Comparison of intraoral scans: Which one is best for your dental practice?

In our previous post Intraoral Scan: How can it help in your dental clinic? we described how an intraoral scanner works, the types that exist and we also list 8 advantages of having it in your clinic. On this occasion, we want to share with you a very useful comparison between the main intraoral scanners currently on the market that will help you to choose when purchasing one. The comparison is based mainly on the contributions made by The Institute of Digital Dentistry (The Institute of Digital Dentistry) and the experience of Dr Hamid Al-Hassiny, Dr Haidar Al-Hassiny and Dr Ahmad Al-Hassiny.

Doctors Al-Hassiny attended the ISD 2019 fair held in Germany, and spent 5 days, more than 28 hours, testing the main intraoral scanners (IOS) that were on display. After these tests they have published an intraoral scanner comparison to help dentists choose the most suitable intraoral scanner. There are many options in the market and sometimes it can be complicated to choose an intraoral scanner because each representative, says that his scanner and his system, are the best.

Comparison criteria for the evaluation of intraoral scanners

In order for the comparison to be made in the same way, the tests of the intraoral scanners have been carried out using different types of teeth, with full arch scans and also bite scans. The test was carried out in this way because, due to rules in the exhibition, it was not possible for them to carry out the tests directly in the mouth.

In order to offer a graphical score, 5 stars were used, so the more stars an intraoral scanner has in one of the criteria, the better. Here is what the comparison criteria were and why:

• Scanning speed: One of the most important factors when choosing an intraoral scanner is the speed of the scan. Therefore, the first thing that doctors take into account for the development has been the speed of full arch scanning. Although the evaluation is relative, the five star rating gives an idea of which ones are faster or slower.
• Scanning flow: not only the speed of the scan is relevant, but also how smooth the experience is. Whether the intraoral scanner handles well in the corner and anterior region, or recovers quickly after losing the scan. Also if it joins the images well or if it loses frequency. The assessment of the scan flow, indicates which experience has been irregular or in any case, the lack of response.
• Intraoral scanner size: Not only the size of the intraoral scanner head was taken into account, but also the weight and overall size. Although, judging from the overall size, some scanners are heavier and more complicated than others. The focus has been on ergonomics, weight and overall, how comfortable the scanner feels in the hand and when scanning.
• Ease of use: this criteria takes into account both the hadware and the way the software was managed or if there were any problems with scanning, processing and general workflow.
• Intraoral scanner price: Another criteria that dentists consider quite important is the price, since this can vary, depending on the cost, complements, distributors or geographical location. No exact numbers are provided, but a relative comparison based on the most expensive and least expensive scanners.
• Subscription requirements and maintenance packages: The subscription requirement for the use of the intraoral scanner may be mandatory, recommended or not required. The assessment has been made on this basis, as some companies claim that they do not require any kind of subscription, but this is sometimes not entirely true. Many have some kind of annual subscription for support and maintenance and others even require a subscription to be able to use them.
• Open or closed scan export: all scanners are now open, which allows to export at least one of the following source files STL, OBJ and/or PLY, however, they did not take this criteria into account for the evaluation.
• Autoclave scanning tips: If the tips can be autoclaved and how many cycles can be completed before replacing them.
• Touch screen: the intraoral scanners connected to the trolleys are actually screen-touch. This does not apply to those connected to a laptop via a USB port as the screen will work as a touch screen, but not all the software was designed with touch interaction in mind and can be better handled with a mouse and keyboard.
• Wireless scanner: the assessment is based on whether or not wireless options are available for the scanner.
• Caries detection: this criterion is based on whether or not the intraoral scanner has a caries detection function such as transillumination or fluorescence.
• CAD Integration: you may wonder if the scanner has integrated CAD/CAM design functions. If not, you will have to export the files and the prostheses will have to be designed in third-party software such as Exocad.

Intraoral scanner comparison:

iTero Element 5D by Align Technology

• The iTero Element 5D scanner by Align Technology It does the job, although it is relatively large and heavy (500g). Because of this, some users with little practice may have difficulty finishing a full arch scan.
• The head protrudes from the body, this design option was not particularly helpful to the doctors and, in fact, made scanning some areas uncomfortable for them.
• It's not a very fast scan and the workflow is not the best.
• It has caries detection functionality and performs it through a new technology called near infrared imaging (NIRI). The imaging system is quite impressive, as it simultaneously records 3D, intraoral color and near infrared (NIRI) images in a single scan.
• It remains one of the best scanners for orthodontic treatment, specifically Invisalign. This is because of its unique Invisalign result simulator feature in which after a full scan of the mouth is performed, the patient can see an example of a possible result after orthodontic treatment.
• Do you want to know more about the iTero Element 5 D de Align Technology? Visit their website iTero or watch the video by clicking here.

i500 de Medit

• The i500 by Medit provides a scanning experience that rivals some of the best scanners on the market and at a fraction of the price.
• It's one of the lightest intraoral scanners on the market (276gr).
• Basic structural quality but does not affect its performance in any way, only that compared to its competitors, these tend to have more materials and colours.
• Affordable, no subscription cost.
• Allows you to export scanned files in STL, OBJ, PLY formats.
• The first 20GB are free, after that, you can use it by paying the cost of using the cloud.
• It updates incredibly fast. Almost once a month, it is optimized or something is added.
• The team behind Medit is almost always available to help solve problems online.
• The scanner requires an online connection to operate. Although it has an offline mode that can be used offline for about 2 weeks.
• Do you want to know more about the i500 de Medit? Watch the video by clickinghere.

TRIOS 4 by 3 Shape

• The intraoral scanner TRIOS 4 by 3Shape is one of the fastest on the market, although it has the same speed as the TRIOS 3, it has considerable improvements in both hardware and software and functionality.
• It has a modern and stylish design.
• A full arch scan is performed intra-orally in just 25 seconds.
• For caries detection, a second scan is required which is overlapped with the digital model. This is done through the fluorescence technology incorporated in the scanner. A colour map shows areas of fluorescence in which there may be active caries sites. In addition, they will soon launch a scanning tip for the detection of interproximal caries that will be carried out by means of transillumination
• It has intelligent scanning tips, so there is no need to wait for it to warm up to start working.
• It's the only intraoral scanner with a completely wireless option.
• It provides smart advice that lets you know how many times it has been sterilized. Recommended 150 cycles maximum before replacement.
• They have improved battery life by 30%.
• The scope of the TRIOS 4 has been improved, including clear aligners, dentures, sleep aids and splints.
• The wireless model of the scanner can be plugged in and used if the battery runs out.
• Do you want to know more about the TRIOS 4 de 3 Shape? click here or watch the video by clicking here.

Primescan by Dentsply Sirona

• The intraoral scanners Primescan Dentsply Sirona has a very fast scanning speed.
• It's clearly the fastest scanner on the market.
• As for the scan flow, it is extremely smooth. It provides one of the smoothest scanning experiences and does not delay compared to all scanners.
• The Primescan scanner is very large compared to the Omnicam which was one of the smallest.
• To control cross infection, two stainless steel scanning tips have been launched, one is autoclavable and the other is not. A single-use plastic scan tip is also available.
• As well as being the fastest intraoral scanner, it is also the heaviest (457g or 524g, depending on the scanner cover you use). The Omnicam, weighed 316 gr.
• Does not have caries detection functionality.
• The heater/fan is now the same as most scanners on the market, it is no longer in the trolley and is now internal.
• The scanner still remains connected to the trolley, however the trolley is wireless and can be used without connection for at least 60 minutes.
• Data processing is very good, so it requires little or no waiting time between scans.
• The trolley has improved the screen size, is larger than the Omnicam and is also touch-sensitive. Similarly, they have replaced the tracking ball with a touch pad.
• The user interface now looks much more elegant and modern.
• Do you want to know more about the Primescan de Dentsply Sirona?. Watch the video by clickinghere.

Emerald S by Planmeca

• Planmeca presented at IDS the improvements in hadware and software from its previous version, the Emerald.
• Compared to the Emerald, the Emerald S is much more faster.
• Lightweight (235 grams) which is considered light for its size.
• In order to perform the full arch scan, the protocol must be followed correctly, otherwise it presents problems in correctly joining the images. Once the correct scanning protocol is used, all of these issues are avoided.
• It features a tip of cariocity that uses transillumination technology. This, can be used for the detection of interproximal caries.
• There are 2 different scanning heads available, including a smaller scanning head called the Slimline Tip and the original Emerald Scanner tip, which is quite large.
• The user interface and software have been improved. The software looks much more modern and works very well.
• Romexis 6.0 also received a lot of excellent software additions and now has an impressive range of different indications.
• Do you want to know more about the Emerald S by Planmeca? Visit their website or watch the video by clicking here.

CS3700 by Carestream

• The speed of the CS3700 by Carestream exceeds its previous version, the CS3600, by 30%. However, it is not the fastest on the market.
• The intraoral scanner has a wide focal distance, that is, the scanner can be placed away from the tooth or over it and in any way captures the image well.
• Three scan tips are available, standard, smaller and a laterally oriented scan tip.
• Weights 316 grams.
• Scanning software works well, looks modern, but has limited analysis tools.
• System and software offer touch screen compatibility.
• Do you want to know more about CS3700 by Carestream? Visit their website.

Virtuo Vivo by Dental Wings

• Virtuo Vivo by Dental Wings is an update from the previous version of Dental Wings.
• It is the only one with a pen-like design, very small when held, making it one of the lightest on the market.
• The hardware has changed quite a bit.
• Scans in full colour.
• The scanner does a good job, it can pick up where it left off when scanning is paused and generally has a smooth scanning experience, however it is not very fast.
• Has a preferred connection to software integrated Clear Correct aligners, similar to iTero and Invisalign.
• It has its own software to design restorations and this seemed to work well for a single restoration. It is quite limited in the tools available when compared to other systems. (For example, Exocad).
• Do you want to know more about the Virtuo Vivo by Dental Wings? Visit their website or watch the video by clicking here.

Aadva IOS 200 by GC

• GC has completely redesigned its previous version, the Aadva IOS 100..
• It does the job by performing full-arc scanning, however the speed is very slow.
• Different from its previous version, the intraoral scanner Aadva IOS 200 features colored scannig.
• It is said that the scanner never needs calibration.
• It is one of the smallest scanners on the market, although, its metal body makes it extremely heavy for its size.
• The design software was not shown, so they do not have details of its operation.
• The software workflow is much more complicated than others. It has several modules available depending on your needs, such as Ortho, Implant, Prostho...
• Do you want to know more about Aadva IOS 200 by GC? Visit their website.

EzScan by Vatech

• Vatech has not yet launched its prototype, but it is another of the low-cost scanners on display at IDS.
• It is very small in size and quite light in weight (165gr)
• Scanning speed and flow is within average.
• The software is relatively basic but looks modern and has a simple and easy to use user interface.
• They are still experiencing improvements.
• It's a very basic scanner that does the job and could fit into a low-cost niche.
• Do you want to know more about the EzScan by Vatech? Watch the video by clicking here.

Aoralscan by Shinning 3D

• Aoralscan by Shining 3D will be launched soon, it is another low-cost intraoral scanner.
• The speed is not fast, nor particularly smooth. During the scan, if receiving a lot of data the software stops to process it, so stopping and restarting could be annoying.
• It has 2 different scanning tips available for different scanning angles.
• It's the lowest cost scanner on the market.
• The quality of manufacturing seems to be very low.
• It's average weight and size. It's not too big, although compared to others, it might be bigger..
• They're working on the software development. At the moment, it works in a very basic way with some available tools, such as scour verification, bite maps, margin line extraction and tooth marking.
• Do you want to know more about the Aoralscan? Visit their website here.

Summary of the intraoral scanners comparison

To make the comparison of intraoral scanners easier to understand, we leave you with a summary table of each of the scanners so that you can corroborate the information in a much more precise way:

At this point, our post Comparativa de escáneres intraorales: ¿Cuál es el mejor para tu clínica dental? comes to an end. We hope this comparison was helpful to you. If you want to read the original version made by Dr. Al-Hassiny, please click on here. To keep updated, follow us in our social media, there we share with you, more articles, offers and promotions from the dental sector. We are waiting for you!