Compare the best intraoral scanners for dental clinics and labs. Explore scan speed, accuracy, wireless options, and pricing from leading brands like Coxo, Medit, and Runyes.

How to Choose the Best Intraoral Scanner

Choosing the right intraoral scanner depends on accuracy, speed, and workflow integration. Clinics focusing on implants require high precision, while general practices benefit from fast scanning and ease of use.

Intraoral Scanner FAQs

1. Which is better: Wired or Wireless Intraoral Scanners?

Both wired and wireless intraoral scanners are excellent, but the best choice depends on clinical workflow and budget.

Wireless intraoral scanners are generally considered more advanced. They offer:

• Greater mobility and freedom during scanning
• Faster chairside workflow in some clinical settings
• Reduced cable management and improved ergonomics
• Strong performance in high-end systems designed for efficiency and portability

Wired intraoral scanners, however, remain extremely popular and widely used due to:

• More stable and consistent power connection
• Often lower cost compared to wireless models
• No battery limitations or charging downtime
• High reliability for long clinical sessions
• Proven long-term durability in busy dental practices

👉 In summary:
Wireless scanners are often preferred for mobility and advanced workflows, while wired scanners remain a cost-effective and highly reliable choice for everyday clinical use.

2. Why are wired intraoral scanners still preferred by many dentists?

Despite the rise of wireless technology, wired intraoral scanners are still widely used in dental practices for several practical reasons:

• Lower initial cost, making them more accessible for clinics entering digital dentistry
• Continuous power supply, eliminating concerns about battery life during long procedures
• High stability and reliability, especially in high-volume practices
• Simpler maintenance and fewer hardware dependencies
• Proven clinical performance over many years of use
• Often lighter and more compact scanning wands in some models

👉 For many dentists, wired scanners offer the best balance between performance, cost, and dependability.

3. What are the best-selling intraoral scanners under £5,000?

Dentinova offers several high-demand intraoral scanners in the sub-£5,000 category, including:

• Hi10 Intraoral Scanner – £2,700
• COXO DL-300P Intraoral Scanner – £2,700
• Runyes 3DS V3 IOS-11- £2,999
• Runyes 3DS V3 Pro – £3,250
• Runyes 3DS V5 Intraoral Scanner – £3,999
• Panda P3 Intraoral Scanner – £3,499
• Hi11 Intraoral Scanner – £3,999
• Allied Star AS260 Intraoral Scanner – £4,200
• LAUNCA DL-300 Wireless Intraoral Scanner – £3,999
• Eighteeth Helios 680 Intraoral Scanner – £3,999
• Clariscan UP610 Intraoral Scanner – £3,499

👉 These models are widely used for general dentistry, orthodontics, implant planning, and digital lab workflows.

4. What are the main benefits of using an intraoral scanner?

Intraoral scanners improve modern dental workflows by replacing traditional impression materials with fast, digital 3D scanning.

Key benefits include:

• Improved patient comfort (no impression trays or messy materials)
• Faster and more accurate digital impressions
• Immediate visual feedback during scanning
• Better communication with dental laboratories
• Improved case acceptance through visual patient education
• Reduced remake rates compared to traditional impressions

5. How does an intraoral scanner work?

An intraoral scanner uses a handheld wand to capture detailed 3D images of the teeth and soft tissues.

It works by projecting light (such as structured light or laser technology) onto the oral surfaces. The reflected data is captured by sensors and processed in real time to create a highly accurate digital 3D model of the patient’s dentition.

6. What are the limitations of intraoral scanning?

While intraoral scanners are highly advanced, certain clinical limitations still exist:

• Reduced accuracy in deep subgingival margins
• Challenges in cases with heavy bleeding or excessive saliva
• Lower performance in very long-span restorations (e.g., full arch bridges in some cases)
• Requires proper training to achieve optimal scanning speed and accuracy

7. How do I ensure a good intraoral scan?

To achieve high-quality digital impressions:

• Maintain proper soft tissue retraction (cheeks, tongue, and lips)
• Keep the field dry and free from saliva or blood
• Follow a consistent scanning path recommended by the manufacturer
• Capture key anatomical landmarks such as occlusion, palate, and tuberosities
• Avoid rushing—steady scanning improves accuracy

8. How do I maintain an intraoral scanner?

Proper maintenance ensures long-term accuracy and performance:

• Clean and sterilise scanning tips according to manufacturer guidelines
• Ensure optical surfaces are free from dust or smudges
• Regularly calibrate the scanner when required
• Store the device in a protected environment when not in use

9. What should I consider before purchasing an intraoral scanner?

Before investing, evaluate:

• Scanning accuracy and speed
• Wireless vs wired workflow preference
• Software compatibility with lab systems
• Warranty and technical support availability
• Total cost of ownership (including accessories and updates)
• Ease of use and learning curve

10. Do I need a special computer for an intraoral scanner?

Yes. Most intraoral scanners require a high-performance computer to operate efficiently.

Recommended specifications typically include:

• Dedicated high-performance graphics card (GPU)
• Fast processor (CPU)
• Sufficient RAM for real-time 3D rendering
• SSD storage for fast data processing

A properly configured system ensures smooth scanning and faster workflow integration.

11. How much does an intraoral scanner cost at Dentinova?

Prices typically range from £3,000 to £14,000, depending on features and brand.

12. Which is the best intraoral scanner?

Top options include Medit i900, Allied Star, Hi11, Runyes, Coxo DL300, and Clariscan scanners, depending on budget and workflow.