Corporate Profile: Imaging Sciences i-CAT Krista Houstoun, Assistant Editor, Dentaltown Magazine

This year marks Imaging Sciences’ 20th anniversary of bringing 3D imaging products to dentistry and orthodontics. Since its inception in 1992, Imaging Sciences has emerged as a key player and global leader in the development and manufacture of advanced dental and maxillofacial radiography products.

We sat down with Business Unit Director Mark Hillebrandt to learn about Imaging Sciences’ roots, its current i-CAT technology and what’s in store for its third decade.

Orthodontists rely on imaging in their practices. Can you tell me about Imaging Sciences’ dedication to providing solutions for orthodontists’ imaging needs?
Hillebrandt: At Imaging Sciences we are constantly innovating ways to bring new technologies to market that help orthodontists deliver better patient care. Since orthodontics involves moving teeth and roots within bone, i-CAT provides a great advantage with its ability to provide 3D visualization of the exact location and placement of roots, periodontal ligaments and bone in relationship to one another.

Our customers tell us they complete treatments faster and with better results for their patients due to their ability to see this information before and during treatment. From digital ortho models to integration with robotically bent archwire systems, to faster, easier and more accurate 3D ceph analysis, i-CAT has a dedicated focus on advancing orthodontic treatment. We are committed to providing all of this while minimizing dose to the patient.

Radiation exposure is always a hot topic. Can you explain how i-CAT offers clinical control over
radiation dose?
Hillebrandt: i-CAT systems allow clinicians to control the dose to the patient. We have two unique and exclusive tools for clinical and dose control that separate i-CAT from other systems on the market: Quick Scan and i-Collimator. Quick Scan speeds scanning time to just 4.8 seconds, producing high volume images quickly with lower dose to the patient. Both dental arches can be captured in only 36uSv of effective dose exposure. This scan is commonly used in place of a panoramic scan, which is 24uSv.

Quick Scan also captures full ceph height, which is more typical for an initial records appointment, at 45uSv. The second feature for dose control in i-CAT systems is our patented i-Collimator technology. i-Collimator fully restricts radiation at the X-ray source to scan only the pre-selected areas of interest and control dose to anatomy outside the field of view. i-CAT systems provide the flexibility that allows orthodontists to determine scan settings based on the patient’s unique case needs.

From left: Michelle Jackson, Sr. Marketing Manager; James Tillman, Vice President of Quality and Regulatory; Kalpana Singh, Sr. Product Manager; Mark Hillebrandt, Business Unit Director and Michael O’Donnell, Sr. Software Engineer.

What more can you tell our readers about the i-CAT Next Generation? What are some of its features and advantages?
Hillebrandt: The i-CAT brand has always represented quality, innovation and a commitment to advancing dental and orthodontic care. We continue that commitment with our current i-CAT Next Generation model. i-CAT’s flexibility allows you to select specifically desired scans to manage radiation dose and clinical control for the greatest benefit to your plan and to your patient. Consistently impressive image quality is delivered with i-CAT through a combination of proprietary tools that create high definition, low dose scans quickly and easily every time. A single low dose i-CAT 3D scan captures all diagnostic records in just 4.8 seconds. That image contains a full 3D volume of the patient’s anatomy, a panoramic rendering, and both lateral and AP cephalometric renderings. This replaces the typical 2D workflow of a panoramic shot, lateral ceph and AP ceph, while adding the precise detail and exact structural locations that only come with 3D. Remarkably, this is far faster than the three separate shots needed with a digital pan/ceph machine, and is accomplished with only 45uSv on i-CAT Next Generation compared to approximately 35uSv on a typical pan/ceph machine. Images are available in less than one minute after the scan.

We also improve orthodontic workflow with our treatment planning tools. With Tx STUDIO and our 3D analysis module, orthodontists can trace a ceph faster and easier than with conventional techniques while improving accuracy. You can eliminate additional physical impressions from the office and utilize i-CAT scans for digital impressions, which is easier on the patient and staff, and saves time, money and space. Even communication with patients and parents is improved and more efficient utilizing the impressive 3D software, which can include a patient’s actual facial photo combined with the 3D scan to explain treatment options.

I read that Tx STUDIO software allows orthodontists to complete treatment plans within minutes. Tell me more about that.
Hillebrandt: First and foremost, we designed Tx STUDIO (pronounced Treatment Studio) to be easy to use for the orthodontist and for the staff. We believe that for a tool to be effective, it must be fast, efficient, and easy to learn. Tx STUDIO and the 3D Analysis module were designed in conjunction with actual orthodontists, so the clinical tools are well thought out and practical for everyday use.

The software features panoramic, cephalometric and other orthodontic images, as well as custom views for airway analysis and TMJ analysis. It facilitates precise location of impacted and unerupted teeth with adjustable cross-sectional and 3D views. The clinical planning tools facilitate faster diagnosis and treatment planning, such as the virtual TAD library. Our 3D ceph analysis offers a semi-automated ceph tracing routine that is quicker, easier and more accurate than traditional 2D ceph tracing.

Other clinical tools include Face-MATCH, which allows clinicians to merge actual patient photos onto 3D volumes to simulate the impact of proposed treatments on soft tissue.

Finally, there are productivity tools such as Tru-Pan, which automatically renders an in-focus panoramic image from the 3D data, saving considerable time.

Often orthodontists work in conjunction with an oral surgeon for an extraction or implant and when they do, Tx STUDIO provides the tools for implants, abutments, restorations and other surgical procedures. It’s a great advantage to both clinicians since the same software can be used for one simultaneous surgical and orthodontic plan – a true partner approach.


How does i-CAT technology work in conjunction with other cutting-edge applications such as CAD/CAM and SureSmile?
Hillebrandt: i-CAT is the first cone beam 3D system to be certified for use with SureSmile. The new SureSmile 6.0 software combined with i-CAT scan data gives orthodontists the option to visualize and plan the final root positions in the supporting bone at the outset of treatment. This proactive approach allows planning of the teeth movement on exact virtual models of the patient and then customization of prescriptive arch wires so the plan can be executed with precision. This shortens treatment- planning time and results in more predictable outcomes for patients. This is really a remarkable combination of technologies and a possible game changer in orthodontics because it allows the orthodontist to start with a full plan and visualization of the end result they have in mind for the patient, and precisely work toward that result.

What has your feedback been from orthodontists who utilize this technology?
Hillebrandt: Orthodontists have told us that the scans give them information previously unavailable with 2D imaging for better control over treatment. In addition, the opportunity to educate patients and help them understand their clinical situation and the available treatment solutions is beneficial. This leads to greater treatment acceptance and compliance. Customer feedback is that the details viewed on an i-CAT scan allow the orthodontist to be more prepared for treatment implementation. All are happy about the clinical control over radiation dose.

Imaging Sciences is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. Can you tell me a little about the company’s beginnings?
Hillebrandt: Imaging Sciences has spent the past two decades listening and responding to the needs of orthodontists to provide products that improve patient care. The result has been the creation of high definition, low-dose 3D imaging solutions that improve diagnostics, treatment planning and implementation. From our initial CommCAT imaging system, and four following generations, to the current state-of-the-art i-CAT, our technology has grown a reputation in the global marketplace for quality 3D imaging technology and treatment solutions. It is the 3D system selected and installed in more than half of the leading dental schools and universities in the United States and has been voted Best Cone Beam CT Scanner five years in a row by Dentaltown’s Townie Choice Awards.

How many people does Imaging Sciences employ today?
Hillebrandt: More than 150 employees work at Imaging Sciences International’s headquarters campus in Hatfield, Pennsylvania, where all i-CAT systems are manufactured today. As a global leader in 3D imaging, we also employ many more people throughout the world. In fact we have dedicated i-CAT teams in Brazil, China, Poland, Germany, Japan, India, Singapore, and Mexico – all sharing the same mission to advance dental treatment.

What are the reasons that Imaging Sciences has had continued success over 20 years?
Hillebrandt: Our continued success can be attributed to a combination of our satisfied and successful customers, and a dedicated and loyal team of researchers, trainers, installation personnel, executives and staff who are proud of i-CAT products and believe that 3D imaging can help raise the level of care in the orthodontic office. i-CAT continues to develop products that are flexible, easy-to-use, offer clinical control over radiation dose, and most important, provide valuable information that can be used to improve the patient’s treatment – from diagnosis to planning to implementation.

How has Imaging Sciences evolved to better serve the orthodontic profession over time?
Hillebrandt: With dentists using 3D imaging in multiple specialties and in GP practices, it was obvious that CBCT imaging would also greatly benefit the orthodontic community. By providing dentists with increased visual information on the dental anatomy and the opportunity for better understanding and communication with the patient, i-CAT technology was a perfect fit to go beyond diagnosis and planning and continue as an integral tool for treatment implementation. With just one click, orthodontists can obtain a 3D cephalometric analysis that also yields a full traditional 2D analysis. The applications of Tx STUDIO and integration with SureSmile were a natural fit for orthodontics, and we will continue to develop new orthodontic tools for this dynamic technology, such as our new photo-wrapping capability with Tx STUDIO’s Face-MATCH feature.

For orthodontists who only utilize 2D imaging technology, why would you tell them that it’s important to incorporate 3D imaging?
Hillebrandt: There is additional clinical information in i-CAT 3D scans that is not readily available from 2D images. This information can make a significant impact on treatment decisions and treatment outcomes. i-CAT scans show roots in their exact locations, PDL, structures of the jaws and skull, sinuses, upper respiratory airway, temporomandibular joints (TMJ), the exact locations of unerupted teeth, supernumerary and impacted teeth, in addition to abnormalities and pathology. What is remarkable is that all of this vital information can be obtained for near the same dose levels as 2D imaging with i-CAT Next Generation.

Another reason to consider 3D imaging is practice growth and efficiency. i-CAT helps to enhance patient communication to achieve better case acceptance and case compliance with 3D visualization. When you have 3D imaging, you can also eliminate the burden and cost of impressions and models and provide tools that can result in faster treatment times and better outcomes for patients.

Is 2D imaging still relevant with the advent of 3D imaging technology?
Hillebrandt: Yes, 2D is still a relevant choice for some patients; the doctor needs to be able to customize treatment for individual patient needs. i-CAT systems have a two-in-one functionality for dental offices that desire both 2D and 3D imaging. Our i-PAN traditional 2D panoramic feature can be used when 3D information is not required.

How does Imaging Sciences handle customer education with its products?
Hillebrandt: We hold educational events that cater to all types of schedules and experience levels for both customers and non-users. The 3D Imaging Institute is the only entity of its kind dedicated to ongoing education of dentists and specialists to enhance planning and treatment through the latest in cone beam technology. We continually host educational events throughout the year, networking opportunities, users’ meetings, regional training, educational webinars, and of course, the International Congress on 3D Dental Imaging.

What’s in store for this year’s annual Congress on 3D Dental Imaging event?
Hillebrandt: The 6th Annual Congress on 3D Dental Imaging will be held October 26-27 in Denver, Colorado. Topics will include: 3-dimensional orthodontics: applications and benefits of using 3D imaging; 3D imaging for sleep apnea, TMJ and airway evaluation; and 3D dentistry: technology integration and future 3D applications. Check out the full agenda at www.i-CAT.com/events and use code OT2012 for a $200 discount.

Imaging Sciences has been around for a long time, and we suspect it will be for a long time more! What does the future of Imaging Sciences promise?
Hillebrandt: Imaging Sciences i-CAT will continue to advance tools for treatment in orthodontics as well as other dental specialties. As we enter our third decade, we are dedicated to listening to our customers’ needs and providing efficiency and control through our i-CAT systems and software.

For more information on Imaging Sciences, visit www.i-cat.com.