1. What is caries?
2. What is fluorescence?
3. What is Spectra?
4. How does it work?
5. How do I prepar for an examination?
6. Can I save the images?
7. How do I capture images with Spectra?
8. Do I have to calibrate Spectra?
9. What are the computer requirements for Spectra?
10. What imaging software do I need to operate Spectra?
11. Can the Spectra only version of Visix be integrated into my existing practice management program?
12. How do I install Spectra?
13. How do I clean Spectra?
14. How much does Spectra cost?
15. What is included with Spectra?
16. What is the warranty?

 

1. What is caries?

Destruction of dental hard tissue caused by lactic acid producing bacteria.

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2. What is flourescence?

Flurorescence procedures are based on illustrating certain flourescence substances like porphyrins, which grown in bacterial populated areas. When the area is stimulated with light of a certain wavelength, the molecules absorb the light energy and release part of the light energy with a different wavelength.

When porphyrins are stimulated with a light wavelength of 405nm, they glow red whereas sound enamel glows green.

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3. What is Spectra?

Spectra is a lightweight handpiece used as an aid for for detecting caries, especially early stage enamel caries and hard-to-detect fissure caries after professional oral cleaning.

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4. How does it work?

The Spectra handpiece has a high resolution, high sensitivity, auto-exposure controlled CCD sensor, a high performance lens system and special LED lamps that emit blue-violet light at a wavelength of 405nm. Light of this particular wavelength causes porphyrins from caries producing bacteria to flouresce. When used with the supplied 10mm distance spacer, the fixed focus lens brings all ojects within the area of interest in focus enabling it to identify carious lesions. Caries fluoresce red whereas healthy enamel in conrast flouresces green.

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5. How do I prepare for an examination?

Follow the steps below to prepare for a caries examination:

1. Install a new infection control sheath on the handpiece

2. Install the distance spacer which has been disinfected, cleaned and autoclaved over the handpiece lens tip. This spacer helps to block out stray light and to maintain an appropriate steady distance between the lens tip and the tooth surface to be examined.

3. Perform a professional cleaning to remove dirt and meal deposits, dental tartar, plaque detection agents and preventative materials such as fluor-paste that can interfeere with caries detection.

4. Remove any reisdual polishing paste using an air/water syringe.

5. Allow the teeth to dry.

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6. Can I save the images?

Yes, flourescence images can be stored in a patient's database, so that the patient's oral hygiene can be tracked over time. The images allow the dentists to easily explain the clinical situation and the required treatment plan to the patient. Therefore, Spectra is an excellent tool to promote better oral hygiene to patients and motivate them to carry out a professional tooth cleaning.

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7. How do I capture images with Spectra?

Each keypad button provides the Spectra Handpiece fingertip control over the PC imaging software via the USB umbilical

Top Keypad Button:
Press this button to toggle between live and frozen images. While operating the system in caries mode, the imaging software will highlight the areas of the tooth with potential carious lesions on the frozen image.

Bottom Keypad Button:
Momentarily press this button to toggle the system between plaque and caries modes. Press and hold this button for at least 3 seconds to save a frozen image and to return to a live image.

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8. Do I have to calibrate Spectra?

No, it's self calibrating.

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9. What are the computer requirements for Spectra?

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10. What imaging software do I need to operate Spectra?

Spectra is shipped with a Spectra only version of Visix.
If you currently have Visix you will be able to install this software to allow for Spectra to be used along with ScanX, Accent, or Acclaim. For the office without Visix, this will allow for control of the Spectra only.

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11. Can the Spectra only version of Visix be integrated into my existing practice management program?

Visix, both the full version and Spectra only verion, contain VisixLinx which provides a bridge to over 30 practice management systems. Please click here to download a list of compatible practice management systems.

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12. How do I install Spectra?

Installing Spectra is as simple as making the neccessary connections of the USB Umbilical between a PC and the Spectra Handpiece. An authorized imaging software application such as VISIX must also be installed on the PC to allow operation of Spectra. (please refer to the owner's manual for detailed setup instructions).

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13. How do I clean Spectra?

Clean each component of the Spectra System as neccessary by performing the following procedures:

1. Spectra Handpiece - Following every patient use, remove the infection control sheath from the handpiece and dispose of in accordance with local regulations. The Spectra Handpiece can be wiped clean and disinfected with any non-corrosive surface disinfectant such as Birex se.

2. Hanpiece Window Lens - Remove debris or spots from lens window by cleaning with alcohol and cotton swabs.

3. Distance Spacers - Steam sterilize in an autoclace at 134 degrees C for at least 3 minutes.

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14. How much does Spectra cost?

Suggested retail price: $4995.00

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15. What is included with Spectra?

Spectra Handpiece, Visix for Spectra Software (5 users), 50 Infection Control Sheaths, 10 Positioning Spacers, 1 USB Cable, and 1 Chairside Handpiece Holder.

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16. What is the warranty?

Spectra is warranted to be free from defects in material and workmanship from the date of installation for a period of 3 years.

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