Frequently Asked Questions

What does the T-Scan III Occlusal Analysis system do?

The T-Scan III system measures relative occlusal force and timing. This provides you with the ability to finish all your cases to higher level and reduce costs by minimizing fractures, etc., due to occlusal induced failures.

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What if I want exact measurements of occlusal force and timing in engineering units?

When exact measurements are needed, there is a more sophisticated research system in development for your purposes. T-Scan RESEARCH uses advanced software to measure exact force and timing. Please contact us for more information.

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How will using the T-Scan III save me time and money?

The T-Scan provides you with the comprehensive information you need at the beginning of treatment, allowing you to plan an appropriate course of action early on. This helps reduce the number of repeat visits needed to perfect occlusion. It also cuts down the amount of time needed with patients during office visits, allowing you to treat more patients each day. Get it right the first time using the T-Scan.

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What does the T-Scan III provide that articulating paper does not?

The T-Scan offers many benefits that are impossible to obtain from articulating paper alone. Articulating paper does not show the sequential order of individual occlusal surfaces coming into contact with the relative force of one contact to another. The only proven way to obtain timing and force of occlusal contacts is with the T-Scan. As evidenced in research, articulating paper only provides tooth locations; it cannot display time or force.

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Is it safe?

Yes. The T-Scan III system conforms to the United States UL 544 standards as well as the European EN-60601-1, EN55011, IEC601-1-2, IEC801-2, IEC801-3, IEC801-4, IEC801-5 standards. It qualifies as type BF equipment and has been tested and approved by both the CE and ETL (ETL Testing Laboratories).

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Is the T-Scan III system in accordance with the FDA?

Tekscan systems are considered Class I devices by the FDA and are exempt from pre-market notification (501K) because of their low-risk profiles since they are not life-supporting or life-sustaining nor of substantial importance in preventing impairment of health nor present a potential unreasonable risk of illness or injury.

However, we are a FDA registered Device Establishment Registration # 1221639, our Device Listing Document is # E117483, and we have a Certificate to Foreign Government #482-10-2006.

How does the T-Scan III differ from the original T-Scan?

• Feather light- just 12 oz! The original T-Scan weighed 46 lbs. The portability of the T-Scan III allows for a great deal more movement between operatories;
• Improved sensor design - more durable and accurate than ever;
• Windows^TM based software vs. original DOS system- easy and intuitive
• Consistent scan rate of 100 Hz
• Adjustable arch form model in the software- more definitive contact identification;
• Adjustable sensitivity settings- yields more precise measurements;
• Database integration- enhances clinical outcomes and simplifies patient file management;
• Vivid, full-color printouts- digitized patients files become valuable documents.
  

What is included in a T-Scan III system?

• USB Sensor Handle
• T-Scan III Windows^® Software
• 10 Large & 10 Small Sensors
• 2 Large & 2 Small Sensor Supports
• One Year Parts & Labor Warranty
• 90 Days of Free Customer Support
• Operations Manual on CD-ROM
• Software License- Single Computer
• Free Web Training on System Operations
• Free One Day Lecture on Occlusal Analysis (USA and Canada)
  

What does a sensor support do?

A sensor support retracts the patient's cheeks to prevent displacement of the sensor during an occlusal exam. Sensor supports guide sensor placement by providing point of reference for the patient's central incisor to ensure repeatable data.

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Which components of the T-Scan III system can be sterilized?

The T-Scan III scanning handle cannot be sterilized but may be wrapped in plastic wrap for isolation from the patient. The sensor supports can be autoclaved or placed in cold sterilization liquid. The sensors, sensor supports, and handle can be disinfected by wiping them down with isopropyl alcohol swabs or cloth dampened with isopropyl alcohol. Care should be taken not to oversaturate the cloth. The same sensor can be used on the same patient across multiple sessions, and It is recommended that sensors be disinfected between each use. The same sensor should not be used on different patients. Sensors are disposable after their useful life. Research has proven that our sensors can be used approximately 15-25 times each while still retaining our high standards of reliability.

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How big is it?

A T-Scan III unit is small in size and weighs only 12 oz. The T-Scan is only 5" in length, 1.2" in height and 2" inches wide. The length of the USB cord is 15' in length giving the clinician easy mobility within the operatory.

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Is it portable?

The T-Scan III can easily be moved between operatories from computer to computer or used with a laptop. It can be ready for use in just seconds!

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What are the computer requirements?

Refer to our Computer Requirements. The T-Scan USB connection operates on 5.0 Volts of power that is galvanically isolated.

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How much do sensors cost? How often do I need to change them?

The sensors cost $59.99 per box of 10. The same sensor can be used on the same patient across multiple sessions, and it is recommended that sensors be disinfected between each use. The same sensor should not be used on different patients. Sensors are disposable after their useful life. Research has proven that our sensors can be used approximately 15-25 times each while still retaining our high standards of reliability.

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Can I purchase sensors online?

Yes, T-Scan sensors and supports are now available for purchase online right on the Tekscan website. You can also still call in your orders to 800-248-3669.

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How do I maintain sensors?

Each sensor should be used by only one patient and stored in a sleeve between uses. It is recommended that sensors be disinfected between each use. The same sensor should not be used on different patients. Sensors are disposable after their useful life. Research has proven that our sensors can be used approximately 15-25 times each while still retaining our high standards of reliability. To order additional sensors, email orders@tekscan.com or visit our online store.

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Has the quality of T-Scan sensors improved over time?

The accuracy of Tekscan's sensors has improved a great deal over time through Tekscan's R&D. The first generation of sensors was brittle and tended to lose accuracy with age. While the sensors (blue at the time) introduced a new level of knowledge about occlusion, there was further development necessary to maintain Tekscan's standard of quality. By the second generation, the now green sensors had a shelf life and maintained more flexibility with age. With the third generation, the sensors had no expiration date.

Tekscan introduced its newest generation (4th) of T-Scan sensors in 2002. The new High-Definition (HD) can last indefinitely and with less inactive areas, allowing for increased repeatability and accuracy.

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What is the T-Scan III used for?

The T-Scan III is an invaluable tool for whenever you need information on occlusal contacts.

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What are some of the applications of occlusion?

What type of information is available about these applications?

A full library of application guides is included with your system purchase and available upon request. Also refer to our Applications List for more information.

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What kind of practice management applications does the system have?

How can I learn more about research on occlusion referencing the T-Scan?

View our Dental Bibliography.

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What is the "Center of Force"?

The "Center of Force" (COF) is a unique software feature of the T-Scan III. It is the point at which all forces acting on a body or system may be considered to be concentrated. To learn even more about the Center of Force see:

"Understanding and Using the Center of Force", Dentistry Today, April 1998, Vol. 17, No. 4, pp 116-119 by Dr. Robert Kerstein.

"New Method for Analyzing Complete Denture Occlusion Using the Center of Force Concept: A Clinical Report" The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry, November 1998, pp 519 - 523 by Olivieri, F., Kang, K., Hirayama, H., Maness, W.

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How can I see T-Scan III software in action?

To learn more about T-Scan III software, contact your sales representative for a demonstration at 800-BITE-NOW or via email at marketing@tekscan.com. We also provide demonstration software disks free of charge.

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How frequently is software updated?

Tekscan upgrades T-Scan III's software approximately every one to two years. Software patches are provided as needed and are easily downloaded from the support section of our website. When upgrading software, please have your serial number and hardware information available.

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Does your software support local languages?

Yes, Tekscan software supports a multitude of languages, including English, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish.

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Which patient management programs have available links for the T-Scan?

What is the T-Scan/Bio-EMG integration module?

The T-Scan/II-BioEMG Integration Software synchronizes and integrates the data of the T-Scan III with electromyography data of BioResearch's EMG unit (BioEMG). BioEMG measures muscular functions of the head and neck while the T-Scan III shows the force and distribution of teeth. Together, they give a comprehensive view of your patient's bite.

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Is technical support available once I've purchased a T-Scan III system?

The T-Scan III system includes 90 days of free customer support as well as a one-year parts & labor warranty. Customer support contracts can be purchased with a system for additional coverage.

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Where can I find software drivers and updates?

The Support pages on Tekscan's website offers device drivers and updates for all products. They can be easily downloaded from the Customer Support section of the website.

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What training is offered?

Tekscan, Inc. provides free web-based training on system operations. For customers in the USA and Canada, we offer a free one-day lecture on Occlusal Analysis through the Big Sky Seminars (www.bigskyseminars.com) with the purchase of your system. We also provide a full library of Clinical Application Guides, and 90 days of free Customer Support, all of which can provide invaluable information to those first learning the system. For more intensive training, there are a number of continuing education courses available.

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Is continuing education available?

There are a number of continuing education courses either about or pertaining to the use of the T-Scan III system. To view a listing of course dates, locations, and descriptions, please visit the Dental Upcoming Events section of our website. Tekscan offers a free one day lecture on occlusal analysis through the Big Sky Seminars (www.bigskyseminars.com) for users in the USA and Canada with the purchase of the T-Scan III system.

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Looking for more information about the T-Scan III occlusal analysis system?

Experience Tekscan's eye-opening technology for yourself by taking part in a Web demonstration. Your Sales Representative will provide you with an interactive demo of Tekscan's software; all you need is a telephone and an Internet connection - we take care of the rest. To make arrangements or for more information:

Tekscan, Inc. 307 West First Street. South Boston, MA. 02127-1309, USA tel: 800.248.3669 / 617.464.4500   fax: 617.464.4266   marketing@tekscan.com