Innovative x-ray holder latest product from NZ

The 1Shot dental x-ray holder is a revolutionary innovation to improve the taking of bitewing, anterior and posterior periapicals and endodontic radiographs says its developer, New Zealand dentist Bede McElwee.

"The problem with available x-ray holders is that there are too many parts to put together, they are too bulky in the mouth, and they are too bulky out of the mouth to store on stacked operating trays," Dr McElwee said. "Other holders also break easily and are expensive.

"The 1sShot dental x-ray holder provides a simple, sure shot way in taking bitewing and PA radiographs by ease of placement in the mouth and no guesswork with the alignment of the x-ray tube to the film or digital sensor."

The 1Shot is made of polysulphone plastic and is reusable, robust, and autoclavable as one piece.

"The 1Shot x-ray holder saves you dollars in purchase price as well because they last longer, making them cost effective," he said. "1shot can be put on routine operating trays so it is quicker to use and produces high quality images with no overlap. This again saves you time and money."

The 1Shot comes in five models suitable for film, phosphor plates and digital sensors. Each model is a difference bright, clean pastel colour. The two film/phosphor-plate holders are red for BW and posterior PA and orange for anterior and posterior PA. The three digital sensor holders are blue size 2 BW and posterior PA, green size 1 BW and posterior PA, and yellow size 1 anterior and posterior PA.

"Daryn Bungey, the digital and equipment expert from Adelaide with Henry Schein Halas Equipment saw the 1shot film holder in its early form at the Brisbane Dental Congress 4 years ago," Dr McElwee said. "He encouraged me to develop 1shot further for digital sensors."

Dr George Hardy from Alabama, USA who practised with Dr McElwee in New Zealand years ago, also encouraged him to develop 1shot further and take it to North America. As a result, 1shot is now available through the two largest retailers. 1shot is also being supplied to Europe.