As a certified pre-owned dealer of several different leading brands of panoramic X-ray and dental cone beam systems, Renew Digital is officially “brand-neutral.” This means that they offer advice based on the objective features of each system and the needs of their customers. This enables their sales team to suggest the ideal models and modality for your practice, whether it be panoramic, cephalometric, or cone beam/CBCT, regardless of brand. With access to so many different leading dental X-ray machines, we can better serve our customers by matching them to the unit that is a perfect fit without any constraints.
Since they can offer so many different options, their customers often ask them for a comparative breakdown of the features and technology offered by the various models, especially when they have many similarities. In this article, we will compare two dental imaging brands, known for manufacturing high-quality panoramic X-ray machines, that are very similar in both price and functionality: Planmeca and Sirona.
Differences in Technology
Both Planmeca and Sirona panoramic X-ray machines are very similar in feature and function. Probably the most significant difference is the manner in which the units capture a panoramic or cone beam exposure.
One unique distinction is that all Planmeca panoramic machines feature SCARA (Selectively Compliant Articulated Robot Arm) technology, SCARA makes exact, additional movements during rotation in order to capture complex anatomical features in fine detail. This helps deliver more accurate and precise panoramic (and CBCT) images by using real-time computations or dynamic rotational patterns to eliminate mechanical restrictions and capture the most detailed, accurate imaging possible. SCARA technology is not available on Sirona panoramic systems, although the brand still delivers exceptionally high-quality panoramic X-rays and dental cone beam scans.
Available Imaging Modalities
Both of these brands feature a dedicated 2D panoramic imaging modality on all of their devices, including their pan/ceph and small and medium field of view (FOV) cone beam imaging. This flexibility gives you the ability to upgrade to CBCT or to include a cephalometric attachment through the manufacturer.
Panoramic Imaging Programs
Each manufacturer delivers a set of included panoramic options to meet a wide variety of clinical needs.
Planmeca panoramic systems include the following imaging programs:
● Standard panoramic
● Orthogonal panoramic
● Pediatric panoramic
● TMJ and sinus (multiple views)
● Planmeca’s True Extraoral Bitewing functionality using SCARA technology for more accurate bitewing exams at up to 77% less radiation than traditional intraoral bitewings.
Sirona panoramic systems provide the following exams:
● Standard panoramic
● Standard panoramic without ascending rami
● Standard panoramic with variations including orthoradial, artifact reduced, and constant magnification
● Thick slice panoramic for anterior tooth region
● TMJ and sinus (both multiple views)
● Two different types of extraoral bitewings, with projections for both the anterior and posterior tooth regions.
Patient Positioning for Panoramic Imaging
Both systems require careful patient positioning when capturing panoramic X-rays to achieve the highest-quality results.
When positioning patients to capture panoramic scans with a Planmeca unit:
● Patients face the operator (the same as with 3D scans)
● There are three positioning lights, including an adjustable layer light● The patient is held in place with two temple rests and a bite stick for stability; edentulous patients may use a chin rest
When positioning patients to capture a scan with a Sirona panoramic system:
● Patients face a mirror (same as with 3D scans)
● There are two positioning lights with no additional layer setting
● The patient is stabilized via the aid of a three-pronged positioner and a bite stick; as with the Planmeca, edentulous patients may use a chin rest
Conclusion
After review, the subtle differences in features will help one brand function better for you and your practice over another. Our best advice? Review your unique layout and network configuration to select the best unit for your practice.
If you’re researching dental panoramic machines, chat with a reputable dealer who knows both products intimately. Renew Digital offers their customers the leading brands at 30% to 50% off new list prices. They also often accept their customers’ used imaging equipment as a trade-in towards the purchase price.
This also allows them to offer their customers guidance on the best equipment, regardless of brand, because we carry a wide inventory of 2D panoramic X-ray machines, as well as ceph/pan CBCT systems and intraoral scanners.
Start your purchase plan with a call to Renew Digital sales reps at 888-246-5611, or complete an online form.
