With the advancement of technology, digital dental scanners have replaced traditional impression taking methods. These devices offer greater accuracy, speed, and convenience for both dentists and patients. In this article, we are going to compare dental scanners and compare the top five leading scanners. These 5 scanners include 3Shape, iTero, Carestream Planmeca, and the Panda intraoral scanner.
Review of the best intraoral scanner brands
Let’s take a quick look at each of these brands and their products:
- 3Shape: A market leader in digital dentistry, known for its Trios scanner series.
- iTero: A popular brand, widely used in collaboration with Invisalign, renowned for its high scanning accuracy.
- Carestream: Offers user-friendly scanners with high-quality imaging.
- Planmeca: A Finnish brand known for Emerald scanners, commonly used in orthodontics and prosthetics.
- Panda: A Chinese brand that has recently entered the market, providing budget-friendly digital scanners.
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- iTero
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- Panda
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- Planmeca
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- scanner 3Shape
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- scanner Carestream
Comparing the features of different types of intraoral scanners
To make the best choice between different brands, you should compare the types of intraoral scanners. Then, choose the best option according to your needs. Comparison of types of intraoral scanners from different aspects:
1. Dental scanner comparison; scan accuracy and quality
Accuracy is one of the most important criteria for choosing a digital scanner
| Brand | Accuracy | Key Features | |
| 3Shape | Very high (5-10 microns) | Advanced color correction, soft tissue scanning | |
| iTero | High (10-15 microns) | Suitable for orthodontics and Invisalign | |
| Carestream | High (10-15 microns) | High image quality with reduced glare | |
| Planmeca | Medium to high (15-20 microns) | General-purpose scanning | |
| Panda | Medium (20-25 microns) |
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scan accuracy and quality
2. Dental scanner comparison; Scanning Speed
Fast scanning increases efficiency in dental clinics.
| Brand | Scan Speed |
| 3Shape | Fast (less than 1 minute for a full scan) |
| iTero | Fast (around 1 minute) |
| Carestream | Medium (1.5 to 2 minutes) |
| Planmeca | Medium (1.5 to 2 minutes) |
| Panda | Slower (over 2 minutes) |
Scanning Speed
3. Dental scanner comparison; Ease of Use and Design
Ergonomics and ease of maneuverability in the patient’s mouth are crucial factors.
| Brand | Scan Speed |
| 3Shape | Lightweight and comfortable |
| iTero | Relatively large but ergonomic |
| Carestream | Compact and lightweight |
| Planmeca | User-friendly design |
| Panda | Standard design, very lightweight |
Ease of Use and Design
4. Dental scanner comparison; Software Compatibility
Compatibility with dental software such as Exocad, Invisalign, and Dental Wings is a key consideration.
| Brand | Software Compatibility |
| 3Shape | Highly compatible (Trios Design Studio, Exocad) |
| iTero | Highly compatible (direct connection with Invisalign) |
| Carestream | Compatible with most software |
| Planmeca | Moderate compatibility |
| Panda | Good compatibility |
The final word: which one should we choose?
There are many options when it comes to purchasing an intraoral dental scanner. Brands such as 3Shape, iTero, Carestream, Planmeca, and PANDA each have their strengths and weaknesses. Choosing the right scanner depends on the dentist’s specific needs, budget, and intended application. To help you make a better decision, you can contact our consultants at Nutrident.