Make sure to look at the Delight before you decide. I have the waterlase. So far I am happy. They are upfront about cost of tips etc. The only thing they did not talk about is an a sevice contract after the first year.
David

Dan: what you need to do is to check out all three units and even the Deka if you want , and recognize that all cut very similar. The differences are smaller than what the companies make them out to be. See who you feel best about with respect to warrantee, service , support, and in addition talk to owners who have lasers from the company.

I am not a CO2 afficianado but will say that for me the diode is as good as the CO2 and alot smaller.

If you do alot of oral maxillofacial surgery removing oral lesions such as ulcerated lichen planus, pemhigoids, or other mucosal issues then the CO2 is a good laser.

It is also good to check out the small diodes . Now remember that with a diode (soft tissue) and erbium package you will pay equivalent to the Duo and in addition you will be able to use the two lasers in separate rooms ( ie hygiene with soft tissue, and the hard tissue in the main op).

I am not going to get into a this laser is better than that. Many users here can tell you of their experience but do check out Opus, Biolase and Hoya and do ALOT of research before you buy.

Start by reading the web forum here and see what other threads say ……this forum is very professional in my opinion, but remember that MANY of us have already haggled about this before and are leary to get into it all over again.

Check out the previous threads on the topic.

Glenn

David,
If you REALLY knew Glenn, you would realize that he has a scope……FOR HIS SCOPE! He is SCOPE CRAZY!!! Just kidding Glenn! BUT, on the laser thing, I agree with Glenn….check em all out. I use what David uses, but that new Ivoclar diode, now that looks cool. Glenn, tell us about it if you haven’t already, ok?
Mark

Thanks David, Mark , Andrew etc……..

THe odyssey is a cool little laser, which you can see pics from in the CE section where I posted a case and some pics of the laser.

5 pounds
7 meter fiber on a retractable spool
.1- 5 watts increasing in .1 watt increments.
Simple system with only two modes of operation
either Continuous Wave or Pulsed at 10 Hz
600 or 400 micron fibers.
580 dollars to replace cartridge once 7m is gone
between 11-12000.

As for scopes, I have a passion for them and hope that more will realize the value they have for lasers.

I think scopes are great and today started playing with another tool that I think might become a real asset for lasers……..will hold onto it for a moment or two before posting but it was excellent today for a little 5 year old.

Take care and thanks for the kind words about scopes……

Glenn

Hi Dan,

I have used clinically just about all wavelengths used in dentistry–for over 13 years. I am also aware of the different laser devices in the marketplace and their shortcomings.

So far from what I have read, you are getting the idea about the various company devices.

There is no way to predict the companies that will survive and those that won’t. There are outfits and individuals that fix and repair the lasers from companies that have gone away, (Excel Quantronic, Premier laser, Sunrise, ADT).

You DO need to understand the after purchase costs of the device you buy. GET IT IN WRITING. Any company or rep that refuses to detail in writing the long term consumables, warranties needed, the peripherals or maintenance requirements should be taken as a very serious warning for that company.

Next, you need decide exactly what you want to use your laser for. For example, CO2 is a great wavelength, one of my most favorites, but I use it for what it is best for about 2 times a year. It is best for removing large volumes of tissue like Dilantin and Cyclosporin Hyperplasia, as well as debulking thick tissue. “Me-too” uses like fibroma removal, frenectomies, ahthous ulcers can be accomplished with other wavelengths that do other things much better than the CO2. These are the kinds of things you need to understand about your laser device of interest before you purchase.

So–what do you want to do with your laser, or what do you THINK you want to do with your laser are the questions to begin your search with.

For pedo teeth, enamel hard tissue cavity preps–erbiums.

For periodontal disease treament–you want a dedicated soft tissue wavelenths in the 810, 980, 1,064nm wavelengths)

Bob