Panoramic X-ray Units: How to Choose.

A panoramic unit is the full-arch screening image: third molars, mixed dentition, gross pathology, and a first look before you order a CBCT slice. It is not a cavity-detection image. Buy a dedicated panoramic machine when you do not need 3D yet. Buy a combo unit when you already know implant or surgical cases will follow.

How to choose a panoramic unit

• 2D only, or 2D plus 3D. A panoramic-only unit costs less and takes less decision time. A combo that adds CBCT costs more and can save a second machine later. Do not buy 3D “just in case” if nobody in the office will read volumes.
• Ceph. Orthodontic offices need a cephalometric attachment or a unit that includes it. General offices usually do not.
• Positioning. Laser or light beams, a chin rest, and a bite peg decide how many retakes you take. Ask to position a staff member, not to watch a demo on a mannequin.
• Sensor versus a separate plate. Direct-digital panos put the sensor in the unit. That is different from a phosphor plate you scan after the exposure.
• Room and power. Measure the sweep, the wheelchair access, and whether the unit needs a dedicated circuit. The brochure footprint often ignores the operator’s standing room.

How common panoramic lines differ

Brand	Known for	Best fit	Watch for
Planmeca	ProMax 2D, and ProMax 3D if you add a volume later	Offices that may step from pano to CBCT on one platform	The upgrade path only helps if you stay with Planmeca
Dentsply Sirona	Orthophos panoramic and hybrid units	Practices on Sidexis	Confirm ceph is a separate arm, not assumed
Vatech	PaX-i and related 2D units, often at a lower acquisition cost	General offices buying a first pano	Compare service response, not just the invoice
Carestream Dental	CS 8100 family for compact panoramic imaging	Smaller rooms that still need a full-arch image	Check the real installed width, including the sweep
DEXIS	OP panoramic and OP 3D combo units	Offices already in DEXIS imaging	A 2D OP and a 3D OP are different purchases

Planmeca ProMax

The ProMax 2D is a panoramic platform, and the same mechanical idea carries into ProMax 3D. That is useful if you expect to add a volume later and you are willing to stay with one manufacturer. It is not a discount if you are certain you will never take a CBCT.

Dentsply Sirona Orthophos

Orthophos is the panoramic and hybrid line that feeds Sidexis. Orthodontic practices should read the quote for the ceph arm specifically. A panoramic head does not include a lateral ceph just because the brand also sells one.

Vatech

PaX-i and the related 2D units are frequently the price alternative to the European combo machines. For a general office that wants third-molar and screening images, that is a rational comparison. Visit the service question before you celebrate the lower number: who arrives when the unit will not reconstruct.

Carestream CS 8100

The CS 8100 family is the compact panoramic Carestream shows to offices with a tight alcove. Measure the sweep with the salesperson in the actual room. A unit that fits on paper and blocks a hallway does not fit.

DEXIS OP

DEXIS sells panoramic OP units and OP 3D units that add a volume. If your sensors and cameras are already DEXIS, keeping the pano in that software avoids a second image library. Buy the 3D model only when someone in the practice will use the volumes.

Related guides

• Imaging equipment
• CBCT buying guide
• X-ray supplies and accessories

Panoramic questions

Can a panoramic image replace bitewings?

No. A pano overlaps contacts and is the wrong image for early interproximal decay. You still need a sensor or phosphor plates for bitewings.

Should a new office buy pano and CBCT together?

Buy the combo when you already plan implants, thirds, or airway cases in-house. Buy pano alone when those cases will be referred for the first few years.