Intraoral Scanner Comparison 2025
Intraoral Scanner Comparison 2025: Which device suits your lab or practice?
Meisterstück Dental · Expert knowledge for dental technology labs and dental practices
Today, the intraoral scanner is the most important entry device into the digital workflow—whether for dental practices or dental laboratories. The technology has developed rapidly in recent years: precision, scan speed, ergonomics, and software integration have reached a level that clearly surpasses conventional impressions in many areas.
But which scanner is the right one? Medit, 3Shape, Dentsply Sirona, Planmeca — the market is confusing. We have compared the most important devices of 2025 for you, so you can make an informed purchasing decision.
Briefly summarized:
There is no universally best scanner. Medit excels in terms of price-performance, 3Shape TRIOS in precision and workflow, and Dentsply Primescan in chairside integration. We show who is suitable for what.
1. Why is an Intraoral Scanner worthwhile in 2025?
Digital impressions have replaced classic alginate impressions in many indications — and for good reason:
– Higher precision than conventional impressions when used correctly
– No gag reflex for the patient — significantly more comfortable treatment
– Direct transmission of scan data to the lab — no plaster model, no shipping time
– Seamless integration into CAD/CAM workflows for chairside restorations
– Long-term cost savings on consumables and lab costs
– AI-powered scan assistance and real-time 3D visualization
For dental labs:
More and more practices are scanning themselves and only sending STL files. Labs that support their customers in entering the digital workflow retain them long-term. This makes scanner expertise in the lab a competitive advantage.
2. The Top Scanners of 2025 in direct comparison
|
Model |
Manufacturer |
Precision |
Weight |
Wireless |
System |
Price Range |
|
TRIOS 6 |
3Shape |
★★★★★ |
approx. 299 g |
Yes |
Open |
Premium |
|
TRIOS 5 |
3Shape |
★★★★★ |
approx. 299 g |
Yes/No |
Open |
Premium |
|
Primescan AC |
Dentsply Sirona |
★★★★★ |
approx. 310 g |
No |
Open/CEREC |
Premium |
|
Medit i700 |
Medit |
★★★★☆ |
approx. 245 g |
Yes/No |
Open |
Medium |
|
Medit i900 |
Medit |
★★★★★ |
approx. 250 g |
Yes |
Open |
Medium-Plus |
|
Planmeca Emerald S |
Planmeca |
★★★★☆ |
approx. 270 g |
No |
Open |
Medium |
|
iTero Element 5D |
Align |
★★★★☆ |
approx. 524 g |
No |
Open |
Premium |
3. The Most Important Models in Detail
3Shape TRIOS 5 & 6 — Precision Leaders
3Shape TRIOS is the most frequently mentioned premium brand in the European dental market. In independent studies, the TRIOS 5 achieved the highest absolute precision of all tested scanners (∅ 112 µm deviation). The TRIOS 6, introduced in 2025, goes even further.
Strengths: Highest precision, wireless operation, ScanAssist technology, broad laboratory compatibility
Limitations: High acquisition cost, annual software fees depending on license model
Ideal for: Practices with a high proportion of orthodontics, implantology, laboratories as referral partners
Dentsply Sirona Primescan AC — Chairside Specialist
The Primescan AC is the most powerful device in the CEREC ecosystem. With over 50,000 images per second and a scan depth of up to 20 mm, it offers exceptional detail capture — especially strong in subgingival areas.
Strengths: Seamless CEREC integration, chairside workflow, three sleeve options for hygiene
Limitations: High price level, closed system prefers Sirona milling machines
Ideal for: Practices with chairside CAD/CAM setup, single-tooth and implant restorations
Medit i700 — the Best Value for Money
The Medit i700 has democratized the market. With an entry price significantly below premium competitors, an open system, and intuitive Medit Link software, it is the best-selling scanner worldwide — and deservedly so.
Strengths: Lowest entry price, open STL system, lightest handpiece (245 g), UV-C disinfection
Limitations: Precision slightly below TRIOS/Primescan, no integrated caries diagnostics
Ideal for: Practices new to digitalization, laboratories that want to recommend an affordable start to customers
Medit i900 — the New Challenger
With the i900, Medit significantly narrowed the gap to the premium class in 2024/2025. Improved scan precision, fully wireless operation, and AI-powered image processing make it an attractive alternative to TRIOS and Primescan.
Strengths: Premium quality at a mid-range price, fully wireless, AI scan assistance
Ideal for: Practices looking to upgrade from i700, or new users with a higher budget
Planmeca Emerald S — the Underestimated All-Rounder
Planmeca is less present in Germany than 3Shape or Medit, but offers a strong overall package: good precision, excellent software integration into the Planmeca platform, and attractive bundle offers with milling machines.
Ideal for: Practices already working with Planmeca equipment or looking for a complete package
Recommendation for Dental Laboratories:
Recommend the Medit i700 or i900 as a first scanner to your practice customers — open system, affordable, easy to use. This ensures compatible STL data without interface problems.
4. What to Consider When Buying
Open vs. Closed System
This is the most important question of all. Open scanners (Medit, 3Shape, Planmeca) deliver STL files that are compatible with any CAD/CAM software and any lab. Closed systems (CEREC) prefer the manufacturer's own workflow — but offer seamless chairside integration.
Wireless or Wired?
Wireless scanners (TRIOS 5/6 wireless, Medit i700/i900 wireless) offer more freedom of movement, especially with older or anxious patients. The disadvantage: battery life and charging time must be considered in daily practice.
Software and License Model
Be aware of annual software costs. Some manufacturers charge substantial annual fees for updates and support – this should be included in the total cost calculation. Medit offers comparatively affordable licensing models.
Integration with your lab
Clarify in advance with your lab which file formats and transmission methods are preferred. Most labs work with STL/OBJ via portals such as 3Shape Communicate, Medit Link or direct transfer.
Buying Tip:
Before purchasing, ask for a demo in your own treatment room. All major providers offer this. Only after a real test phase can ergonomics, scan speed, and software intuitiveness truly be compared.
5. Technical Data in Detail
|
Model |
Precision (µm) |
Scan Area |
Weight |
Caries Diagnostics |
Annual Fee |
|
TRIOS 6 |
~110 |
19 × 13 mm |
299 g |
Yes (Fluorescence) |
Yes |
|
TRIOS 5 |
112 |
19 × 13 mm |
299 g |
Yes (TRIOS 4+) |
Yes |
|
Primescan AC |
~115 |
Up to 20 mm depth |
310 g |
No |
Per Workflow |
|
Medit i700 |
~127 |
N/A |
245 g |
No |
Low |
|
Medit i900 |
~112 |
Improved |
250 g |
No |
Low |
|
Planmeca Emerald S |
~120 |
N/A |
270 g |
No |
Per bundle |
|
iTero Element 5D |
~120 |
N/A |
524 g |
Yes (NIRI) |
Yes |
6. Conclusion: No Universal Winner – but Clear Recommendations
The best intraoral scanner is the one that best suits your workflow, your team, and your budget. As a guide:
– Medit i700 — the most reliable entry into digital impressions Price-performance & Entry:
– 3Shape TRIOS 5 or 6 — the gold standard for demanding indications Maximum precision:
– Dentsply Sirona Primescan AC — unbeatable in the CEREC ecosystem Chairside workflow:
– Medit i900 — best balance of price and premium performance Future-proof & Upgrade:
– Emerald S — particularly attractive as part of the Planmeca overall system Planmeca users:
Your next step:
At Meisterstück Dental, we personally advise you on the right scanner choice for your lab or practice — and carry selected intraoral scanners and accessories in our shop at ms-dentaldepot.de.