Polaris Intraoral Camera

Polaris Intraoral Camera

Air Techniques, Inc

Polaris combines ease of use, ergonomics, and portability into 1 intraoral camera.

Air Techniques describes Polaris as a nextgeneration intraoral camera that combines “exceptional digital images” with “exceptional convenience.” The camera has been designed to be easy to use and provide users with high-quality optics and image capture. In addition, Air Techniques has incorporated a patent-pending 330-degree swivel head that captures all angles of the oral cavity. and Fixed Focus. Both of these features are intended to make capturing images easier.

We invited 8 current users (dentists and hygienists) of Polaris to complete the Dental Product Shopper evaluation form. They commented on such features as ease of use and integration into the practice, image quality, and staff satisfaction.

Ease of Use

Polaris has a light-weight rounded design so it fits well in the hand of the user. As soon as it is removed from the holster, the camera is automatically activated. In addition, images are acquired upon release of the capture button, allowing for single-handed operation and eliminating the possibility of blurry images and the need for image retakes. The Quick Connect feature incorporated into the Polaris allows it to be easily carried from room to room, and is compatible with the Spectra Caries Detection Aid.

When asked about ease of use, 3 evaluators rated Polaris as excellent, 2 rated it as very good, and 3 rated it as good. Three evaluators listed ease of use as one of their favorite features of the camera. One evaluator said, “I like the ease of use of the capture feature,” and another said, “I like that it’s so light and portable.” A third evaluator said, “I like the portability between operatories.”

Ease of Integration

Air Techniques says Polaris is easily integrated and connected to an existing unit. The Polaris comes in 2 models. The Polaris USB connects directly to a computer and provides both power and data transfer. The Polaris Universal can be fully integrated into a practice using several different connectivity options, including S-Video, Live Composite Video, and USB outputs.

Three evaluators rated ease of integration of Polaris as excellent, 3 rated it as very good, and 2 rated it as good. Two evaluators commented that the camera integrated easily with their practice management system.

Image Quality

Polaris uses Fixed Focus rather than auto-focus, so all objects from 6 mm to 40 mm remain in focus and there is no need for adjustment. When asked to rate the image quality of Polaris, 3 evaluators rated it as excellent, 2 rated it as very good, and 3 rated it as good.

A few evaluators thought the image could be “crisper” and commented on difficulty holding the camera steady. This can be overcome by placing the camera on the patient’s opposing arch to help steady it vs holding the camera freely. To zoom in or out, the patient should gently open or close the mouth until the clinician gets the desired image. Several other evaluators named image quality as one of the features they like best about Polaris. One evaluator said, “The focus is great.” Another evaluator said Polaris produces “great pictures.”

Staff Satisfaction

The evaluators were asked to comment on their staff’s reaction to Polaris. Three evaluators rated staff satisfaction as excellent, 1 rated it as very good, 3 rated it as good, and 1 did not answer this question. One evaluator said his staff “found it pretty easy to master.”

Overall Satisfaction

Seven evaluators said they would definitely or probably recommend Polaris to their colleagues and purchase it again in the future. When asked about their overall satisfaction with the camera, 2 rated it as excellent, 5 rated it as very good, and 1 rated it as fair.

One of the evaluators listed several features of the Polaris that he likes, including the camera’s lightweight design, head size, and the fit of the plastic sheaths. Another evaluator said, “I have used many other intraoral cameras in other offices and this one ranks at the top of my list.”