Intraoral Scanner Buying Guide for Clinics and Labs

Accuracy is the spec everyone quotes and few understand. Sub-20 µm sounds great until you learn it is measured on a bench, not a moving mouth.

The four factors

1. Accuracy vs. speed: AI-assisted scanners now hold <20 µm while scanning faster — pick both.
2. Open export: STL/PLY/OBJ lets any lab or mill take the file. Closed locks you in.
3. Workflow fit: clinics want speed; labs want die detail.
4. Total cost: calibration, warranty, software updates.

Red flag

A scanner that only exports to the maker's own mill is a subscription, not a tool. Choose open output.

Compare the Scanning Series IOS line-up with open STL/PLY export.

Specs that matter

Questions before you buy

1. Does it export open files, or lock you to one lab?
2. What is the real cost per scan (tip life, calibration)?
3. Is the software updated free, or by subscription?

Compare handsets in the Scanning Series.