Dental Intraoral Scanners for Your Dental Practice

Dental intraoral scanners are the future of dentistry; current technological advances favor medical professionals, promoting better health and simplifying clinical procedures through innovative tools.

Intraoral scanners have been shown to be effective for capturing impressions used to fabricate prosthetic restorations. The best part is that these procedures can be done on patients with implants and those with natural teeth. 

What is a Dental Intraoral Scanner?

Intraoral scanners are devices used to capture optical impressions; to achieve the above, the scanners have been designed to project a light source on the area inside your mouth that is to be scanned. The imaging sensor then captures images and the scanning software processes them, producing 3-dimensional surface models. 

Dental Intraoral Scanner: Criteria for evaluation

1. Intraoral Scanner Speed 

Intraoral Scanners are time efficient, although it is important to note that the time difference does not relate to their ability to capture the full scan; time efficiency is, therefore, fully achieved regarding the processing of the respective scans. Recently, intraoral scanners have undergone some major innovations and can perform a full intraoral scan in less than 30 seconds.

2. Intraoral scanning flow 

Intraoral scanning flow focuses on seamless device use and effectiveness in complex cases. Therefore, the scanners have been proved effective when dealing with severe undercuts or when used to scan multiple implants; what’s more, is that the workflow of the IOS is more significant when the clinician has to recapture the impressions without necessarily having to repeat the entire procedure. 

However, we cannot ignore the pronounced inability of the intraoral scanner to detect deep marginal lines on prepared teeth or in situations where the patient has bleeding gums. 

3. Intraoral scanning size

The big question about intraoral scanner size is whether it matters; if we consider operability, then it does. Some scanners from the outlook are bulky to use for certain procedures. Therefore, most companies have made considerable efforts in making user-friendly scanners; the above then means that the different scanner sizes are meant for different categories of users. Most importantly, large scanners with larger windows don’t need to be moved around the oral cavity, while small scanners are used in smaller mouths. 

4. Ease of use 

Younger clinicians always have an easy time with technological gadgets. Older clinicians are still not very passionate about technology, so the latter group faces a steep learning curve. Different scanning devices don’t use the same strategy to derive relevant results. 

Therefore, no single scanning strategy is better than another because different devices function in unique ways. 

5. Intraoral scanner price 

The price of an intraoral dental scanner also captures its ability to benefit a particular dental practice. Before settling on a specific intraoral scanning device, clinicians need to carry out extensive research; therefore, they will have to look at the technical specs, the overall price and check for other hidden costs. Remember also that many of them become obsolete once more advanced units are unveiled. 

In essence, getting a scanner is costly, especially if you choose one that cannot perform both basic and advanced functions; as a result, a practice could suffer financially because simple operations will proceed at a snail’s pace. 

6. Subscription Price 

Medical equipment has a unique modus operandi and may require occasional servicing, while others may need software updates to ensure seamless operation. When combing the perfect dental intraoral scanner markets, the clinicians need to consider whether they are ready to commit to the ongoing costs after they have invested in the equipment. 

Therefore, most scanners require clinicians to pay maintenance, servicing, or subscription fees, which are sometimes mandatory if they want to use the devices fully. 

Things to Consider Before Buying Dental Intraoral Scanners

Imaging quality 

There are no two ways about this; most of the advanced dental intraoral scanners transmit the 3D models to laboratories for analysis, which is why image quality is of paramount importance. The scanning process and technique depend on the clinician’s skills; resolution, on the other hand, depends on the projector’s effectiveness, the software filters, and the number of cameras incorporated into the scanner. 

The best approach is to obtain pre-taken images from the distributor’s scanner and then evaluate their quality. 

Software 

The criteria for evaluating dental intraoral scanner software are fairly straightforward. Clinicians should look for a few specific features; for example, the software should connect seamlessly to the lab. The user interface should be responsive and intuitive. Lastly, the software should be upgraded frequently. Some software also allows clinicians to access third-party software. 

Versatility 

Most intraoral scanners are versatile; clinicians should invest in a device that complements most of the procedures they perform in their practice. However, some scanners are single-purpose, so it all comes down to the practice and the procedures being run. 

Hardware size 

Intraoral scanners must be easy to use and comfortable for both the clinician and the patient; clinicians should also remember that the easier they are to use, the faster they will learn to operate the unit, saving time and maximizing ROI. 

Therefore, camera size depends on the practice; however, if the camera is large, operability will be limited, and with a small camera, there may be limitations on the number of procedures performed. 

Cost 

The recommended time frame for using an intraoral scanner is 5 years, especially when compared with the initial investment and subsequent subscription and maintenance costs. Intraoral scanners are quite expensive, so if you invest in one, it should help your practice save and make money. The units should therefore offer an ROI and generate more profit over their estimated lifespan. 

The cost of an intraoral scanner also depends on the clinician’s budget and the practice’s size. New practitioners are best served by a unit that is easy to operate and monetize. Once they are familiar, then clinicians can invest in more technologically advanced units. 

Support 

New technology isn’t always easy to use, which is why clinicians need a responsive support team, usually from their supplier or product manufacturer. What’s more, the relevant intraoral scanning device might not be all that intuitive. Thus, someone must guide them through it before they completely get the hang of it. That’s why getting a unit with the right support is so important. 

Warranty

As with most expensive electronic or technological equipment, the attached warranty offers security, giving clinicians one less thing to worry about. An intraoral scanner sold without a warranty could raise a number of eyebrows about quality. Besides, legitimate intraoral scanner manufacturers need to stand behind their products and show people they trust them. 

The only way to do that is through the warranty; clinicians will look for whether they’ll get a new unit or a repaired device. They also need to know what the warranty covers and how long it will take to process. 

What is the best dental intraoral scanner? Here are Intraoral scanner reviews for your Dental Practice.

1. 3Shape TRIOS 4 ($26,999.00)

Weighing just 375 g, including the battery, the 3Shape TRIOS 4 can advance your dental practice by letting users create custom surgical guides, complete with temporary screwed-in retained crowns, in a single workflow. The device lets clinicians track changes in patients’ teeth, enabling early identification of various dental conditions.

The 3shape Trios 4 is pretty easy to use as users can either use it in wired or wireless mode. Users can use the simple plug cord to switch between modes. Featuring the most advanced technology, the 3Shape Trios 4 scanner is a scanner thanks to its instant heat technology. The unit can also scan 2 to 3 times more patients than its predecessors and includes built-in fluorescence technology to identify potential carriers. 

Pros 

• The battery life is increased 
• The instant heat technology enables optimized scanning. 
• Can be used to design a patient’s beautiful smile

Cons 

• High initial investment costs 

2. Medit i500 ($10,500.00)

Looking to reduce chair time, then the Medit i500 is the perfect intraoral scanner for your practice. The unit has effectively obliterated the use of mold materials and powder. It lets clinicians take quick scans that, when paired with intelligent scan technology, significantly reduce each patient’s chair time. 

Although users will use their own devices, either a laptop or a desktop, the application makes operations seamless. Therefore, clinicians will be presented with an intuitive dashboard, where they can easily perform their analytics; they can also store information on the cloud storage, communicate, and even integrate the relevant payment features. 

The innovative intraoral scanner enables clinicians to easily match scan bodies to scan abutments through Artificial Intelligence Abutment and scan-body matching. Clinicians can also automatically or manually create the margin line and edit functions while scanning patients. 

Pros

• Clinicians can perform the pre-operational scans
• Enables sorting and merging of data in real-time, which can be used later for modeling
• The unit can perform high-resolution scans in specific areas.

Cons

• The dental intraoral scanner has a steep learning curve.

3. Cerec Primescan ($19,999.00)

The Cerec primescan comes as a full unit, complete with a monitor and a stable workstation. With this unit, clinicians can perform various functions with improved accuracy and impressive speed. Even better is that the device is versatile, as it enables clinicians to carry out all sorts of treatments, ranging from a single tooth to a full arch. 

Primescan, according to Dentsply Sirona, is the perfect unit for new dentists, as it enables them to design their workflows easily; the unit comes equipped with two independent software configurations, one that supports the chairside workflows and the other that offers support for connecting to the established partner’s workflow. 

Pros 

• The dental intraoral scanner easily scans hard-to-reach areas while providing a wider field of view.
• Easily consolidates over 50,000 images per second.
• Dynamic depth-scan technology and the innovative smart pixel sensor enable sharp images. 
• It offers open data transfer options, thus accelerating the workflow. 

Cons 

• The scanner is power-dependent. 

4. CS 3700 Carestream ($6,999.00)

The CS 3700 Carestream is one of the dental intraoral scanners whose manufacturer offers continuing education through its training program. They provide their clients with immediate software updates and extend the standard warranty so that they can accommodate the clinician’s needs. 

Out of the box, the scanner comes equipped with next-level technology. For example, smart shade technology lets the unit detect the scan area’s enamel color when searching for restorative options. The clinician will also merge the partial impressions with the digital in vivo can into one file.

The professional intraoral scanner enables a seamless workflow, and users can enjoy up to 60% faster processing speeds. Sharing information with third parties is also simplified, while the scan flow software lets clinicians pursue different indications from a single scan. 

With the right PC configuration, users can expect comfort and enhanced functionality; for example, the scanner features an ergonomic grip channel that provides balanced control. Users also get a wrist wrap that securely connects them to the scanner, helping prevent damage from drops. 

Pros 

• Enables one-touch export capabilities 
• Offers unlimited workflow 
• The wrist connect prevents damage from falling. 
• Clinicians get a clear view of the scan. 

Cons 

• The learning curve is steep. 

5. Emerald S Planmeca ($12,999.00)

Emerald S Planmeca is a state-of-the-art dental intraoral scanner designed to improve intraoral scanning speed while giving clinicians new diagnostic capabilities. With this unit, clinicians can save time because the device scans faster, completing the entire arch in under one minute, no matter the procedure. 

The scanner sports a sleek and slim design and will, therefore, fit in the user’s hand and the patient’s oral cavity. What’s more, dentists will get lifelike images, giving clinicians the precision needed to achieve positive, predictable results. Beyond detecting caries, the intraoral scanner supports almost all intraoral scanning types and lets clinicians reach posterior teeth, capturing interproximal areas easily. 

Planmeca supports networking, and clinicians can import and export digital impressions in STL and PLY formats. In addition to being lightweight, the intraoral scanner is comfortable for patients and easy for clinicians to handle. 

Pros 

• Allows  the exportation of dental impressions to partners
• Easy detection is enabled with ease of rotating and scanning 
• Dentists can easily detect the tooth shade thanks to the tooth shade assistant
• The Intraoral scanner can easily complement the color scheme of various dental clinics

Cons 

• The learning curve is steep, with a high cost of training 
• Initial setup is costly

Conclusions 

A study carried out over the period ranging from 2005 to 2026 discovered that the Intraoral scanner’s capability to directly capture the dental arch image, including their 3D models, eliminated the momentary discomfort imposed on patients using physical impressions. 

Therefore, intraoral scanners have proven successful, especially for children with a strong gag reflex, who often show high intolerance to traditional procedures. Overall, intraoral dental scanners are time-efficient, reduce patient discomfort, and, in addition to enhancing dental practice, offer a Return on Investment.