DENTSPLY SIRONA
Schick 33
Schick 33 sensors give dentists an unprecedented level of resolution and control over digital images.
Dr. Josh Howard wanted the clearest, easiest-to-read digital radiographs on the market. He also wanted a sensor that would integrate seamlessly with his Eaglesoft practice management software.
“Schick 33 sensors achieve both these goals,” said Dr. Howard, a member of the Dental Product Shopper team who evaluated the Schick 33 digital intraoral sensors. “Caries detection in our office is so much easier, thanks to Schick 33. The clarity of the image is absolutely amazing! It’s like our radiographs finally graduated to high definition. I would never go back to digital radiographs with lower resolution,” he added.
Since digital imaging was first introduced to the dental profession, the quality of images has continued to improve. When evaluating the Schick 33 sensors, our DPS evaluators raved about the impressive image quality, Sirona’s technical support, and many other benefits of this “Best Product.”
Software and Image Quality
Dr. Terry O’Keefe lauded the quality of the sensor. “It makes great images, has a complete palate of tools in the software, and is well supported...what else is there!”
Dr. Peter Hagen, who said his team was initially slow to use the new sensor because of the longer image capture time, explained, “Once they saw how much better the quality was, they quickly were on board. Now we use them exclusively.” He continued, “[There is] some ‘wow factor’ for patients when manipulating the software. [I like] the ability to change to different ‘modes’ in the software to focus on different areas.”
“The image quality is the best I have encountered,” reported Dr. Craig Ratner, who explained how the Schick 33 sensors detected a subgingival carious lesion in one patient that seemed to be an artifact on the previous bitewings with the old sensors. “The improved resolution made it possible to distinguish this hard-to-read lesion,” Dr. Ratner shared. “The procedure required laser gingivoplasty to uncover the cavity. Once revealed, it was obvious that—had it gone undetected for much longer—it would have led to exposure or gone subcrestal. We were able to restore and save the patient from much more involved procedures.”
The clarity of the images and ability to manipulate them is incredible, according to New York dentist Richard Leiman. “Better clarity and contrast allows for better diagnosis,” he said.
Dr. Robert Conte explained how his case acceptance rate has increased since using the Schick 33sensors. “The ability to share the images with our patients on a flat-screen monitor enables us to co-diagnose, and the patients understand their problems thoroughly. They are more likely to follow through with needed treatment.”
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"The image |
"[The sensors are] |
"The length of
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| Robert Conte, DMD Warwick, RI |
Jonathan Dubin, DMD Atlanta, GA |
Craig Ratner, DMD Staten Island, NY |
Sensor Sizes, Positioning, Comfort
Available in sizes 0, 1, and 2, Schick 33 sensors have a unique interchangeable cable technology and come in 3 cable lengths: 3, 6, and 9 feet. “The connection wire can be replaced in-office if needed,” said Dr. O’Keefe, who liked that the cable was easily disconnected and reconnected for portability. Dr. Ratner suggested, “The length of the cable could be a touch longer. At its current length, it is sometimes hard to position without pulling on the remote box.”
Regarding comfort and positioning in the mouth, Dr. Conte suggested rounding out the corners of the sensors a little, but said he enjoys digital sensors because they eliminate fi lm and messy processing.
Support Services
Every Schick system is installed, serviced, and supported in the U.S. and Canada by Sirona’s partner, Patterson Dental, and comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee and a comprehensive warranty program. Dr. O’Keefe told DPS that he had problems with his previous sensors, which were not Schick products and were not supported by the company. “Now we have no hardware issues, and the support is great and timely.”
Dr. Conte said he feels very comfortable with Schick 33 being a Sirona product. “They are, by far, the most innovative dental technology company there is. Sirona knows imaging. The support is excellent,” he said.
"Absolutely love my Schick 33 Sensors. I would not dream of practicing without it."
-Joshua Howard, DMD
Dover, NH
Overall Satisfaction
All of the evaluators said they would definitely recommend the Schick 33 sensors to colleagues, and rated their overall satisfaction as very good or excellent. A California dentist, Thanh Chau, said they are the best sensors he ever used.
Dr. Howard concluded, “Any colleague who adds this technology to their practice will definitely notice an increase in caries diagnosis. Lesions will be detected early and will be easy to show to patients on a screen because they are so clear. This co-diagnosis opportunity that Schick 33 sensors provide will lead to a greater acceptance of treatment.”
Takeaways
•Very high-quality images
•Clarity of images increases case acceptance
•Unique interchangeable cable technology
•Excellent technical support from Sirona and Patterson Dental
