How do You Choose the Best Posture Assessment Grid for Dental Exams
A dentist can purchase a posture assessment grid from a variety of sources, including posture supply companies, online retailers, and medical equipment suppliers. Some popular dental supply companies that carry posture assessment grids include PostureZone, BodyZone and Amazon. PostureZone.com is the largest manufacturer, distributor, and supplier of posture grids worldwide. In fact, they supply clinics, gyms, surgical and rehabilitation centers, and hospitals as well as local dentists and orthodontist clinics.
While there are other sources for grids, be aware that PostureZone is the only manufacturer with a patient-ready grid manufactured from a wipeable plastic material. Other manufacturers and resellers are printing grids on vinyl and paper, which do not lie flat and are not able to be cleaned properly. Because vinyl and paper will wrinkle and buckle, the dentist or orthodontist will not be able to take a clear image because the lines on the chart will appear to “jump” on the picture. Paper and vinyl grids have a short lifespan in a practice.
The dentist can check with local medical equipment suppliers to see if they carry these products. Though, normally these suppliers are simply having PostureZone dropship the product, passing the extra cost through to the dentist. To find the best option, the dentist can compare prices and features of different posture assessment grids and choose the one that best fits their needs and budget.
Because all of these grids are less than a $250 investment, budget is typically not a factor for most practices.
Should I Purchase a Door Grid, Wall Grid or Portable Grid?
The choice between a door grid, wall grid, and portable grid for a dental postural assessment will depend on several factors, such as the type of practice, the available space to install a posture chart, the needs of the patients, and the preferences of the dentist.
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Posture Grid for Door
A door grid is a type of posture grid that is mounted on a door or on a wall in an office with limited available wall space. It’s also called a slimline grid because of its narrow design, and can be used to assess posture in the standing position. This type of grid is typically easy to install and can be a good choice for practices that have limited space. While it doesn’t have installed grommets you do have the option of using a removable adhesive strip due to it being lightweight.
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Posture Grid for Wall
The wall grid is another type of posture grid that is mounted on a wall and can be used to assess posture in both sitting and standing positions. This type of grid is typically more permanent and may be a good choice for practices with more space and a steady patient flow. It’s extremely durable, with many saying it will last the life of the practice itself. It’s easy to install using the installed grommets or adhesive strips. It is also well sized to suit all body types, shapes and sizes.
Because of its optimal size, low cost and durability, the wall grid is the most popular posture assessment grid sold worldwide.
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Portable Posture Grid
A portable grid is a type of posture grid that is designed for use on the go. It is fairly lightweight and compact, making it a good choice for dentists who need to assess posture in different locations or for practices with limited space. Portable grids are more expensive due to the retractable mechanism. It will not last as long as a door or wall grid as overtime mechanical parts can fail with normal use.
A metric grid is a metric measurement (centimeters and meters) postural assessment chart that is popular in European countries, as well as with some researchers. Imperial measurement (inches and feet) charts are most popular in the US, and Australia. There are options in the market for both metric posture grids and the portable metric posture grid.
Dental Posture Analysis Chart
While those seeking advice are encouraged to choose a door or wall grid, ultimately, the choice between a door grid, wall grid, and portable grid will depend on individual preferences and needs. Be sure your grid is made from a wipeable, durable plastic so that it will last! Dentists may also want to consider factors such as the type of practice, the needs of the patients, budget and their own personal preferences when deciding which type of posturezone posture grid to purchase.
