So, what it IRS Section 179 and why should you care as a dental practice owner?
By definition, Section 179 of the Internal Revenue Code (IRS) is a tax deduction that allows businesses such as dental offices to deduct the full purchase price of qualifying equipment and/or software purchased or financed during the tax year. The Section 179 deduction is aimed at encouraging businesses to invest in themselves by providing an incentive to purchase, finance, or lease qualifying equipment.
Here’s how dentists can make use of Section 179:
By leveraging Section 179, dentists can potentially reduce their taxable income for the year in which the qualifying equipment is placed in service, providing a financial incentive for investing in their dental practices.
Disclaimer: Tax laws can change, so it's advisable to consult with a tax professional or check the latest IRS guidelines to get the most up-to-date information on Section 179 and its limits.]]>
Intraoral 3D scanning is no different. The technology first came out around 1987 and became more popular in the late 2000s. Although it has seen growth as early as that time frame, it was nothing compared to the what we have seen in the last few years. It is safe to say that in 2023, never has there been a time when the market is flooded with so many different scanner brands and manufacturers.
So what is 3D intraoral scanning and how does it work?
In a nutshell, intraoral scanning is a dental imaging technique that involves using a specialized device to capture highly detailed three-dimensional images of the insides of a patient's mouth. The technology is meant to digitize dental impressions hence the popular term "impression scanner."
Here's how intraoral 3D scanning typically works:
Scanner Device: Dentists use a handheld, wand-like device that is equipped with a small camera or sensors. This device is inserted into the patient's mouth.
Image Capture: As the device is moved around the patient's oral cavity, it rapidly captures multiple images, often hundreds or even thousands of images per second. These images are then processed in real-time.
3D Reconstruction: The software associated with the intraoral scanner processes the 2D images to create a 3D digital model of the patient's teeth, gums, and surrounding structures. This model is highly accurate and can represent even fine details.
What are the advantages of intraoral 3D scanning over traditional dental impressions?
Accuracy: The digital models created by intraoral scanners are highly accurate, reducing the likelihood of errors in diagnosis and treatment planning.
Comfort: Patients generally find intraoral scanning to be more comfortable than traditional impressions, as there is no need for messy and gooey impression materials.
Efficiency: The scanning process is faster than traditional methods, which can save both the patient's and the dentist's time.
Digital Records: The 3D digital models can be easily stored, shared, and manipulated on a computer, making it convenient for treatment collaboration and record-keeping.
Custom Dental Restorations: Intraoral scanning is often used to create custom dental restorations, such as crowns, bridges, and aligners. The digital models can be sent directly to a dental lab or used with in-office milling machines for creating precise restorations.
Orthodontics: Intraoral scanning is an essential tool in orthodontics for creating treatment plans, monitoring progress, and designing custom aligners.
In summary, intraoral 3D scanning is a non-invasive and highly accurate technology used in dentistry to create detailed 3D representations of a patient's oral cavity. It has revolutionized the field by improving the patient experience and the quality of dental care.
Looking for a 3D scanner? Contact us at 800-3232690 or visit our website.
]]>Digital intraoral sensors are integral in a dental office’s day to day operations. They are our means to see beyond what the naked eye sees and thus aid in proper diagnosis of cases. We know that these sensors are merely receptors of x-rays coming out of the tube head. The image imprinted on the sensor is read by imaging software such as Apteryx, Dexis, Eaglesoft, Tigerview, etc.
A sensor communicates with an imaging software in 2 different ways- one is via direct integration and the second via TWAIN. Direct integration involves developing custom software driver that allows the sensor to directly communicate with the imaging software. This gives the software access to the imaging device so it can capture and process images in real-time. Think of direct integration as 2 devices speaking the same language so they understand each other. TWAIN, on the other hand, is a third-party application or protocol that acts as a bridge between the imaging software and the sensor. TWAIN allows the sensor to acquire an image and then transfer it over to the imaging software. Think of TWAIN acting as a translator between 2 devices that speak different languages.
Now that we’ve differentiated the two types of communication between the sensor and the software, which one then is better? Or should we ask, is one better than the other? Let’s take a closer look at TWAIN and find out.
Features of TWAIN:
Disadvantages of TWAIN
While there are many advantages to using TWAIN for integrating imaging software and sensors, there are also some potential disadvantages to consider:
So, having said all that, is direct integration better than TWAIN? Or is TWAIN better than direct integration? The answer actually depends on you, your staff, your workflow and your finances. Both can produce good, diagnostic quality x-rays but at the end of the day, it is how you work and where you want to spend your hard-earned money that plays a big role in decision making.
]]>There are several ways to match a shade in dentistry. The one that we are most familiar with and the one that is widely used are the analog shade guides. They have been around for years and dentists all over the world have used them successfully time and time again. However, with the increasing complexity of colors and increasing passion for beauty, a demand was created for tools that can bring objectivity and precision. Hence, digital shade matching devices were created.
At present, within the category of digital shade matching devices, there are 2 different technologies utilized:
Fig 1: Colorimeter- 3D scanner with Smart Shade Function
Fig 2: Spectrophotometer- Rayplicker Cobra
Spectrophotometers are deemed to be more precise since they cover a wider range of color wavelengths compared to the RGB colors that colorimeters use. Regardless of what device you have, here are the top 3 benefits of incorporating these types of devices in your workflow:
BENEFIT #1: OBJECTIVITY IN MEASUREMENT THAT LEADS TO ACCURACY
Let’s admit it- color is in the eye of the beholder. One person might see a tooth having an A3 shade and another D3. Can they both be right? Well, it depends on the lighting conditions, and it can depend on how well it blends with the adjacent teeth.
With a digital shade matching device, this step becomes more objective with less operator bias. Shade taking becomes more accurate and there’ll be less remakes due to wrong shade.
BENEFIT #2: RELIABILITY AND REPRODUCIBILITY
Using a digital device can definitely provide consistent and reproducible results, thus reducing the risk of errors or discrepancies between different shade matching attempts. And in case you forget the shade you just took, you can go back to your device and double check rather than second guess or have the patient come back to your office.
BENEFIT #3: IMPROVED COMMUNICATION WITH LABS
Digital shade matching device allows dentists to relay to the lab the exact shade they desire for their patients. Through the software, the lab can visually see the color maps and the different nuances involved in producing the right colors for the restorations. So even for highly esthetic cases, the lab has a better visual of the type of restoration that the patient needs.
Fig 3: Rayplicker Vision Software – Aids in analyzing the shade taken and mapping the colors in the different areas of the teeth which helps the labs design the restoration
Overall, digital shade matching devices can help to improve the accuracy, efficiency, and patient experience of shade matching in dentistry, leading to better outcomes and more satisfied patients.
If you want to get the best pricing on one of the most accurate dental spectrophotometers in the market today, give us a call at 1-800-323-2690 and ask about the Rayplicker Quickshade and Rayplicker Cobra.
]]>An intraoral scanner typically consists of a handheld wand with a small camera at the tip. The wand is inserted into the patient's mouth and the camera captures multiple images of the teeth and gums. These images are then combined to create a highly detailed 3D model of the patient's mouth.
The 3D model created by an intraoral scanner can be used for a variety of purposes, including:
Intraoral scanners offer several advantages over traditional dental impressions. First, they are non-invasive and much more comfortable for patients. Additionally, they produce highly accurate and detailed images, which can result in better-fitting restorations and more effective treatment plans. Finally, the digital 3D models created by intraoral scanners can be easily stored and shared, allowing for more efficient collaboration between dental professionals and better communication with patients.
Overall, intraoral scanners are an exciting development in the field of dentistry, and are rapidly becoming a standard tool in many dental practices.
]]>An intraoral camera is a small, handheld device that is inserted into the patient's mouth to capture images of their teeth and gums. The camera is connected to a computer or monitor, which displays the images in real-time. Some intraoral cameras are even equipped with special features like LED lighting or the ability to capture videos.
To use an intraoral camera, the dentist or dental hygienist will first clean and dry the patient's mouth. They will then insert the camera into the mouth and maneuver it to capture images of the teeth, gums, and other oral structures from various angles. The images can then be saved and analyzed later, or displayed in real-time for the patient to see.
Intraoral cameras offer several advantages over traditional dental imaging techniques like X-rays. They are non-invasive, so patients experience minimal discomfort during the procedure. They also provide more detailed and accurate images, allowing dentists to detect even minor oral health issues. Additionally, intraoral cameras can be used to show patients exactly what is happening in their mouths, which can help them better understand their oral health and feel more involved in their own care.
]]>CBCT scanners use a flat panel detector to capture a series of two-dimensional X-ray images from different angles around the patient's head. The images are then reconstructed into a 3D image of the teeth, jaw, and surrounding tissues.
CBCT scans provide highly detailed images with minimal radiation exposure compared to traditional CT scans, making them a valuable tool in diagnosing and treating dental and maxillofacial conditions. They can be used to identify and evaluate a wide range of issues, including impacted teeth, dental implant placement, jaw tumors, TMJ disorders, and more.
However, it's important to note that CBCT scans should only be used when necessary, as they do involve some level of radiation exposure. Your healthcare provider will determine if a CBCT scan is appropriate for your specific condition and will take steps to minimize your exposure to radiation during the procedure.
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