Have you ever wondered why there’s such a buzz about intraoral scanners in the dental world? I did, too, until I experienced the change firsthand.
It’s not just a fancy gadget; it’s revolutionizing how dental professionals work and patients experience care.
In this post, I’ll share this game-changing tool’s hows and whys. If you’ve ever been curious about where dentistry is headed and what the best intraoral scanners are on the market, this one’s for you.
Ready to get enlightened? Let’s jump in.
What are the Best Intraoral Scanners?
When shopping for the best intraoral scanners, it’s essential to consider a range of factors—from speed and scanning efficiency to intelligent data and color capabilities, ease of use, results outcome, and even those pesky hidden costs.
We’ve compiled a list of the best intraoral scanners for 2023 to help elevate your dental practice. Keep reading to find the scanner that’s just right for you and your patients.
Here are my top picks for the best intraoral scanners this year.
♦ Medit i600T
♦ Medit i700
♦ iTero Element 5D Plus
♦ Viz
Medit i600T
The Medit i600 is more than another gadget in your scan dental practice toolkit.
Crafted from two decades of engineering brilliance and cutting-edge scan technology, this gadget is a game-changer for any dental practice. Whether you’re just dipping your toes into the digital dentistry pool or a seasoned pro, this scanner is a dream come true.
Imagine high-speed, pinpoint-accurate scans coupled with user-friendly features that make your life—dare I say it—more manageable. You won’t want to miss out on adding this to your dental practice.
Key Benefits
◊ High Scanning Speed: With the ability to complete full-arch scans in just 35-40 seconds, it’s fast enough to rival top-of-the-line models like TRIOS, CEREC, and iTero.
◊ User-Friendly: If you’re familiar with any of the scanners on the market, you’ll find the i600’s protocol intuitive and straightforward.
◊ High-Definition Color Scans: Post-processed images come out vibrant and detailed, so what you see is what you get.
◊ Innovative AI Capabilities: The built-in software smartly weeds out unnecessary elements, ensuring your scans remain clutter-free.
◊ Error Recovery: If you pause and then restart your scanning, the i600 picks up right where it left off with little fuss.
◊ Versatility in Bite Scans: Though the software can occasionally misread a bite scan, it allows for quick corrections.
Pricing
◊ Retail Price: The recommended retail price (RRP) for the Medit i600 is USD 13,500. This is competitive, making it one of the most wallet-friendly options.
◊ Additional Hardware: This cost doesn’t cover a laptop or computer to run the scanner. Budget an extra $2,000 to $3,000 for that.
◊ Cart Not Included: The i600 doesn’t come with a cart, so you must consider that when budgeting.
◊ Ongoing Expenses: The scanner uses removable and autoclavable scanning heads for optimal hygiene. A box of 4 will cost you USD 300, which breaks down to $75 per scanning head. Since each head can be autoclaved up to 150 times, you’re looking at about $0.50 per patient.
The pricing makes the Medit i600 a cost-effective choice, especially considering its high-quality scans and user-friendly interface. So, if you’re budget-conscious but want to maintain quality, this scanner could be your match.
Karen’s Take
I could complete full-arch scans in less time than it takes to whip up my kid’s breakfast smoothie. Even better is how the scanner adjusts itself when I pause and continue—no more worries over lost work.
The AI capabilities are also impressive and as a dental professional, the last thing I want is a scan cluttered with artifacts; the i600’s software takes care of that efficiently. Granted, the bite scan alignment could be better, but no scanner is without its quirks. Just double-check, and you’re good to go.
So, would I recommend the Medit i600? Absolutely. Its ease of use and top-notch features make it a stellar investment for any dental practice.
Medit i700
Product Overview
- The Medit i700 is the newer model, released in April 2021 as the follow-up to the i500, which had already made quite a splash in the dental scanner industry.
- “Reimaging scanning” is the catchphrase now; I can say it’s entirely fitting. This digital dynamo of a scanner comes loaded with high-speed capabilities and a seamless user experience.
- Medit, a Korean digital imaging company that started in 2000, has outdone itself with this latest iteration, offering a dental scanner that’s top-of-the-line and cost-efficient for dentists aiming to fit crowns or execute other dental procedures.
Key Benefits
- Speedy Scanning: With a software update, the i700 can complete full-arch scans in less than 40 seconds. That’s lightning-fast!
- Segmental Scanning: New software features mean you can scan in segments and stitch them together, making the scanning process more straightforward for newbies and veterans alike.
- Ergonomic Design: At 245 grams, this dental scanner is one of the lightest on the market. Your wrists will thank you!
- User-friendly Software: The software package offers a wide array of tools and is free unless you opt for more than 1 GB of cloud storage.
- Inbuilt Fan: Say goodbye to fogging! An internal fan keeps your scanning smooth for longer, although a 1-2 minute warm-up is recommended.
- Versatile Scanning: Whether it’s quadrant scans, full-arch scans, or edentulous and implant scans, the i700 is up for the challenge.
- Open Architecture: Enjoy the freedom to export scans in multiple formats—STL, OBJ, and PLY—though note that STL files will be monochrome.
- Cloud-Based Software: Medit Link software ensures your scans are readily available on any computer connected to the internet.
- Portability: Compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around.
- Cross-Infection Control: Removable and autoclavable scanning heads for better hygiene.
Added Points on Pricing and Software
- Medit Link Software Features: It allows cloud storage and features an orthodontic simulator and a model base creator.
- Acceptable Formats: Though the market is slowly adapting to different formats like PLY and OBJ, STL remains the most commonly accepted format for labs and design software.
- Invisalign Compatibility: Currently, Medit scans, including those from the i700, are not accepted for Invisalign treatments.
Pricing
- Initial cost: USD 13,500 (Excludes laptop/computer and cart)
- Additional hardware: $2000-$3000 for a suitable laptop/computer.
- Scanning Heads: $300 for a box of 4 ($75 per scanning head). Each head can be autoclaved up to 150 times, equating to roughly $0.50 per patient.
Karen’s Take
This intraoral scanner is like that reliable baking tool I can’t do without in my kitchen.
Imagine baking with utmost precision every time! Its speed is nothing short of a marvel, ensuring patients spend less time in the chair.
Its ergonomic design? Pure brilliance – it’s like the magic wand of dentistry, light and intuitive. And the cloud-based software?
A dream for every modern dental professional. A quick heads-up for those keen on Invisalign – the i700 might not be your go-to.
But all in all, considering the technology and value, this intraoral scanner is set to redefine dental excellence. It’s an investment in success and patient satisfaction. Just like getting the perfect rise in a cake, every time.
iTero Element 5D Plus: The Next Level of Intraoral Scanners
Product Overview
- This next-generation intraoral scanner comes from Align, the same minds behind the iTero product line. What sets it apart? Faster processing times, a sleek new design, and the end of the laggy user experience that haunted its predecessor
- Whether you opt for the mobile tablet or the new, modern cart, this scanner is engineered to revolutionize your dental practice.
Key Benefits:
- Exceptional Scanning Speed: One of the fastest intraoral scanners on the market. It’s a rapid-fire asset in any dental practice.
- Sleek, Modern Design: Whether you choose the cart or the tablet, you’ll get a piece of hardware that complements the modern dental clinic.
- User-Friendly Interface: A single-button operation and an easy-to-navigate touchscreen make for an intuitive user experience.
- Flexibility and Portability: Choose a wheel-mounted cart or a mobile tablet version that fits your practice’s needs.
- High-Quality Imaging: Renders high-definition color images that closely resemble the real thing, enhancing patient engagement.
- Medical-Grade Materials: Easy to clean and disinfect, which makes adhering to cross-infection protocols a breeze.
- Modern Aesthetic: Whether you choose the cart or mobile version, you’re in for a visually pleasing, modern design.
- Internal Fan Technology: Maintains optimal temperature, preventing the device from overheating and ensuring uninterrupted operation.
- Defogging Mechanism: Patented technology keeps the scanner window clear, so you never have to pause your workflow.
Karen’s Take
The Element 5D Plus truly offers our dental practice’s best intraoral scan experience.
The faster processing times and improved user interface make it a breeze to work with. The internal fan and conductive window ensure no fogging issues during extended scanning sessions.
It’s not just any scanner; it’s a total game-changer. Picture an internal fan that maintains the temperature but avoids fogging. Yes, that’s right—no mid-scan fogging to slow you down.
This device isn’t just quick; it’s also intelligent. The integrated AI clears out your scans as you go, removing those pesky soft tissue artifacts. Navigating edentulous spaces used to drive me up the wall, but a quick adjustment in the settings and—voilà—problem solved.
It works flawlessly with Exocad, so you’re lucky if you love crafting in-house restorations. Whether you’re a newbie to digital dentistry or a seasoned pro, this scanner is an essential tool in your kit. You can be confident that your future self and patients will thank you!
iTero Element 5D Plus: The Next Level of Intraoral Scanning
Product Overview
- This next-generation intraoral scanner comes from Align, the same minds behind the iTero product line. What sets it apart? Faster processing times, a sleek new design, and the end of the laggy user experience that haunted its predecessor.
- Whether you opt for the mobile tablet or the new, modern cart, this scanner is engineered to revolutionize your dental practice.
Key Benefits:
- Exceptional Scanning Speed: One of the fastest intraoral scanners on the market. It’s a rapid-fire asset in any dental practice.
- Sleek, Modern Design: Whether you choose the cart or the tablet, you’ll get a piece of hardware that complements the modern dental clinic.
- User-Friendly Interface: A single-button operation and an easy-to-navigate touchscreen make for an intuitive user experience.
- Flexibility and Portability: Choose a wheel-mounted cart or a mobile tablet version that fits your practice’s needs.
- High-Quality Imaging: Renders high-definition color images that closely resemble the real thing, enhancing patient engagement.
- Medical-Grade Materials: Easy to clean and disinfect, which makes adhering to cross-infection protocols a breeze.
- Modern Aesthetic: Whether you choose the cart or mobile version, you’re in for a visually pleasing, modern design.
- Internal Fan Technology: Maintains optimal temperature, preventing the device from overheating and ensuring uninterrupted operation.
- Defogging Mechanism: Patented technology keeps the scanner window clear, so you never have to pause your workflow.
Karen’s Take
As a dental practitioner, speed and accuracy are my top priorities. The Element 5D Plus truly offers our dental practice’s best intraoral scan experience.
The faster processing times and improved user interface make it a breeze to work with. The internal fan and conductive window ensure no fogging issues during extended scanning sessions.
Picture an internal fan that maintains the temperature but avoids fogging. Yes, that’s right—no mid-scan fogging to slow you down.
- And it just keeps getting better. This device isn’t just quick; it’s also intelligent. The integrated AI clears out your scans as you go, removing those pesky soft tissue artifacts. Navigating edentulous spaces used to drive me up the wall, but a quick adjustment in the settings and—voilà—problem solved.
- It works flawlessly with Exocad, so you’re lucky if you love crafting in-house restorations. Whether you’re a newbie to digital dentistry or a seasoned pro, this scanner is an essential tool in your kit. You can be confident that your future self and patients will thank you!
Viz Intraoral Scanner
- If you’re anything like me, you always search for tech that makes your life easier. Enter the Viz Intraoral Scanner. It isn’t just another scanner; it’s your reliable friend in capturing digital impressions.
- Why? For starters, it’s lightning-fast. Your patients get to spend less time in the chair, and we all know how much they’ll appreciate that. Plus, the accuracy is just stellar. You can trust this lousy boy to deliver, whether it’s a single unit, quads, or an entire arch.
- Setup is a breeze—’Plug & Play’ out of the box. And if you’ve got a variety of mouths to scan—and who doesn’t?—the multi-tips are interchangeable. Plus, a heated mirror takes the fog factor out of the equation.
Key Benefits
- Speed and Comfort: Accurate dental imaging is a must-have. This scanner ensures precise results, whether you’re working on a single unit, quads, or an entire arch.
- High Accuracy: This isn’t just about getting an image; it’s about getting a dental imaging result that’s accurate down to the smallest detail. Trust me, this level of accuracy across single units, quads, and full arches is a game-changer.
- Plug & Play: I remember the days when setting up dental equipment felt like rocket science. With Viz, it’s as easy as plug and play. It even comes with a premium laptop with pre-installed software.
- Customizable Design: You know as well as I do that every mouth is different. The replaceable multi-tips ensure that this scanner will accommodate everyone.
- Anti-Fogging: Remember those awkward pauses when your mirror fogged up? Not with Viz. It promises clear, quick scans every time.
- Lightweight and Compact: A lightweight scanner can be a lifesaver during a busy day. Perfect for fast and effective scanning without wearing you out.
- Open STL Files: We all have our go-to dental labs. Viz allows you to work with yours by producing available STL files compatible with all operating systems.
- User-Friendly Software: Intuitive software that’s easy to navigate. Check. Free updates for two years? Double-check.
- Half the Cost: Yes, you read that right. This scanner offers top-tier features at nearly half the cost of typical intraoral scanners. It’s not just cost-effective; it’s a steal.
- Free Laptop: Because, let’s face it, who doesn’t love freebies? Especially when it’s something as valuable as a laptop.
- Training & Support: Nobody becomes a scanning expert overnight. The package includes free instruction, training, and technical support.
Karen’sTake:
What sets it apart? It’s the cost-effectiveness—like getting a luxury car experience for the price of a sedan.
You get high-end scanning capabilities at nearly half the cost of typical intraoral scanners. And let me tell you, finding such a balance of price and quality is rare.
If you want to make an intelligent investment that provides excellent performance without costing a fortune, Viz is the way to go. Your wallet and your practice will thank you.
How Intraoral Scanners Work?
Think of the scanner as the ultimate selfie stick for your mouth. It’s got a wand that’s a bit larger than your electric toothbrush, and it captures high-res images of your teeth and gums from every angle. No more gagging on dental molds!
Here’s my favorite part: the scanner’s wand emits a safe light, be it laser or structured light, onto your dental arches. This data is fed into special software that stitches together what’s known as a “point cloud.”
The software converts this sophisticated math into a precise 3D model of your teeth and gums. It’s like CAD for your mouth, revolutionizing dental practices everywhere.
How do I choose an intraoral scanners?
- Intelligent Data: Opt for a scanner with AI capabilities. AI-powered scanners can declutter your data and make your scans as accurate as possible.
- Scanning Efficiency: The scanner should allow you to capture multiple images from various angles and integrate them into a 3D model. It’s like stitching together the perfect quilt.
- Speed: The faster your intraoral scanners can work, the happier your patient will be. Trust me, nobody wants to spend extra time in the dental chair.
- Color Capabilities: Go for one with full-color streaming data, which provides an exact model of a patient’s dental arches. It’s like HD for your teeth.
- Integration Ease: Your scanner should play nice with other systems. This feature allows easy data export in STL, PLY, DCM, and OBJ formats and seamless third-party integrations.
- Treatment Outcome: Choose a scanner that lets you show patients what their dental future could look like. It’s like a crystal ball but for teeth.
Benefits of Digital Dental Impressions
I was skeptical when I first tried using an intraoral dental scanner for digital impressions. But let me tell you, it’s been nothing short of a game-changer for our dental practice. Here’s why:
- Accuracy Like Never Before Intraoral dental scanners capture incredibly accurate digital impressions. I can’t stress enough how crucial this is, especially regarding complex restorative work or orthodontic planning.
- Patient Comfort: Say goodbye to that gooey mess that often makes patients gag. With an intraoral dental scanner, the process is fast, clean, and far more comfortable for the patient. Trust me, your patients will thank you!
- Time Efficiency: Digital impressions save so much time you wouldn’t believe it. No need for messy molds to set; a quick scan and you’re good to go!
- Ease of Storage and Transfer: Forget about those bulky stone models that occupy space. Your digital impressions can be stored electronically and are easily shareable with labs or specialists, simplifying the workflow immensely.
- Intra-Oral Scanner Comparison: Now, there are quite a few options when it comes to intraoral scanners. I’ve tried my fair share, and let me assure you, some are more user-friendly, offer better image quality, or are more budget-friendly than others. Having choices allows you to pick one that fits your practice’s unique needs.
- Cost-Effectiveness in the Long Run: Initial investment aside, digital impressions eliminate the recurring costs of impression materials and shipping, making it a more economical choice over time.
- Enhanced Patient Education: The 3D digital models created by the scanner can be a fantastic educational tool. I love showing these to my patients; it helps them understand their oral health status and the treatments they might need more clearly.
- Increased Case Acceptance: More patients are saying ‘yes’ to treatment plans, and you know what that means. We’re not just delivering better dental care; we’re also seeing a notable uptick in income. Trust me, this technology allows you to serve more patients effectively,
Final Thoughts – The Best Intraoral Scanners
We’ve compared various intraoral scanners; the results are precise and revolutionary From unparalleled accuracy to user-friendly interfaces, these intraoral scanners elevate the quality of your dental practice and significantly boost your revenue.
With higher case acceptance rates and the ability to see more patients, investing in intraoral scanners is the way to go.
Editorial Process
Rest assured, our reviews are crafted by seasoned dental professionals who have used these products in real-world dentistry. Read our editorial process here. And a heads-up: some links in this article are affiliate links. If you decide to level up your practice with a purchase, it’s a win-win; you get a vetted product, and we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only endorse products we genuinely believe in. This is not dental practice management advice, just our professional opinion. Check out our affiliate disclosure in our privacy policy.”
Karen Nunez
Karen is your go-to dental diva with over half a decade of hands-on experience in the dental industry. She’s not just passionate—she’s borderline obsessed with sharing her knowledge with dental healthcare professionals on the latest dental technology and best practices. Think of her as the Sherlock Holmes of dental topics, always searching for the next revolutionary dental equipment and gadgets.
