Dental chair meets diagnostic system in a fully integrated treatment centre
By Danny Chan
When Ivoclar Vivadent Australia secured its Cefla dealership to bring European brands Stern Weber and MyRay to our shores late last year, the local equipment reseller had one overriding goal. That is to offer Australian dentists more versatility and flexibility through a comprehensive range of equipment.
From the modular designs of European manufacturer Stern Weber’s treatment units to MyRay’s diagnostic products, the local distributor is making available an array of customisable solutions for the individual practice. These solutions consider all the elements of innovative equipment and technology that render effective a modern dental surgery – so that dentists themselves don’t have to.
After all, equipping one’s practice in this digital age entails more than buying a patient chair, operating light or even an X-ray unit. It requires an integrated approach that follows the treatment cycle all the way from comprehensive diagnosis to data sharing; treatment preparation to implementation service; through to treatment of specific dental pathologies.
The Stern Weber Integrated Treatment Centre with its onboard diagnostic system from MyRay represents an important step in that direction.
As of last year, the Stern Weber range offers 20 integrated treatment centres consisting of three distinct product lines. All three levels, including the S200 entry unit; the highly featured S320TR; and top-of-line S280TRc, are now available in Australia. Customers can choose from either International or Continental delivery versions – in addition, Stern Weber also offers a S220TR independent cart.
Blending sophisticated technology with functional ergonomics, the different classes of treatment units are built for various applications and types of users. While the S200 meets the needs of technicians, hygienists and therapists, S320 TR is a fully featured chair suitable for all dentists and multiple operators. The S280TRC is state-of-the-art design featuring a floating chair and advanced anti-contamination system
Says Rhoda Maclean, Product Manager, Ivoclar Vivadent Australia: “All models are ideally suited to the Australian Market; our range allows the flexibility to choose from the many different features available so we can tailor the end product to suit the operators exacting needs. Our unrivalled range of upholstery colours also allows our units to complement any décor ensuring the perfect fit for your practice.”
User-friendly controls, an intuitive workflow design, speedy data recall, crisp monitor displays and integrated diagnostic devices have all been duly faceted into this European make. Features across all unit models include an anti-glare flat screen monitor; rapid access instrument tubing connections; comprehensive hygiene control; and a diagnostic system consisting of a high frequency X-ray unit and sensor.
Thoughtfully incorporated to exacting detail, the hygiene factor is central to the Stern Weber design: Holder guides that provide support during removal and replacement of the suction tubing can be removed for easier disinfection and cleaning; controls on both the dentist’s and assistant’s module feature disposable covers that are easily wiped; stainless steel tray holder modules can be sterilised in an autoclave etc.
Featured on all classes of treatment centres is the multi-function foot control. It activates all basic functions to improve hygiene, save time and focus the operator’s attention on the patient. Available in three versions including the all-new Power Pedal, foot controls can be used to operate patient chair movement, activate ‘chip air’ and ‘chip water’ on the instrument in use and the extracted instrument (with and without spray).
For greater treatment scope, the units also feature the L810 nm Class IV laser. In addition to improving treatment outcomes, the diode laser significantly reduces the need for local anaesthetic. Supplied with two handpieces as standard and a third as an optional, the integrated Stern Weber laser offers new opportunities to dentists operating in specific fields.
Some features, however, apply only to selected models. The new S280TRc, for example, features a suspended patient chair that affords ample operating space on all sides – including areas beneath the chair and backrest. One distinct advantage lies in the excellent vertical excursion of the patient chair. When lowered to its minimum height, the patient can get on/off with ease. During treatment the dental staff can also position the patient at a height that maximises working comfort.
Advanced X-ray System Onboard
Advancing the diagnostic abilities of its operator, the Stern Weber Integrated Treatment Centre boasts an advanced multimedia X-ray system. The fully integrated system eliminates the hassles of a separate installation by fitting MyRay’s X-ray device directly on the unit. The RXDC X-ray system features HyperSphere technology, ZEN-X digital X-ray sensor and a LCD monitor. Together, they represent an outstanding direct-diagnosis solution that promises shorter times, immediate results and instant effectiveness.
Rhoda adds: “RXDC incorporates MyRay’s revolutionary HyperSphere technology, based on an exclusive full-swivel ball-joint enabling total positioning freedom.
“The integration of the HyperSphere X-ray tube onto the unit itself saves valuable wall space and allows ready at-hand convenience for the dentist.”
Designed for digital X-ray imaging, the RXDC is an extremely compact unit. The supplied portable wireless digital control can be positioned anywhere in the surgery without having to clutter walls with control panels and wiring. The system achieves sharp images due to the embedded 12” (30 cm) collimator (increased X-ray beam parallelism) together with the smallest available focal spot for intra-oral imaging (0.4 mm).
The integrative design also features a new removable sensor conveniently located on the dentist’s module. MyRay’s Zen-X sensor simplifies the process of taking radiographs with its ergonomic shape that maximises patient comfort. The thin profile, smooth sensor edges and chamfered corners ensure that Zen-X conforms to the anatomical shape of the oral cavity to enable easier and correct positioning. The USB 2.0-compatible sensor allows for fast and convenient digital transfers of X-ray images into the computer.
Free Trials Available for Australian Customers
Other advantages of purchasing a Stern Weber treatment centre in Australia stem from its regional representation. The entire range is backed by full warranty and technical support, courtesy of distributor Ivoclar Vivadent Pty Ltd.
Stern Weber and MyRay belong to Cefla Dental Group, a healthcare conglomerate based in Imola, Italy. Following its acquisition of Stern Weber in 2000, the Italian company founded MyRay specializing in the development of digital imaging systems. Ivoclar Vivadent Pty Ltd represents the two Cefla brands within Australia.
“Ivoclar Vivadent always associates itself with the highest quality products from the world’s leading suppliers.
“We have complete faith in the quality and durability of the entire Stern Weber range. In the same token, we offer our customers backup and support from our fully trained and experienced in-house technicians. Our extensive field service coverage ensures rapid response times.”
The Melbourne-based reseller is offering a full two-year parts and labour warranty on all Stern Weber units. All models are available for viewing and testing at fully equipped showrooms around the country. For a limited period, the company is offering a free 30-day trial on the entire range. As an introductory gesture, the company will even bear the relevant costs of installing the units at the tester’s surgery.
“We are pleased to offer this because we believe that using a Stern Weber treatment centre is the best way to showcase the quality and ease of use of the product. Of course, some conditions apply. I expect quite a few dentists will take us up on this fabulous offer.”
Product training is offered either onsite or at one of the showrooms, where Ivoclar’s equipment specialists will be able to guide the operator through the features as well as train the dental team on all aspects of maintaining the treatment centres.
“We ensure that all users are confident and proficient with the units before they start using them in the clinical environment.”
Starting from $29,030 (excluding GST) for a standard S200 series model, the Stern Weber treatment unit is competitively priced for its features and covers a broad range of needs and budgets.
Describing the European equipment range as “quality by design”, Rhoda stresses: “As our treatment centres are Italian designed and manufactured, we choose not to compete with lower-end products offered by many in the industry at budget price points.”
The S320 TR model is offered at a standard package for $42,243 (excluding GST), which includes a soft start Venue Plus operating light (8000 – 35,000 Lux range), brushless fibre-optic micromotor (operates 100-40,000 RPM) and memory-foam upholstery for patient comfort and support. Standard package for the S280 TRc model is priced at $46,326 (excluding GST).