Tru-Align Review by Dr. Marvin A. Fier, DDS
(This is a response to a question posed in a DrBicuspid discussion group)
I have used the IDI Tru-Align system and am happy to share some reactions and impressions. First and most important to you, it is a breakthrough technology that can minimize X-ray retakes, save chair time, and give us better image quality while decreasing radiation to our patients. Since I received my system, there have been advancements made in the technology, which will make it even better than it already is. The learning curve is a short one so long as the staff pays attention to the instructions… something many don’t like to do.
ALSO… keep in mind that with rectangular collimation, you are providing a far safer service than with round collimation. As you know, a rectangular cone corresponds more exactly to the shape of the receptor (film or sensor), but a round cone blasts tissue unnecessarily. The Tru-Align from IDI can convert the round openings of your X-ray machines to rectangular ones. As stated in a past issue of JADA, “The tissue area (and volume) exposed to the primary X-ray beam should not exceed the minimum coverage consistent with meeting diagnostic requirements and clinical feasibility.”
FINALLY, if you haven’t yet seen them, the National Council on Radiation Protection issued new guidelines in December 2003 (NCRP report No. 145) and I’m certain these will become the standard of care in the near future. They state “Rectangular collimation of the beam shall be used routinely for periapical radiography. Each dimension of the beam, measured in the plane of the image receptor should not exceed the dimension of the image receptor by more than 2 per cent of the source-to-image receptor distance. Similar collimation shall be used, when feasible, for interproximal (bitewing) radiography.”
Dr. V… I applaud your desire to address the retake problem in your multi-doctor office. The Tru-Align system may be the answer you’re looking for.
Yours for better patient care,
Marvin A. Fier, DDS, FASDA, ABAD, FACD, FADI, FIADE, FICD
Executive VP, American Society for Dental Aesthetics
Pomona Prof. Plaza – 972 Route 45
Pomona, NY 10970
Tel: 845-354-4300 Fax: 845-354-0015