Dental chairs are the first thing patients notice in a dental office. Patients spend most of their time sitting on this chair. Beyond sitting, dental chairs also impact patient comfort and the outcomes of clinical procedures. For a dentist, choosing a dental chair is a significant investment and requires careful consideration. With evolving dentistry, your dental office should be equipped with state-of-the-art dental tools. Making the choice of a quality dental chair will improve your professional performance. With various options available, choosing one may seem like a daunting task. This article discusses the types of patient dental chairs, their key features, and crucial factors to consider when selecting the right one for your dental office.
What are Dental Chairs?
Dental chairs are medical furniture designed to position patients during the Dental Treatments. However, they are different from standard recliners allowing smooth horizontal and vertical adjustments.
Essential components of dental chairs include:
- Reclining backrest
- A headrest
- Base
All of these components serve different purposes in dental office chairs. Modern Dental Equipment come with integrated technologies such as touch control, hygiene, and infection control, and other customizable options. Additionally, built-in lighting, instrument trays, and water dispensers enhance convenience during the dental procedures.
Some models have ergonomic advancements that reduce musculoskeletal strain, allowing for longer and more precise procedures.
Types of Dental Chairs
General Dental Chairs
General dental chairs are the most common type of dental chair used by dentists. These chairs are specifically designed for routine procedures such as cleaning, filling, and examining the patients. These chairs have essential dental equipment like:
- Suction devices
- Handpieces
- Overhead lights
Most of the general dental office chairs have adjustable backrests, armrests, and headrests to provide patient comfort.have adjustable backrests, armrests, and headrests to provide patient comfort.
Orthodontic Dental Chairs
Orthodontic dental chairs are specially designed for orthodontists. Orthodontist performs treatments such as braces installation, aligner fittings, and adjustments. These procedures are very long and demand great precision. During long appointments, the orthodontic chairs provide support. These chairs focus on head positioning for easy access to the oral cavity. It allows the practitioner to attain closer positioning during precise adjustment.
Surgical Dental Chairs
Oral surgeries including tooth extractions, implant placements, and maxillofacial procedures require absolute stability. Surgical dental chairs have reinforced bases to prevent movement during surgery. Optimal patient positioning is crucial for these procedures.
Here are some of the features of surgical chairs:
- Integrated IV Armrests
- Surgical Lighting
- Extra Support
All of these features improve surgeons’ visibility and accessibility.
Pediatric Dental Chairs
Children are very difficult to tackle during the dental procedures. They are often anxious and restless. Stability and safety features are essential in pediatric chairs. These chairs include secure straps and cushioned headrests to prevent sudden movements during delicate procedures. Some of these pediatric dental chairs have entertainment systems, such as built-in screens playing cartoons, to keep children distracted.e procedures. Some of these pediatric dental chairs have entertainment systems, such as built-in screens playing cartoons, to keep children distracted.
Portable Dental Chairs
Portable dental chairs are lightweight, foldable, and easy to transport. These chairs are specially built for mobile dentistry. It includes fieldwork, outreach programs, and emergency treatments. These chairs are designed for non-clinic environments.
Some models of portable dental chairs include detachable trays and battery-operated lighting. It allows practitioners to perform treatments without a fully equipped clinic.
Smart High-Tech Dental Chairs
Modern dental procedures ask for modern equipment. High-tech dental chairs come with cutting-edge features such as:
- TouchpadControls
- Built-in Imaging Systems
- Programmable Chair Position
- Adjustable armrest
- Ergonomics
Key Features of Dental Chairs
Let’s take a look at the key features of dental chairs:
Ergonomics
Patients and dentists experience strain and fatigue during prolonged treatments. Ergonomics in dental chairs ensure that this strain is minimal. These chairs are designed to support proper posture.
Adjustability
During different procedures, the dentist requires the patient to be in a specific position. This makes adjustability a key feature in dental office chairs. Hence, these chairs have a reclining feature.
Integrated Technology and Equipment
Today, modern chairs use technology for enhanced treatment accuracy. Here are some of the smart features and equipment in dental chairs:
- Built-in Suction Trays
- Automated Positioning
- Patient Vital Monitoring
- LED Lighting
Durability
Since these chairs are a big investment, they should be long-lasting. High-quality chairs use reinforced metals, premium upholstery, and hydraulic or electric systems built for longevity.
Patient Comfort
For a positive dental experience, comfort is non-negotiable for the patients. Dental chairs have advanced memory foam cushioning that reduces pressure points during prolonged procedures.irs have advanced memory foam cushioning that reduces pressure points during prolonged procedures.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Dental Chair
There is a plethora of options available in the market. As stated above, there is a wide range of features in dental chairs. You might feel overwhelmed with all these options. So, here are some factors that will help you choose the perfect chair for your dental office:
Aesthetics
While it may not seem necessary, aesthetics play a very important role. Your dental chair should complement the aesthetics of your office. It will create a welcoming environment for the patients.
Budget
Dental chairs’ price varies greatly. Before buying a dental chair, you should balance the cost of the chair with its features. Make sure it aligns with the financial plans of your practice and expected return on investment.
Space Constraints
Before buying a dental chair, plan your office layout. The dental chair should fit comfortably and leave ample space for the dentist’s movements. If you buy a very big chair for your small office, it will collide with other equipment.
Maintenance & Longevity
Investigate the warranty terms and accessible replacement parts. Calculate the expected cost of maintenance over the upcoming years.
Infection Control
Proper infection control is necessary to prevent cross-contamination and ensure patient safety. Check the material of the dental chair, it should be made with antimicrobial materials to resist bacterial growth. Modern dental chairs feature self-sanitizing surfaces with UV-light sterilization.
FAQs About Dental Chairs
What are dental chairs?
Dental chairs are specialized equipment used in the dental office to position patients properly. These chairs have features like reclining functions, ergonomic support, and integrated tools.
How much weight can dental chairs hold?
On average, dental chairs can accommodate up to 350 pounds. However, this is insufficient for obese patients. For those patients, there are bariatric models which can accommodate around 1000 pounds.
How to clean dental chairs?
Use mild cleaning solutions to clean the dental chairs. Spray the solution on the chair, then wipe it off with a clean cloth. Do not use harsh powdered cleaners or scrubbers as they can damage the upholstery of the chair.
How much do dental chairs cost?
Dental chairs price range from $3000 to $50000. The price depends on features like automation, built-in technology, and ergonomic design. Basic models cost less, while high-tech chairs with smart controls are more expensive.
Why are dental chairs so expensive?
Dental chairs are made with high-quality materials, ergonomic engineering, medical-grade technology, and infection control systems. All of these factors add up to the cost of dental chairs.
Conclusion
Dental chairs are the foundational equipment that influence various factors of clinical practices. With evolving technology, dental chairs come with advanced materials, ergonomic innovations, and digital capabilities. A well-selected dental chair will support you in the long-term. Besides the dental chair, other equipment that you use in your dental office also greatly impacts your practice. Having dental equipment from reputable manufacturers like Aidite will give you a competitive advantage. Aidite’s dental product will improve your operational efficiency. Check out Aidite products today!