Intraoral scanners have revolutionized dentistry by providing faster, more accurate digital impressions. By investing in the right scanner, dental professionals can improve patient experience and practice efficiency. This guide highlights some of the top intraoral scanners of 2024, offering insights into their unique features and how they might fit into your practice.

What Makes a Great Intraoral Scanner?

Before diving into specific models, it’s important to know what to look for in an intraoral scanner. Key factors include:

• Precision: A scanner with high accuracy ensures better-fitting restorations.
• Speed: Faster scanning saves time, reducing chair time for patients.
• Ease of Use: Lightweight and ergonomic designs minimize user fatigue.
• Software Integration: User-friendly software ensures a smooth workflow.
• Price: Finding the right balance between features and affordability is key.

Top 7 Intraoral Scanners for 2024

1. Panda Smart 

The Panda Smart is known for its high precision and lightweight design, making it a top choice for dentists who prioritize comfort and efficiency.

• Precision: 5 µm, ensuring ultra-accurate scans.
• Weight: 138 grams, the lightest scanner on the market.
• Speed: Full arch scans in under 1 minute.
• Software: Panda Center offers an intuitive, easy-to-use interface.
• Price: Available at a discounted price of €10,300.

Why It Stands Out: Its combination of precision, speed, and user-friendly software makes it a go-to option for dental practices looking to improve both workflow and patient experience.

2. Panda P4 Wireless

The Panda P4 Wireless takes scanning convenience to the next level by eliminating wires without compromising on performance.

• Wireless Technology: The Panda P4 allows complete freedom of movement during scans.
• Precision: 10 µm, ideal for most dental applications.
• Weight: 237 grams, slightly heavier than the Panda Smart but offers wireless flexibility.
• Battery Life: With a supercharge of just 1 hour, it can handle 60+ cases on a single charge.
• Speed: Full arch scans completed in 1 minute.
• Software and Compatibility:  Panda Center offers an intuitive, easy-to-use interface.
• Price: Available at a discounted price of €11,248

Why It Stands Out: The Panda P4’s wireless capability, long battery life, and fast scanning speed make it a strong contender for high-traffic practices that require mobility and flexibility.

3. Aoralscan 3

The Aoralscan 3 by Shining 3D offers solid performance and intuitive software.

• Precision: 10 µm, suitable for most restorative work.
• Weight: 240 grams, heavier than the Panda models, which may lead to fatigue during prolonged use.
• Speed: 1.5 minutes for a full arch scan.
• Software: User-friendly, but a smaller scan field (16x12mm) may slow down larger scans.
• Price: Around €12,500.

Downsides: Its heavier design and smaller scan field can make scanning slower and less comfortable for long procedures.

4. Medit i700

The Medit i700 is an advanced, high-speed scanner with robust features.

• Precision: 11 µm, offering good accuracy for detailed restorations.
• Weight: 245 grams, with an ergonomic design that balances control and comfort.
• Speed: Can scan up to 70 frames per second.
• Software: Medit Link software offers comprehensive case management and cloud storage, though it can be complex for new users.
• Price: Around €20,000.

Why It Stands Out: It’s a great option for high-tech practices that need speed and advanced functionality, though it comes at a higher price point.

5. Cerec Primescan

The Cerec Primescan from Dentsply Sirona is a premium scanner known for its high accuracy and superior features.

• Precision: Capable of processing more than 50,000 images per second.
• Weight: Heavier and comes with a mobile cart.Touchscreen Interface: The scanner comes with a modern, user-friendly touchscreen interfaceMobile Cart: The Primescan comes with a mobile cart, which makes it easier to transport around the clinic.
• Price: Around €16,500

Downsides: The price and size make it less suitable for smaller practices or those on a tighter budget.

6. Carestream Dental 3600

The Carestream Dental 3600 is designed for ease of use and precision.

• Precision: 13 µm, suitable for most applications.
• Weight: Heavier at 326 grams, which could cause fatigue during extended use.
• Price: Approximately €20,000.

Why It Stands Out: It’s reliable and well-suited for detailed work, though its bulkier design may not be ideal for everyone.

7. iTero Element 2

The iTero Element 2 is well-suited for orthodontic practices.

• Precision: High accuracy with time-lapse technology to track tooth movement.
• Time-Lapse Technology: A unique feature of the iTero Element 2 is its time-lapse function, which allows clinicians to track changes in tooth position and structure over time. 
• Price: Around €25,000, it’s one of the most expensive options, designed for high-end, high-volume practices.

Why Choose It? Ideal for orthodontic practices, but its high price and advanced features may not be necessary for general practitioners.

Conclusion

Choosing the right intraoral scanner can transform the way your practice operates. Whether you’re looking for a compact, cost-effective option like the Panda Smart, or prefer the wireless flexibility and long battery life of the Panda P4 Wireless, there are options to suit every dental clinic. For practices needing advanced features, models like the Medit i700 or Cerec Primescan offer powerful functionality but at a higher price.

While all the scanners mentioned here provide value, the Panda P4 Wireless stands out for its wireless convenience and scanning efficiency, and the Panda Smart remains a highly reliable option for clinics seeking precision and speed at an affordable price.