Imaging/ Photo Organizing Software

Once the office begins taking digital photos a system of organization for viewing must be employed. Several of the Practice Management systems had internal systems for sorting and attaching images to the patient file. There are also stand alone programs that are preferred by some offices.

When a photo has been taken of a potential “cosmetic” case, some practitioners prefer to do a computer simulation before the actual treatment is performed. This is called “imaging” and can be performed with off the shelf software such as Adobe Photoshop, or with products designed for dentistry. The latter are usually simplified allowing the practitioner to use pre-set functions that are easy to learn and use. The doctor has a good idea of what the case might look like and at the same time gets some input from the patient before the treatment is started. The patient has a chance to get a glimpse of the future and in many situations, may “close” the case when he or she sees what result can be realized.

It is imperative that the practitioner do realistic simulations. The images will be long remembered especially if the case does not come out as planned. Several laboratories have services to assist the doctor with this simulated planning. In some situations the laboratory will require study models which will allow them to do accurate imaging while creating waxups and templates that can be used for the case construction.

Another adjunct is the “smile library”. Several of the top cosmetic dentists have photographed their cases and put them in a file that can be cut and pasted into a patient’s image. The libraries also include individual teeth that can be used in similar fashion. These are great for quick ideas but have to be used with caution so as not to give a patient false expectations.

Some of the commercial photo sorting programs have elementary imaging functions such as red-eye elimination or color balance modification. Some of these programs come with the digital cameras, while others are aftermarket. A short list is included here.

Imaging software

SciCan Image FX/Cosmetix

A stand alone product with an intuitive interface. Instructional videos guide the user through every step for simple to advanced imaging. Also has excellent image storage and sorting capablities

Kodak Imaging (formerly DICOM)

Powerful software to allow manipulation of any dental situation. Standalone or as a module of Practiceworks or Softdent

Eaglesoft Imaging

Optional module of this PM software. Full imaging functions.

Dentrix Clarity Image (Vipersoft)

CIEOS Visora

A new entry into the marketplace set up by a group of computer and cosmetic dental experts

Tigerview

Usually associated as an excellent digital radiography manipulation and scanning program, it is also has powerful imaging capabilities.

Organization programs

ThumbsPlus ( Cerious software)

A low cost extremely efficient image organizer for office and home. All of the images in your computer are easily organized with this program. There are also basic imaging as well as special features such as watermarks, logos etc for display/

ACDsee

A popular low costs program with plenty of powerful capabilities

Picasa

Free program from Google. Allows indexing, organizing and some simple photo editing functions.