A Sensible Way to X-Ray

The benefits of digital intraoral X-rays are (quite literally) clear, mainly because of their ability to produce extremely detailed, high-resolution images that can help improve diagnosis, treatment planning, and patient care. But patients who are familiar with the slender profiles of traditional film or phosphor plates may not be thrilled with the more rigid and thicker digital sensors that can cause discomfort. Add to that an awkward, complex sensor positioner, and now the patient is uncomfortable, the clinician is frustrated, and the dental appointment is in a downward spiral.

“Digital radiology can be tricky,” said Dr. Tiffany Lee, specifically explaining that “sensor positioners are often bulky and costly,” and that using multiple bite blocks is very time-consuming. Flow Dental sought to solve these challenges with its innovative Sensibles Universal Sensor Holder, a unique universal sensor positioning system that Dr. Lee calls “a nice, all-in-one unit.” 

Just 2 Bite Blocks

Sensibles is a unique sensor positioning system with only 2 universal bite blocks—1 large and 1 medium—that are fully adjustable and color-coded to help streamline the X-ray process. The large bite block is suited for most larger size 1 and 2 sensors in the vertical position, while the medium bite block fits most small or medium size 1 and 2 sensors in the horizontal position and size 0 sensors in both positions. 

Noting that Sensibles “work well and patients like it better,” Dr. Kenneth Siegel said, “It offers better comfort for my patients and is more exacting.” Dr. Joshua Haremza shared, “I like that it is color-coded and easy to use,” and Dr. John Lee said it is an easy system for his assistants to use. Adding that “taking radiographs requires flexibility,” Dr. John Lee was pleased “to use this system to replace or support our current equipment.”

Unique Adjustable Design

No matter what sensor size is used, 1 of the 2 universal bite blocks will fit, thanks to the unique adjustable design of the Sensibles holder. Equipped with a ratcheting mechanism, Sensibles allows the gripper portion to adjust to any size sensor, eliminating the need for multiple bite blocks. With locking bumpers on the sensor gripper’s sides, clinicians can adjust the bite block to several different positions, including horizontal and vertical imaging positions, making this an extremely versatile sensor holder system.

“My staff likes the audible and tactile clicking of the Sensibles to ensure that they are fully engaged and secured,” shared Dr. Tiffany Lee, and Dr. Bhavit Sheth said, “It has good attachment to the sensor and appears very durable.”

In addition, a quick-release button makes it easy to quickly remove the sensor from the Sensibles holder. “My assistants like how quickly they are able to detach from our sensors,” said Dr. John Lee, who added, “The quick release and universal fit are very novel.”

Simplified Universal System

To enhance the system’s user-friendliness, Sensibles features aiming rings and positioning arms similar to familiar traditional film positioners. The simplified system includes just 2 rings and 3 arms and is fully autoclavable and reusable, which “make inventory and sterilization much easier,” according to Dr. Benjamin Schwartz. “There is no need to store dozens of different rings, holders, and arms to take a few radiographs,” he explained. Appreciating the simplicity of the system, Dr. Schwartz said, “It allowed us to cut down on the number of items needed to take a full-mouth series. With our previous system, we would need a few positioning arms, positioning rings, and a few holders. This system is much more simplistic and doesn’t require multiple parts.”

Noting that Sensibles is “easy to use and very intuitive,” Dr. Julian Zenker said it saves time during the X-ray process. Calling the system a “good idea to increase efficiency,” a Dallas, TX, dentist explained, “I like having fewer pieces to figure out, which allows for quicker x-rays. Once the staff was able to figure it out, it was smoother.”

Clinicians who adopt the Sensibles Universal Sensor Holder will experience the sensible way to x-ray, enhancing their imaging workflow and providing their patients with a more comfortable experience.