How to Choose the Best Dental Chair – A Buyer’s Guide

How to Choose the Best Dental Chair?

The dental unit is the basic equipment for any dental clinic. It allows the dentist to fix the patient in a specific position to ensure proper treatment. The dental unit consists of a dental chair, an instrument holder with various rotating devices, a lamp to illuminate the treatment area, a spittoon and a suction system.

Since the dental chair unit is the most basic investment required by a dental practice- and one which should ideally last for years- there’s no doubt that every clinician would want to go for the BEST dental chair, according to his/her needs.

Best Dental Chair in India

1. Planmeca
2. Osstem
3. Morita
4. A-dec
5. Dentsply Sirona
6. KaVo dental Chair India
7. Gnatus dental chair
8. Confident Dental chair
9. Chesa Dental Care

Significant improvements in the comfort and versatility of the dental chair have been made over the last 300 years. Prior to the 17th century, tooth extractions were often performed with the patient sitting on the floor, their head held firmly between the operator’s knees. Everyday armchairs occasionally served to make dental procedures less awkward and fatiguing. But not until the early 1700s did Pierre Fauchard, French dental surgeon extraordinaire, set a new trend in comfort by consistently getting patients off the floor and onto a chair for an examination or extraction.

At the end of this article there is an exciting virtual trip for you 🙂

What is the difference between a dental unit and a dental chair?

A dental unit is often referred to as a dental chair. We decided to separate these two concepts. The dental chair is one of the components of the dental unit.

Other components may vary depending on the dental unit, but there are general trends. Almost all dental units are equipped with a suction device and an instrument holder for treating patients. These tools are:

• handpieces: turbines, contra-angle handpieces and micromotors for fast tooth milling;
• a blower to dry a specific area in the mouth;
• scalers.

The patient chair is an important part of the installation. All seats are adjustable for seat height, tilt and headrest position.

Other installation elements:

• a light that allows the dentist to see the patient’s mouth without shadows;
• suction instruments that allow saliva to be sucked in near the sublingual glands;
• a spittoon so that the patient can rinse his mouth during and at the end of the procedure;
• a pedal that allows the dentist to activate the instruments.

All reusable instruments are sterilized after each patient. Many tools are disposable.

How does the dental unit work?

There are several elements to consider:

• Compressed air supply: Dental units are systems that use compressed air. To do this, they are connected to an air compressor or to a centralized compressed air system . The compressor delivers a pressure of 8 to 10 bar at the outlet of the reservoir, which is too much for dental equipment. According to the manufacturer’s recommendations, the unit should be connected to equipment with a pressure of 4.5 to 5.5 bar. You can, for example, install a pressure reducer with an optional filter downstream of the compressor. Good isolation of the dental clinic is imperative.
• Water supply: Dental units must also be connected to a water supply for rinsing, cleaning and cooling. Water can cause many problems in dental units such as scale, sand, sludge, rust or chlorine. Biofilms can also quickly form on the inner surfaces of pipes and associated containers. To avoid such problems, the golden rule is to have an easily accessible, clean, and efficient general tap to shut off the water in your clinic. Never rely on old cranes. Ideally, the clinic should have an easily accessible valve that can be turned off every evening. To combat limescale, silophosphate ball cartridges are available in the units, which have a service life of approximately 6 months and they limit deposits.
• Electrical supply: The dental unit components and instruments used during treatment may require electrical power. These could be micromotors or most dental chairs.
• Ergonomics: This refers to the ability to move component parts of the installation, such as a chair or tool holder. Research shows that working with instruments placed on a tripod above the patient’s chest is the best option for the dentist and allows the entire oral cavity to be examined. It should also be noted that the dentist’s or assistant’s chair must be below the patient’s chair. In this position, the doctor’s spine retains its natural curvature, which prevents prolonged pressure on the intervertebral discs.

What should be considered when buying a dental unit?

In addition to supplying compressed air, water and electricity, there are three other important elements to consider:

• Dimensions: The space available for the dental unit determines the number of elements as well as the configuration of the system.
• Application: Dental services can be different and cover all sub-specialties of dentistry (endodontics, periodontics, implantology, etc.). However, there are special orthodontic appliances available which general dentists may not use. This must be taken into account when configuring the tool holders.
• Mobility: This refers to the possible need for a portable installation . There are portable dental units that fit in a suitcase and weigh about ten kilograms. They can be equipped with a built-in air compressor for handpiece handling. These units are ideal for out-of-the-office work or mobile dental clinics.

Confused? Read here – 10 tips for choosing a new dental chair/unit!

How to disinfect a dental unit?

It is necessary to disinfect the following components:

• Water: Recent studies have shown that a dental cooling system can contain a variety of pathogens. Stagnant water at night or insufficient maintenance of limescale removal systems promote the development of algae or microorganisms such as fungi, which then form a biofilm. There are several methods for disinfecting water, such as using ultraviolet light to eliminate bacteria and prevent biofilm growth, or automatic cleaning and disinfection systems that treat water with specially designed agents that are dispensed in small doses.
• Chair: The chair is used by all patients and can be splattered with blood, saliva and other body fluids during dental procedures. If the chair is not properly disinfected, patients and doctors can be exposed to all types of microorganisms, such as herpes viruses, HIV, hepatitis B and C, staphylococci, streptococci, etc. These microorganisms can be transmitted through direct contact with blood or body fluids, or even, in some cases, through indirect contact with contaminated objects. The chair can also harbor vermin like lice or bed bugs. Therefore, it is very important to disinfect it after each use with special products.
• Surfaces: Antibacterial coatings on the metal surfaces of the dental unit are effective in limiting the spread of bacteria. All surfaces must be treated with disinfectants. Several manufacturers offer dental units that automatically adjust the position of the chair or instruments, thus avoiding hand contact as much as possible and reducing the risk of contamination.

What additional options are there for dental units?

More advanced dental unit models offer additional options such as a video monitor or an X-ray generator.

In the latter case, intraoral x-rays using a phosphor plate provide ready-to-use images in an instant. Additional set-up includes an OPG-Lat ceph machine where panoramic radiographs or orthodontic images can be taken. Several manufacturers offer advanced technology solutions to ensure high contrast and accurate images at low radiation doses.

There are also portable x-ray generators that allow intraoral x -rays to be taken in the absence of a wall-mounted generator.

More and more dentists are turning to digital solutions to further optimize their practice. Thanks to this technology, patients can obtain panoramic, orthodontic or 3D images in almost a few seconds.

Highlights

• Key aspects of selecting a perfect dental chair are comfort for both patient as well as the dentist, functionality, aesthetics and the price.
• There are many dental chairs in the market. Choosing the right one considering the cost becomes difficult to make a decision.
• Remember that the most important thing is regular service and maintenance of the chair, for which good local dealers are a must. You may have to change your desired brand due to this factor.
• These top 10 dental chairs will help you get an idea on what are the newer advances and the necessary features you would need.
• Right from the very basic ones to the advanced versions of dental chairs, you can definitely choose from the top brands.

Here’s the promised virtual trip for you!

Please Have a Seat: Evolution of the Dental Chair

Disclaimer – This is a non-sponsored, non-biased article and the companies listed as the best depend purely on the opinions, research and experience of the author.

FAQs

What are the important features to consider when buying a dental chair?

A: Some important features to consider when buying a dental chair are comfort, adjustability, durability, ease of use, and compatibility with other equipment.

What are some of the best dental chair brands?

A: Some of the best dental chair brands include A-dec, Belmont, Midmark, Pelton & Crane, and Takara Belmont.

What is the cost of a dental chair?

A: The cost of a dental chair varies depending on the brand, features, and quality. Prices can range from a few thousand dollars to over $10,000.

How do I choose a dental chair that is right for my practice?

A: Consider the needs of your practice and your budget when choosing a dental chair. Look for a chair that is comfortable for both you and your patients, and has the features that will make your work easier.

What is the warranty on dental chairs?

A: The warranty on dental chairs varies depending on the manufacturer and the model. Most chairs come with a warranty of one to three years.

What are some of the most important accessories to consider when buying a dental chair?

A: Some important accessories to consider when buying a dental chair include a delivery system, an operatory light, a cuspidor, and a dental assistant’s stool.

How often should I replace my dental chair?

A: The lifespan of a dental chair varies depending on the quality and usage. However, most chairs last for 10 to 15 years before they need to be replaced.

Can I customize my dental chair to fit my specific needs?

A: Yes, many dental chair manufacturers offer customization options to fit the specific needs of your practice.

Are there any financing options available for purchasing a dental chair?

A: Yes, many dental equipment suppliers offer financing options to help make purchasing a dental chair more affordable.

How can I ensure that my dental chair stays in good condition?

A: Regular maintenance and cleaning can help ensure that your dental chair stays in good condition. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for maintenance and cleaning, and have your chair inspected regularly by a qualified technician.