There is a great deal to consider when choosing a scanner for your dental laboratory. Is the scanner open or closed? How much is it going to cost me, what kind of technical support will I get? should I lease or should I buy? What type of restorations are you currently providing your customers, Crown & Bridges, RPD, Implants? What is the volume you are presently producing?
While these questions alone will not determine which scanner is right for your lab it will point you in the right direction when considering a scanner for your dental lab.
While 3Shape offers its customers a scanner solution for any size laboratory - choosing the scanner that is right for your lab can be a little confusing. We’ve broken down the key features of each scanner along with the software options 3Shape has to offer to make it a little easier to understand.
Understanding Your Scanner Options
The D500 Series
The D500 Series scanner is a great scanner for any small to medium size laboratory and budget and is the most attractive entry-level scanner on the market. The D500 features 2-1.3 mega pixel cameras, scan speed (single die) of 50 seconds and has an accuracy of 20 microns.
The D700 Series
Comprised of the D700 and D710 models, D700 Series scanners are designed for medium to large sized laboratories where productivity and flexibility are the key criteria; they are also known as the “workhorse” of the 3Shape scanners. Some of the key features of the D700 series include 2-1.3 mega pixels cameras, scan speed (single die) of 25 seconds and accuracy of 20 microns. The only difference between the D700 and D710 model is the D710 has multi-die scanning.
The D800 Series
The D800 Series scanners include the D800 and D810 models. If you lab demands accuracy and detail levels for the most advanced indications then, the D800 series is for you. Just like the D700 series, the D800 series has 2 cameras, however it utilizes 5.0 mega-pixels camera. It also captures accuracy of 20 microns. In addition, the D800 series features texture scanning - capturing 2D images of the model surface and precisely overlays these on the 3D model, enhancing visualization of surface details and allowing technicians to include hand-drawn design guidance markings in the digital design.
The D900 Series
The D900 Series scanner is 3Shapes newest scanner. The D900 gives labs very high scan speeds, unique color scanning capabilities, enhanced detail and high accuracy (15 microns). With 4-5 mega pixel cameras, the D900 Series features new blue LED technology, which provides extraordinary speed and highly accurate color scanning. In addition, it features RealColor™ Technology, allowing technicians to capture colored markings, indicating different design details.
Understanding Your Software Options
The D500 Series scanner comes with Dental System™ Standard, which allows you to all of your standard indications and gives you the option to upgrade to Dental System™ Premium. The D700, D800 and D900 Series scanners all come with Dental System™ Premium, which comes complete with all basic CAD Indications, i.e. single coping, bridge framework, anatomical copings and bridge frameworks. In addition, Dental System Premium comes with more advanced tools like virtual articulation, mirroring teeth, 3Shape Communicate, Trios Inbox and 3Shape LABCare™ to name a few. Form more complex cases like customized abutments, implant bars and bridges or full dentures you will need to purchase add-on software.
Another great feature, 3Shape Software offers is CAD Points. CAD Points do not come with the initial purchase of the scanner, but are purchased on an as needed basis. These CAD Points, allow 3Shape users the ability to design complex cases, like custom abutments, Implant Bars & Bridges, on a per case basis – there is no need to purchase the full software add-on package. This allows users the flexibility to offer additional services to customers when they do not have the production levels that justify the cost of purchasing the additional software modules.
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