contrast ratios
- Proper sizing of images on monitor for best viewing
- Images saved as high resolution JPG files for web site and email
Variables
- Independent: Sensors listed below
- Dependent: Consistent quality and clarity of resulting images
Click here to see photos and review notes
| SENSOR | DATE OF STUDY |
TYPE | SIZES | STREET PRICE #2 Inc USB |
Warranty | Maintenance/ |
Software |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DentiMax | July 12, 2009 | CCD | #1, 2 | $6,298 | 2 year limited | Add $1,499 for unlimited 2 yr warranty, one time replacement | DentiMax Digital Dental Imaging, sold separately, can be bundled |
| EVA Classic | October 27, 2008 | CMOS | #1, 2 | $5,882 | 3 year limited | Unknown | ProImage software sold separately |
| Gendex Visualix eHD | January 20, 2009 | CCD | #1, 2 | $8,395 | 2 year limited | 5 yr extended limited costs $995 with $3,000 deductable. Buy a new one if you damage it. | VixWin Platinum software sold separately, 2 year warranty |
| Instrumentarium SnapShot | July 4, 2009 | CMOS | #1, 2 | $7,800 | 2 year limited | Add $995 for 5 year accidental damage with $1,895 deductable | CliniView software included with lifetime support plus 5 licenses |
| Kodak 6100 | June 10, 2010 | CMOS | #0, 1, 2, | $xxxx | xxxxx | xxxxx | xxxxx |
| Schick CDR | May 13, 2009 | CMOS | #0, 1, 2 | $8,855 | 2 year limited |
Sensor replacement $2,300 with Service Club | Eaglesoft imaging included, Service Club free 1st 2 yrs, then $995/yr |
| NAME OF SENSOR | IMAGE FROM PATIENT #1 | IMAGE FROM PATIENT #2 | IMAGE FROM PATIENT #3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| DentiMax |  |
 |
 |
| EVA Classic |  |
 |
 |
| Gendex Visualix |  |
 |
 |
| Instrumentarium SnapShot |
 |
 |
 |
| Kodak 6100 |  |
 |
 |
| Schick CDR |  |
 |
 |