How Long Should My Intraoral Camera Last?
Dental practices that would like to enjoy the numerous benefits (improved case acceptance rates, enhanced diagnostic ability, etc.) of intraoral cameras also want to know how long those intraoral cameras will last before one has to buy replacements. There is no straight answer to that question, but several factors can help you to determine how long your intraoral camera will last.
The Quality of the Equipment Procured
I guess you have heard that you get what you pay for. This statement couldn’t be truer than when it is applied to dental technology like intraoral cameras.
There may be a huge difference in the longevity of a name-brand intraoral camera when compared to one you buy off the internet from an unknown entity in a foreign country.
The name-brand intraoral camera, such as the IRIS HD Camera, is likely to be superior in quality since the specialized manufacturer invests painstaking effort in using materials of the highest quality in order to make that equipment to give your dental practice high-quality images for the entire lifespan of that camera.
In contrast, the dental technology from generic suppliers, such as those you are likely to find on eBay and other outlets, may have the singular objective of churning out the cheapest products made from poor quality materials. Consequently, the equipment may break down shortly after you have acquired it and you will be compelled to spend more on replacements.
Ultimately, you are better off acquiring your intraoral camera from a name-brand manufacturer who has a vested interest in protecting their reputation in the field of dentistry. Such a manufacturer will explain to you the average expected lifespan of that equipment based on the anticipated usage patterns at your dental practice.
User Habits
Like any piece of equipment, your intraoral cameras’ longevity may be affected by the way it is handled by the users at your dental practice. For example, a user who frequently bumps the IRIS HD Camera against objects within the dental office as that user moves around with the camera may shorten its lifespan due to the impact of those bumps.
Such bumps are more likely to occur if you move around the dental office when holding a camera that is connected to your computer using a USB cable. Durability issues can also arise when a user drops the camera into its holder instead of lowering it gently.
Usage patterns may be influenced by several factors. For example, the training or demonstration given to your staff prior to the acquisition of the intraoral camera can help them to have the right usage habits from the get-go.
Such training is often lacking when you purchase the dental technology from an unknown supplier online and you are left to figure out how best to use the camera for the longest duration possible.
It is advisable for you to buy an intraoral camera whose specifications are suited to the usage patterns at your dental practice. For example, a wireless IRIS HD Camera would be the best choice in case you expect to use the camera in different rooms within your dental practice.
Proper Maintenance
How well you adhere to the routine and scheduled maintenance of your equipment will also impact how long that equipment will serve your needs before it becomes necessary to replace the intraoral camera.
For example, the optical components of the IRIS HD Camera are enclosed within a protective casing. That casing may be damaged when you drop the camera accidentally and sensitive components, such as the lighting and sensors, can be compromised by contaminants. This can cause the images captured to be of such poor quality that you may end up having to replace the camera prematurely.
You will stand a higher chance of using your new intraoral camera for many years if you work with the supplier to design a maintenance schedule that will keep the camera functioning optimally throughout its expected service life. All in all, dental technology durability is a combination of factors from the manufacturer’s side and the user’s end. Get the right mix of those factors and you will have no regrets.