2025 buyer’s guide: accuracy benchmarks, scan time, price & export formats for top intra-oral scanners. ROI calculator + red-flag checklist.
Table of Contents
- Why upgrade scanners in 2025
- Accuracy & reproducibility benchmarks
- Price vs feature grid (4 top models)
- Workflow impact — chair-time & model export
- Hidden costs: carts, tips, AI licences
- ROI calculator & depreciation table
- Red-flag checklist — when “budget” costs more
- FAQ
- Conclusion & downloadable scanner-selection scorecard
1 | Why Upgrade in 2025
Scanners now offer:
- AI segmentation of margin lines
- Wireless lightweight handpieces
- Faster scan speeds (full arch < 60 sec)
- Open STL export for lab integration
Switching from PVS impressions saves ~US $11 per case in materials and ~18 minutes in chair-time.
2 | Accuracy Benchmarks (2024 Study, n = 1 200 scans)
| Scanner | Mean Trueness (µm) | Intra-arch SD |
|---|---|---|
| iTero Element 5D+ | 16 µm | ± 3.1 |
| Medit i700 Wireless | 19 µm | ± 2.7 |
| TRIOS 5 | 17 µm | ± 2.9 |
| Planmeca Emerald S | 21 µm | ± 3.4 |
All fall within clinical tolerance for orthodontics (< 25 µm deviation). TRIOS had slightly better distal molar stitching.
3 | Price vs Feature Grid (2025 MSRP)
| Model | MSRP USD | Wireless | Export Formats |
|---|---|---|---|
| iTero 5D+ | $29,500 | Yes | STL, PLY, DICOM |
| Medit i700 W | $18,700 | Yes | STL, OBJ, PLY |
| TRIOS 5 | $30,200 | Yes | STL, PLY |
| Emerald S | $21,000 | Yes | STL, PLY, DXD |
Medit is the budget winner. TRIOS & iTero offer seamless aligner integration with Invisalign & 3Shape labs.
4 | Workflow Impact
| Task | Old (PVS) | Scanner | Δ Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Impression | 7 min | 1.5 min | –5.5 min |
| Repeats | 8 % | 2 % | ↓ 6 % |
| Model delivery | 4 days | 0.5 day | ↓ 3.5 days |
| Staff training | 1 week | 2 hrs | ↓ 85 % |
Scan + print allows same-day retainer delivery or aligner refinement in 24–36 hrs.
5 | Hidden Costs
- Disposables: tips = $2.50–5 each, replaced after 20–40 scans
- Carts: some scanners require branded carts ($1 200–3 000)
- Licensing:
• TRIOS: AI margin finder = $495/yr
• iTero: cloud storage tiered by volume
• Medit: no annual fees
6 | ROI Calculator
| Practice Volume | 25 aligner starts/mo |
|---|---|
| PVS cost saved | $275/mo |
| Chair-time saved | 6 hrs/mo |
| Scanner lease | $295/mo (avg) |
| Payback | ~13 mo |
Use depreciation over 3 years to claim 33 % cost/year in tax offset (check local codes).
7 | Red-Flag Checklist
❌ Scanner lacks open STL export → lab lock-in
❌ Tips not autoclavable → cross-contamination risk
❌ No colour scans → harder margin identification
❌ Wired-only → patient maneuvering limited
❌ PC spec mismatch → stutter & loss of scan data
8 | FAQ
What if STL export fails?
Re-export as PLY; some labs auto-convert.
Which scanner integrates with Invisalign?
iTero only; Medit & TRIOS do not upload to ClinCheck portal.
Do I need a new PC for Medit?
GPU ≥ GTX 1650; CPU i5+ or Apple M1/2 works well.
9 | Conclusion & Scorecard
2025 scanners now offer fast, open-format, accurate scans at lower cost of ownership. Compare top 4 models with our printable selection scorecard.
Disclaimer
This article has been compiled and presented by Dentovex Orthodontics – Research Group for educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice and should not replace a face-to-face consultation with a licensed dentist, orthodontist, or other qualified healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your own clinician regarding any questions or concerns about diagnosis, treatment, or health conditions.
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