Equipment / CBCT
CBCT Scanners
A Cone Beam CT is the highest capital expenditure for most practices (£50k - £100k). The purchase price is only half the story; maintenance contracts dictate the long-term ROI.
Field of View (FOV) Matters
Before looking at brands, decide what FOV you need. This dictates the price more than any other factor.
- Small FOV (e.g. 5x5cm): Perfect for endodontics and single implants. Lowest radiation, lowest cost.
- Medium FOV (e.g. 8x8cm): The standard for most implantologists. Captures full arches.
- Large FOV (e.g. 15x15cm+): Required for orthodontics (cephalometric) and maxillofacial surgery. Highest cost and radiation. Note: If you capture structures outside the dental arch (e.g., cervical spine, cranial base), you must have the clinical competence to report on them or pay a radiologist.
Major Manufacturers (2026)
| Brand | Flagship Model | Strengths |
|---|---|---|
| Morita | Veraview X800 | Industry-leading image resolution, excellent for endodontics. High price point. |
| Planmeca | ProMax 3D | Ultra Low Dose (ULD) protocols. Open architecture software (Romexis). |
| Dentsply Sirona | Axeos | Seamless integration with CEREC workflows. Proprietary ecosystem. |
| Vatech | Green 16 / A9 | Excellent value for money, fast scan times, very popular in UK mixed practices. |
The Maintenance Trap
A tube head replacement for a CBCT can cost £15,000+. You must secure a comprehensive maintenance contract after year 1. These typically cost £1,500 - £2,500 per year. Factor this into our ROI Calculator.
Before You Buy
- Run the numbers: Use the CBCT ROI Calculator to find your break-even scan volume.
- Check your CPD: Ensure you have the required IRMER Level 2 training.
- Get Quotes: Submit a Supplier RFQ to get competitive bids on the machine and the maintenance contract.