Product Evaluation

PLANMECA USA

Planmeca ProMax 2D S3 Evaluation

ProMax 2D S3 is designed to grow with any practice and accommodate future innovations in the field of dentistry.

When asked what they liked best about PLANMECA’s ProMax 2D S3, 6 of 8 evaluators named ease of use. An evaluator with 37 years of experience described the digital x-ray unit saying, “Patients love it [and it’s] relatively easy to use.”

The ProMax 2D S3 has revolutionized the concept of doing routine diagnostic imaging extraorally by providing clinicians with the freedom to take anatomically accurate extraoral bitewings. PLANMECA’s patented SCARA (Selectively Compliant Articulated Robot Arm) technology enables free geometry based on image formation and can produce any movement pattern required.

Eight dentists participated in this Dental Product Shopper evaluation of the ProMax 2D S3, rating features such as ease of use of the graphic interface, ease of workflow, and extraoral bitewing vs. intraoral bitewing capability.

Ease of Use of Graphic Interface

Manufacturer Description: ProMax 2D S3’s full-color Thin Film Transistor display has a Graphic User Interface that guides the operator with text and clear graphic symbols. All the exposure settings are logically grouped and easy to understand. The display features a sealed, hygienic, wipe-clean surface.

Evaluator Feedback: Eighty-eight percent of the evaluators rated the ProMax 2D S3’s ease of use of the graphic interface as excellent or very good. A dentist who rated all features of the ProMax 2D S3 as excellent said he liked, “[ProMax 2D S3’s] ease of use and quality of image,” while another evaluator said that she liked, “[The] great image quality, ease of use, and [that] patients love it.”

Ease of Workflow 

Manufacturer Description: PLANMECA’s Romexis software is designed to work with the data captured by digital x-ray sensors and support optimal imaging workflow and usability at chairside. Romexis’ easy-to-use image processing tools facilitate image communications, enhance image detail, and improve the diagnostic value of radiographs after exposure.

Evaluator Feedback: An evaluator from Vancouver, BC, with 20 years of experience who noted that the ProMax 2D 3S is much better than similar imaging units, said, “[The product] increased staff efficiency, [provided] consistent imaging, [and provided the] ability to easily take 3D images.” An evaluator with 38 years in practice added, “[The ProMax 2D S3 is an] excellent machine [that offers] great workflow in the office.”

When asked what could be improved about the product, one evaluator, who rated ease of workflow as very good, said, “Simplified patient positioning for equally consistent images with all staff members.” Another evaluator said, “[The] geometry of the [unit’s] head as it rotates around the patient. Large shoulders of male patients are hit by the rotating head.”

Extraoral Bitewing Versus Intraoral Bitewing

Manufacturer Description: ProMax 2D extraoral bitewings are ideal for perio, elderly, and claustrophobic patients; patients who gag; or a patient in pain. Extraoral bitewings enhance clinic efficiency and take less time and effort than a conventional intraoral bitewing.

Evaluator Feedback: All 8 of the evaluators rated the extraoral bitewing versus intraoral bitewing as excellent or very good. A dentist who rated all features of the ProMax 2D S3 as excellent said she liked the “immediate results displayed on monitor for parents or patient to view. [It provides] 10x the amount of useable data versus intraoral bite-wing image,” while an evaluator from Bloomington, IL, said, “I had a 2D before but the additional 3D has greatly increased the rate of acceptance of implant therapy.”

Overall Satisfaction

Six dentists called the ProMax 2D S3 much or somewhat better than similar products, with comments such as “easy to use,” “total patient comfort,” and “excellent images.” All of the evaluators rated their overall satisfaction with the ProMax 2D S3 as excellent. An evaluator with 37 years in practice summed up his evaluation saying, “I am extremely satisfied with this unit.”