An intraoral scanner is a digital device that captures a detailed three-dimensional model of the patient’s teeth and soft tissues without the need for impression materials.

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It works by projecting structured light or laser patterns across the surfaces inside the mouth and recording thousands of points per second through specialized sensors. These data points are then processed into a clean 3D file that can be used for designing crowns, bridges, implants, orthodontic aligners, and complete digital workflows. Compared with traditional impressions, this method reduces chairside time, avoids discomfort for patients with gag reflex, and improves the consistency of results sent to the laboratory. From the moment the scan begins to the point where the file is ready for CAD/CAM design, each step is clear, fast, and predictable, giving both clinicians and technicians a reliable foundation for accurate restorative and orthodontic work.

Why an Intraoral Scanner Makes Daily Dentistry Easier for Clinicians and More Comfortable for Patients

Benefits for Dentists

• More consistent accuracy in restorative work
  Modern scanners record thousands of data points quickly, giving the clinician a dependable digital model for crowns, bridges, and implant-supported restorations. This reduces guesswork and allows the lab to receive a clean, usable file on the first attempt.
• Fewer remakes and adjustments
  Digital impressions reduce common problems seen with physical materials—such as distortions, tears, or inaccurate margins. Practices often experience fewer returns from the lab because the digital file captures clear details of preparations.
• Shorter chairside appointments
  Scanning a quadrant or full arch typically takes far less time than mixing material, waiting for it to set, and removing the tray. This frees up the schedule and helps the team manage more patients per day without rushing.
• Smoother integration with CAD/CAM systems
  The digital file can be sent directly to design software or to the laboratory through secure online systems. This removes manual steps and allows restorative work to move forward without delays.

Benefits for Patients

• No impression trays or unpleasant materials
  Many patients dislike traditional molds because of the taste, pressure, and overall sensation. A scanner replaces this step entirely, allowing the visit to feel cleaner and easier.
• Less gag reflex and better tolerance
  Since the scanning tip is small and requires minimal contact with the palate or soft tissues, patients who struggle with gagging usually handle this method far better.
• Good option for children and anxious individuals
  Younger patients and those with dental anxiety often feel more calm when there is no bulky tray involved. The scanning process is smooth, quiet, and quick, which helps build trust.

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Types of Intraoral Scanners

Choosing the right category of intraoral scanner depends on the clinical workload, the level of accuracy required, the budget, and the type of restorative or orthodontic cases handled in the practice. Below is an overview of the three main segments on the market, along with practical notes to help clinicians understand how each group fits different treatment needs.

1. Premium Scanners (High Accuracy Category)

Models in this group are designed for practices that need the highest level of precision and consistency, especially for implant cases, multi-unit bridges, and demanding restorative workflows. These devices usually provide fast capture, refined detail reproduction, and more advanced optical systems.

Common Models

• 3Shape TRIOS 5
  Known for clean image quality, improved tip design, and dependable results for all restorative indications.
• iTero Element 5D
  Offers strong accuracy for orthodontics and restorative work, with imaging modes that support monitoring tooth structure over time.
• Dentsply Sirona Primescan
  Recognized for excellent detail on margins and deep areas, making it suitable for complex crown and bridge procedures.

Suitable For

• Implant impressions
• Multi-unit prosthetics
• Full arch restorative cases (when clinical conditions allow)
• Clinics with high patient volume

2. Mid-Range Scanners (Balanced Performance Category)

These scanners provide high-quality results at a lower cost than premium models. They are widely used in general dentistry and offer strong performance for everyday crowns, bridges, aligner submissions, and diagnostic scans.

Common Models

• Medit i700 / i600
  Known for fast image capture, simple user workflow, open file formats, and a smooth software environment.
• Planmeca Emerald S
  Often chosen by clinics that want steady performance and smooth integration with CAD/CAM systems.

Suitable For

• General restorative dentistry
• Single crowns and small bridges
• Orthodontic scanning
• Practices that want dependable performance without higher investment

3. Entry-Level or Economic Scanners (Basic Performance Category)

These scanners are designed for new digital users or clinics looking for a lower initial investment while still gaining the benefits of digital impressions. They provide solid performance for basic restorative and orthodontic work.

Common Models

• Shining 3D Aoralscan Series
  Offers accessible pricing with decent accuracy for routine cases.
• Alliedstar AS200E / AS260 / AS380
  Designed for standard crown and bridge work with an affordable setup.
• Eighteeth Helios Series
  Frequently selected by clinics starting their first digital workflow.

Suitable For

• New users transitioning from traditional impressions
• Clinics with budget constraints
• Basic restorative and orthodontic cases
• Occasional scanning needs

Comparison Table: Scanner Categories

Category	Typical Models	Best Use Cases
Premium (High Accuracy)	TRIOS 5, iTero 5D, Primescan	Implant impressions, multi-unit restorations, demanding crown/bridge work, high-volume clinics
Mid-Range (Balanced Performance)	Medit i700 / i600, Planmeca Emerald S	General restorative dentistry, single crowns, small bridges, orthodontic scans
Entry-Level (Economic)	Aoralscan, Alliedstar AS series, Eighteeth Helios	New digital users, budget-friendly practices, basic crown/bridge and orthodontic needs

Professional Comparison of Intraoral Scanners

Selecting the right intraoral scanner depends on technical accuracy, speed, file compatibility, computer requirements, and the long-term cost of ownership. The table below summarizes key technical factors that dentists evaluate when comparing different models.

Specification	Premium Scanners (TRIOS 5, iTero 5D, Primescan)	Mid-Range (Medit i700/i600, Emerald S)	Entry-Level (Aoralscan, Alliedstar, Helios)
Accuracy (μm)	5–12 μm	10–20 μm	20–40 μm
Scan Speed	Full arch in ~25–35 sec	Full arch in ~35–50 sec	Full arch in ~50–90 sec
Frame Rate (FPS)	30–55 FPS	25–40 FPS	15–25 FPS
Tip Size	Slim, improved access	Medium	Larger than mid-range
Wired / Wireless	Some models wireless	Mostly wired	Wired
Device Weight	140–240 g	180–260 g	220–350 g
CAD/CAM Compatibility	Broad	Broad	Varies by model
Output Formats	STL, PLY, OBJ	STL, PLY, OBJ	STL (some PLY)
PC Requirements	High GPU + strong CPU	Medium GPU	Basic GPU
Software License Cost	Medium to high	Low to medium	Low
Price Level	High	Medium	Low

Notes for Clinicians

• Accuracy Range:
  Premium scanners are suitable for implants and multi-unit prosthetics where exact margin detail is required.
• Speed Differences:
  Faster capture is important for patients with limited tolerance and for high-volume clinics.
• Tip Size Impact:
  Smaller tips help when scanning second molars, subgingival areas, and patients with restricted opening.
• Hardware Needs:
  Stronger computers reduce lag and deliver smoother scanning.

Best Intraoral Scanners for Different Clinical Needs

Each clinical discipline places different demands on an intraoral scanner. The sections below provide clear, practical guidance based on day-to-day use in implantology, prosthodontics, orthodontics, and full denture work—plus an option for clinics looking for a low-cost system.

Best Scanner for Implant Impressions

Implant scanning requires high accuracy, stable image stitching, and strong detail on soft tissue and implant positions.

Recommended Models

• 3Shape TRIOS 5 – Reliable for precise implant workflows and detailed capture of margins around abutments.
• Dentsply Sirona Primescan – Produces consistent detail in deep areas, helping with multi-unit implant bridges.
• iTero Element 5D – Strong results for single and multiple implant cases, especially when paired with close-up imaging features.

Why These Models Fit Implant Cases

• Better reproduction of scan bodies
• Steady capture when scanning edentulous or partially edentulous areas
• Good handling of reflective surfaces

Best Scanner for Crowns and Bridges

For crown and bridge work, the scanner must capture margin lines clearly and maintain consistent detail across the full preparation.

Recommended Models

• TRIOS 3 / TRIOS 5 – Strong for precise margin capture and reliable for all standard prosthetic cases.
• Medit i700 – Fast scanning and clear visualization of margins, suitable for multi-unit anterior and posterior bridges.
• Planmeca Emerald S – A good choice for daily crown work and small bridge cases.

What Matters Most for These Cases

• Smooth image stitching
• Clear reproduction of finish lines
• Good performance around gingival tissue

Best Scanner for Orthodontics / Invisalign

Orthodontic scans require quick arch capture, clean alignment of upper and lower arches, and clear visualization of occlusion.

Recommended Models

• iTero Element 5D – Standard option for aligner submissions and monitoring tooth movement.
• Medit i700 – Fast full-arch scans with consistent occlusion mapping.
• Aoralscan 3 – Solid performance for orthodontic impressions with accessible pricing.

Useful Features for Orthodontics

• Quick scanning in one pass
• Smooth bite registration
• Easy file submission for aligner systems

Best Scanner for Complete Denture Work

Scanning for complete dentures requires good data collection in large soft-tissue areas, stable capture in edentulous regions, and careful handling of movable mucosa.

Recommended Models

• Primescan – Works well for full-arch soft-tissue detail, especially for preliminary scans.
• TRIOS 5 – Provides consistent surface detail, which helps with digital designs for bases and borders.
• Medit i700 – Suitable for clinics focusing on preliminary records and bite scans for digital denture workflows.

Key Considerations

• Larger scanning field for soft-tissue areas
• Ability to rescan small sections without losing alignment
• Smooth handling of mobile mucosa

Best Low-Cost Scanner

Clinics looking to enter digital dentistry with a smaller budget can still achieve dependable results for daily restorative and orthodontic work.

Recommended Models

• Aoralscan 3D
• Alliedstar AS Series (AS200E / AS260 / AS380)
• Eighteeth Helios 600 / 680

Why These Fit Low-Budget Clinics

• Lower initial investment
• Sufficient precision for general dentistry
• Easy setup and straightforward software

How to Choose the Right Intraoral Scanner for Your Clinic (A Complete Step-by-Step Guide)

Selecting an intraoral scanner is not a simple “pick a model” decision. Each clinic has different clinical demands, patient volume, hardware conditions, and budget limits. The goal is to find a scanner that matches the way the practice truly works—not just the one that looks attractive on paper. The step-by-step approach below helps clinicians make a clear and confident decision.

Step 1: Start With the Size and Workflow of Your Clinic

The first factor that shapes your choice is the scale of the practice.
A single-chair clinic has a completely different rhythm compared with a busy multi-chair environment.

If your clinic is small and works with one chair, look for a scanner that is straightforward to set up, requires minimal hardware, and does not burden the team with complex configuration. These clinics often benefit from scanners such as the Medit i600, Aoralscan 3D, or Helios 600. They fit well because they can be connected quickly, run smoothly on mid-range computers, and provide dependable scans for most restorative and orthodontic tasks.

In larger clinics that manage several rooms at once, the needs are different. Here, the scanner should handle repeated full-arch scans throughout the day without slowing down or producing inconsistent results. Models such as TRIOS 5, iTero Element 5D, and Primescan are better suited for such environments. These devices maintain steady performance even during long appointments, which makes them suitable for practices with a heavy schedule.

Step 2: Identify the Type of Cases You Treat Most Often

The second stage is understanding the clinical focus of the practice.
Not all scanners perform equally across all treatments.

If your daily work includes crowns, small bridges, and routine diagnostics, mid-range scanners often provide everything you need. They capture margin lines well, handle soft-tissue areas reliably, and make everyday work more predictable.

For clinics managing orthodontic cases, especially those involving clear aligners, the scanner must capture both arches quickly and align the bite without effort. Devices with fast image capture and smooth bite registration make orthodontic visits easier. iTero Element 5D and Medit i700 are commonly selected for this reason.

Clinics handling full-arch or implant-based prosthetics require a scanner that maintains detail even in challenging areas such as deep margins or reflective surfaces. TRIOS 5 and Primescan are frequently chosen in such cases, as they hold alignment better during long scans and help avoid the need for rescanning large sections.

For complete denture records, the scanner needs to manage larger soft-tissue surfaces. Certain models handle this more comfortably, allowing the clinician to capture preliminary shapes and borders with fewer interruptions.

Step 3: Evaluate Software, File Formats, and CAD/CAM Compatibility

The scanner must work smoothly with your preferred laboratory or in-house CAD/CAM system.
Open file formats such as STL, PLY, and OBJ give more flexibility and help avoid workflow limits.

Ask yourself:

• Will this scanner allow me to send files to multiple labs?
• Does the software interfere with the way my team works?
• Can the system export the file types required for my restorations or aligners?

Clinics that want maximum flexibility often choose scanners with open formats and uncomplicated export settings. Others, especially those heavily involved in aligner treatments, may prefer systems that follow specific submission platforms.

Step 4: Check Computer Requirements and Practical Setup

A scanner is only as good as the computer supporting it.
Before purchasing, confirm that your computer or laptop meets the GPU and CPU requirements of the scanner. Premium units usually need a strong graphics card, while mid-range and budget models operate well on simpler systems.

Also consider:

• Whether the scanner will be used on a cart or a laptop
• How much space the clinic has
• Whether multiple staff members can use the device comfortably
• The cleaning and sterilization workflow for the scanner tips

This prevents unexpected costs or delays during installation.

Step 5: Consider Long-Term Costs, Not Just the Initial Price

The purchase price is only part of the equation.
You should also account for:

• Cost of extra tips
• Replacement cables
• Software fees
• Updates
• Maintenance
• Computer upgrades

Some scanners cost more at the start but have lower long-term expenses. Others may appear affordable but require additional items that add to the total cost over time. A clear 3–5 year cost estimate helps avoid surprises.

Step 6: Assess Training, Support, and Daily Usability

Even the best scanner performs poorly if the team struggles to use it.
Evaluate how easy the system is to learn, how quickly your staff can scan a full arch, and how reliable customer support is in your region.

Try to answer:

• Can my assistants learn this system in one or two sessions?
• If something goes wrong, is support available quickly?
• Is the software simple enough for daily use?

Choosing a scanner that your team feels comfortable with saves time and reduces remakes.

Step 7: Match the Scanner to Your Future Plans

Think beyond your current situation.
If you plan to expand your clinic, add more chairs, or increase your number of implant or orthodontic cases, choose a scanner that will still serve you well in the next few years. This helps avoid another purchase too soon.

Small clinics planning to grow may select mid-range models that can later handle more demanding cases. Specialists may choose systems built for advanced prosthodontic or orthodontic workloads to stay consistent as their case volume increases.

Step 8: Make a Practical Shortlist Based on All Factors

After reviewing the steps above, you should be able to narrow your options to one or two scanners that match:

• Your clinical focus
• Your clinic size
• Your long-term plans
• Your budget and hardware
• The comfort of your staff
• The needs of your lab

At this point, requesting a demo or a trial scan on an actual patient helps you confirm the feel and performance of the scanner before making the final decision.

Cost and Pricing of Intraoral Scanners

Understanding the full cost of an intraoral scanner helps clinics avoid unexpected expenses after the purchase. The total cost involves the device itself, software, consumables, and the computer required to run the system smoothly. Below is a clear breakdown to help clinicians form a realistic budget.

Device Price

The price of the device varies widely depending on the accuracy level, speed, hardware design, and brand.

• Premium scanners often cost considerably more because they support demanding implant and multi-unit restorative work.
• Mid-range scanners fall into a balanced price bracket and offer suitable performance for most daily tasks.
• Entry-level scanners provide an affordable starting point for clinics transitioning from traditional impressions.

Typical price ranges appear in the table below.

Software / License Cost

Some scanners include the main software at no additional charge, while others require an annual fee for updates, cloud storage, workflow tools, or specific submission platforms.
Clinics should confirm:

• Whether there is an annual renewal cost
• Whether advanced tools are optional or mandatory
• Whether cloud storage is part of the plan

Software costs are part of the long-term investment and should be compared carefully.

Maintenance Cost (Tips, Cables, Accessories)

Intraoral scanners use removable tips for hygiene and sterilization. Each tip has a limited number of cycles.
Additional costs include:

• Replacement tips
• Power cables or data cables
• Protective sleeves
• Optional charging docks (if applicable)

These recurring expenses can differ significantly across brands.

Computer and GPU Requirements

A scanner relies heavily on the computer.
Premium models often require:

• A stronger GPU
• High-end CPU
• Adequate RAM

Mid-range and entry-level models work smoothly on more modest hardware. Clinics should review:

• Minimum GPU specifications
• Whether a laptop is sufficient
• Whether additional cooling or power is needed for long scanning sessions

A suitable computer prevents lag and irregular stitching.

Final Price Overview (Economic / Mid-Range / Premium)

Below is a general reference table for clinics preparing a budget.

Approximate Cost Table

Category	Typical Device Price	Software / License	Annual Consumables	Suggested Clinic Type
Economic	Low	Low	Low to medium	Small clinics, beginners
Mid-Range	Medium	Low to medium	Medium	General dentists, orthodontic use
Premium	High	Medium to high	Medium	Specialists, large clinics, implant work

Note: Actual numbers depend on model, region, promotions, and vendor offers.

Important Questions to Ask Before Buying an Intraoral Scanner

Before investing in an intraoral scanner, every clinic should have clear answers to a few essential questions. These questions help avoid mismatches between expectations and daily reality.

1. Should the scanner be wired or wireless?

A wired scanner usually offers steady data transfer and is easier to maintain.
A wireless device allows more freedom of movement but may require battery management.
The choice depends on the clinic layout and operator preference.

2. How important is accuracy for my type of work?

Clinics focusing on implants or complex bridges need higher accuracy.
General practices providing single crowns or orthodontic scans can work comfortably with mid-range options.
Accuracy should match the complexity of the treatments you provide.

3. Is this scanner suitable for implant cases?

Not all scanners handle deep margins or reflective surfaces equally.
Implant work requires:

• Clear scan body capture
• Smooth stitching
• Stable scanning on long spans
  Premium models tend to perform better in these situations.

4. Does the scanner require powder?

Most modern scanners operate without powder.
However, if a model still needs powder in certain cases, the clinic should consider patient comfort and chairside time.

5. How important is laboratory compatibility?

Clinics working with multiple labs should choose scanners that export open formats.
If your workflow relies on a single lab with a specific system, the requirements may differ.
Compatibility ensures smoother case handling and fewer communication issues.

Quick Practical Checklist

• Does my computer meet the required GPU/CPU level?
• Is the scanner suitable for the treatments I perform most?
• How much will consumables cost yearly?
• Does my staff feel comfortable using it?
• Can I send files freely to any lab?
• What is the installation and training process like?

Conclusion and Next Steps

Intraoral scanners allow clinics to work with greater clarity, shorter appointments, and more predictable outcomes. Selecting the right model requires a balanced look at accuracy, speed, long-term cost, clinical goals, and team experience. With the right choice, a clinic can improve treatment flow, reduce remakes, communicate better with the lab, and offer a more comfortable patient experience.

If your clinic is evaluating different models, reviewing real-case performance and testing the device during a live scan can help confirm whether the scanner fits your daily routine.