Joe Blaes, DDS
Tru-Align by Interactive Diagnostic ImagingOne of the most remarkable benefits of this system is the improved diagnostic quality of the X-ray images. By collimating the X-ray beam accurately, the images are clearer and crisper and contain greater information regardless of X-ray machine or receptor type. This translates into improved patient care and increased practice revenue. One new periodontal case each month or one additional Class II restoration weekly equates to additional treatment income annually. As most of you already know, the problem with collimation has always been aiming the beam. Tru-Align acts like the scope on a rifle. The beam is only 2% larger than the receptor (which can be sensor, phosphor plate, or film). There is almost no scatter effect (noise). This results in clearer, crisper images. A round cone acts like a shotgun so radiation exits the cone in a spreading pattern. Only about 10% of the beam actually hits the receptor. Many photons are scattered into a patient’s tissues or reflected onto the receptor as “noise” or “fog.” This compromises the image resolution and diminishes the diagnostic quality. Rectangular collimation of the X-ray beam is highly recommended as a means of decreasing the radiation dose to the patient. When the beam is collimated, the size of the beam is smaller and the radiograph quality is better because there is less scatter. The image is clearer, the image quality is improved, and the area of human tissue being irradiated is reduced. Tru-Align fits on any round cone with a diameter of 2.5 to 3 inches. There is no need to remove the existing cone. Simply slide Tru-Align on, tighten, and it’s ready to use. It installs in seconds and significantly reduces staff training time. I gave my Tru-Align to Karen, my hygienist, and told her to put it on and give it a test drive. She quickly became familiar with it and trained all of us in its easy use. Training was remarkably easy and fast. Because Tru-Align has an audible and light signal when the beam and receptor are in exact alignment, even a novice can take perfect images in just minutes. You continue to use the most common film/phosphor plate/sensor holders by RINN and FLOW so there is no change in your technique. An internal LED laser ensures perfect alignment and no guesswork so there are no cone cuts. When the laser and ring reflector holder are exactly aligned, the ring magnetically secures the holder to the Tru-Align. The green lights on the front edge activate and the unit beeps, indicating a perfect image every time! To place an order or to obtain more information, go to www.idixray.com or call (855) 434-9729 for customer service.