As a 3D Systems Product Specialist, one of my most interesting roles is watching our products evolve to fit today’s modern dental practice. The team at i-CAT doesn’t just talk about i-CAT 3D systems; we listen to dental professionals and discover what features they need and want. These conversations have resulted in a new i-CAT FLX V-Series.
Here is what dentists have asked for:
An upgradeable system
Dentists want a seamless and straightforward upgrade to their 3D system as their practices grow. The i-CAT FLX V-Series does just that — it offers a technology foundation with upgradable options for dentists who are learning, evolving, and expanding to do more for patients. Now, they don’t need a replacement system; they can progressively add more features to the system they know and like.
Image quality and low-dose options
The i-CAT FLX V-Series offers consistent image quality across all platforms with PureScan™ technology. Unlike i-CAT full-beam scanning, many other systems on the market capture scans with a smaller sensor, and as a result, have to offset the panel to gain more diameter, which can negatively affect image quality. Along with quality imaging that sets i-CAT apart, it offers a variety of low-dose and ultra low-dose options like collimation and the QuickScan+ protocol, allowing for 3D images at a comparable dose to a digital 2D pan*.
Enhanced 2D panoramic
For dentists who rely on a 2D pan modality, i-CAT can capture clear traditional 2D panoramic images without investing in two separate sensors or distinct imaging units. This feature is available in all three of the V-Series systems: (1) V8—8x8 and 8x5 3D scan sizes; (2) V10—scalable 3D scan sizes up to 10x16; and (3) V17—scalable 3D scan sizes up to 10x16 plus 17x23 size.
Clinicians find comfort in knowing the systems have this commonly used form of radiography. As the practice grows, the dentist’s chosen i-CAT V-Series is ready with 3D scanning and a broad choice of upgradeable field-of-view options.
Affordable 3D imaging
Doctors want the quality of i-CAT technology, but worry about their budgets. This new i-CAT system provides renowned i-CAT premium-brand quality at an affordable price. For under $90,000, dentists can benefit from proprietary tools for low-dose 3D imaging that will offer detailed information for procedures including implants, oral and maxillofacial surgery, orthodontics, TMJ, airway, and sinus.
Whether the dentist has decided to expand treatment options or is welcoming specialists into the practice, i-CAT FLX V-Series is easily upgradeable and includes comprehensive on-site training. We listened to dentists’ needs, from general practitioners to specialists, and we will continue to combine i-CAT quality with features that serve growing and evolving practices.
*Ludlow JB, Walker C. Assessment of phantom dosimetry and image quality of i-CAT FLX cone-beam computed tomography. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop. 2013; 144(6):802-817. Indications for use: www.i-cat.com\ifu
Originally published in Sidekick Magazine.
About the Author: Peter Soto has a 21-year history in dental, 16 years of which have been dedicated to CBCT, and he was one of the first CBCT technicians in the United States. He joined Team i-CAT in 2008 and has since served the company in a variety of positions. Peter is currently the 3D Systems Product Specialist for all of the KaVo Kerr Group, including the i-CAT brand, where he is responsible for technical and business development, product marketing and promotion, and collaborating with dentists to collect the “voice of the customer” data.