Comparing Top Dental Scanners: Which One Will Win You Over?

December 5, 2024

It wasn’t all that long ago (2021, to be exact) that dentists were split roughly 50-50 between the use of scanners and traditional impression materials. Since then, sales of dental scanners have only increased, and they have been widely accepted as indispensable tools for capturing accurate digital impressions of patients’ oral structures. It’s rare today when a digital scan can’t beat impression materials, thanks to rapidly evolving technology stoked by a growing user base…which is also helping to make new models surprisingly affordable.

However, with a multitude of options available in the market, choosing the right scanner for your dental practice can be a daunting task. Fear not, as we embark on a journey to pick the best scanner for your office through a comprehensive comparison.

Introduction to Scanner Comparison

Before delving into the intricacies of each scanner, let’s familiarize ourselves with the key parameters that will guide our comparison process. The scanner comparison chart provides insights into various aspects of each scanner, including wireless capabilities, sterilization of tips, shade matching, calibration needs, patient monitoring, warranty, file types supported, weight, scan speed, scan depth, system openness, metal reflection filtering, and intraoral camera integration. Armed with this information, we can make an informed decision tailored to the specific needs of our dental practice and how to incorporate new forms of digital dentistry into day-to-day workflows.

Dexis 3800 Wireless: The Versatile Solution

The Dexis 3800 Wireless scanner offers a blend of versatility and functionality, making it a popular choice among dental professionals. With its wireless capabilities, practitioners enjoy enhanced flexibility and mobility during scanning procedures. The scanner’s autoclavable tips provide added convenience, allowing for sterilization and reuse, thereby reducing operational costs.

The Dexis 3800 Wireless integrates directly with Dexis’s CBCT machine as well as their DTX Studio software, making implementation easy and seamless. Furthermore, Dexis 3800 Wireless excels in shade matching, ensuring precise color reproduction for optimal aesthetics. However, regular calibration is required to maintain accuracy, and the scanner lacks patient monitoring capabilities.

iTero 5D+: Setting the Standard

The iTero 5D+ scanner sets the standard for digital impression technology with its cutting-edge features and unparalleled accuracy. Unlike its counterparts, the iTero 5D+ eliminates the need for calibration, streamlining workflow and minimizing downtime. With disposable tips and custom handle barriers, practitioners can uphold strict infection control protocols without compromising efficiency. Patient monitoring capabilities enable real-time tracking of treatment progress, enhancing patient safety and satisfaction. Although limited in file types supported, the iTero 5D+ excels in scan speed and accuracy.

Trios 5 (Wireless): Innovating Patient Care

The Trios 5 Wireless scanner is synonymous with innovation, offering advanced features designed to elevate patient care standards. Its wireless capabilities afford practitioners unparalleled freedom and convenience during scanning procedures. The scanner’s single-size tips simplify inventory management while ensuring optimal hygiene standards.

With its comprehensive range of supported file types, including .3oxz and .DCM, the Trios 5 Wireless facilitates seamless integration with existing digital workflows. The scanner has a slightly lower scan speed compared to the iTero 5D+. However, its lower upfront cost makes it easy to implement in your office.

Trying Today’s Top Scanners In Person

Selecting the best scanner for your dental practice requires careful consideration of several factors, including workflow efficiency, accuracy, patient comfort, and budgetary constraints. While each scanner boasts unique features and capabilities, it’s essential to prioritize your practice’s specific needs and objectives.

Dentists interested in getting hands-on experience with these scanners, and many more, can visit one of Benco Dental’s CenterPoint Showrooms. At your nearest showroom, you can explore and test the Dexis 3800 Wireless, iTero 5D+, and Trios 5 Wireless scanners in a real-world setting. This provides an excellent opportunity to evaluate the features and benefits of each scanner firsthand, ensuring you make an informed decision that best suits their practice needs.

Benco Dental’s CenterPoint Showrooms offer a comprehensive, hands-on experience for dental professionals looking to explore and evaluate dental equipment and technology. Located in Pittston, PA, Costa Mesa, CA, and Dallas, TX, these showrooms feature a wide array of operatory and mechanical room equipment, digital impression scanners, CAD/CAM software, 3D printers, and more. Visitors can also access expertise in space planning, interior design, and equipment integration, ensuring a low-pressure environment to make informed decisions for practice upgrades or new builds.

Dentists can engage directly with industry experts to get personalized advice and demonstrations of the latest technologies. The CenterPoint Showrooms provide an opportunity to experience and compare different products in a realistic setting, facilitating better purchasing decisions. The showrooms are designed to support dental professionals through every step of practice development, offering insights and solutions tailored to individual needs.

Upgrading Your Practice In Today’s World of Digital Dentistry

In conclusion, the journey to deciphering the best scanner for your dental office is a nuanced process that requires careful evaluation of various factors. By leveraging the insights provided in this comprehensive comparison, you can make informed decisions that align with your practice’s goals and objectives.

Embrace the transformative power of digital dentistry and embark on a journey of innovation and excellence with the right scanner by your side: one that offers the ideal blend of performance, price, usability, capabilities and ease of ownership.

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