"Make every implant a work of precision art."
Digital dentistry continues to reshape clinical workflows, and the intraoral scanner (IOS) remains the key tool replacing traditional impressions. With rapid technology updates and a crowded market, choosing the right flagship scanner can feel overwhelming.
International digital dentistry expert Dr. Ahmad Al-Hassiny (who has personally tested more than 25 intraoral scanners) conducted a rigorous, side-by-side clinical evaluation of five current flagship models: Medit i900, Shining 3D Aoralscan 3, Shining 3D Aoralscan Elite, Dentsply Sirona CEREC Primescan (PS1), and Primescan 2 (PS2).
The goal of this review is simple: cut through marketing claims and focus on real clinical performance to help clinics make smarter investment decisions-whether buying their first scanner or upgrading an existing system.
Quick Overview: Key Specs & Pricing (USD)
| Scanner | Approx. Price | Weight | File Formats | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medit i900 | $20,999 (with laptop) / $18,999 (without) | 165 g (very light) | STL, PLY, OBJ | Leading software, large scan tip, lightweight all-rounder |
| Shining 3D Aoralscan 3 | $10,999 | 240 g | STL, PLY, OBJ | Strong value, narrower scan head |
| Shining 3D Aoralscan Elite | $19,999 | 124 g (among the lightest) | STL, PLY, OBJ | Revolutionary intraoral photogrammetry, ultra-compact design |
| CEREC Primescan (PS1) | $23,000 | 457 g (with disposable sleeve) | STL, PLY | Accuracy gold standard, core of chairside CEREC system |
| Primescan 2 (PS2) | $24,995 | 542 g (with battery) | STL, PLY (via cloud) | Industry's first fully cloud-based scanner, Dentsply Sirona's only wireless model |
Evaluation Method: Fair, Clinical-Focused Testing
Dr. Al-Hassiny personally operated every scanner and scanned the same crown preparations (teeth 14 and 15) on the same patient in continuous sessions. Evaluation criteria included:
Scan quality - Color texture realism in native software and monochrome detail capture
File characteristics - Supported formats, file size, and mesh density
Clinical usability - Preparation margin clarity (critical for restoration fit), overall accuracy, and handling experience
Deviation analysis - Comparison against CEREC Primescan (PS1) as the recognized accuracy benchmark
Real Clinical Findings
1. AI Soft-Tissue Management
Medit i900 and both Shining 3D models (Aoralscan 3 & Elite) showed excellent AI performance, effectively auto-removing soft-tissue artifacts (cheek, tongue, etc.) with fewer scanning interruptions.
Primescan series (PS1 & PS2) used more conservative AI processing and required greater attention to soft-tissue retraction-an area with room for future improvement.
2. Color Scan (Texture) Appearance
Medit i900: Classic "cartoon-style" look, high resolution, slightly less photorealistic.
Aoralscan 3: High realism, slightly darker/lower saturation, good sharpness.
Aoralscan Elite: Most photorealistic in the group-high brightness and natural color reproduction, widely preferred by clinicians.
Primescan (PS1): Distinctive CEREC "cartoon" style with rich texture and very high perceived resolution in native software.
Primescan 2 (PS2): More realistic texture that moves beyond traditional CEREC aesthetics, though resolution perception is slightly lower when viewed in the cloud-based DS Core platform compared with local PS1.
3. Monochrome Scan (Critical for Detail Capture)
Medit i900: Excellent margin capture and consistent detail.
Aoralscan 3: Good detail, slightly less definition than Elite.
Aoralscan Elite: Clearer detail than A3, especially better margin definition in supragingival areas.
Primescan (PS1): Rich, sharp detail even in monochrome with high resolution.
Primescan 2 (PS2): No native monochrome view available in software (notable limitation).
4. Exported Files & Mesh Density (Impact on Lab Workflow)
Most flexible formats: i900, Aoralscan 3, and Elite support STL / PLY / OBJ. Primescan series supports STL / PLY (PS2 via cloud).
Example STL file sizes / mesh density:
PS1: 13.5 MB (highest)
PS2: 13.3 MB
i900: 10 MB
Aoralscan 3: 7.5 MB / Elite: 6.9 MB
Higher mesh density does not automatically equal higher accuracy, but it does provide more raw data detail for the laboratory.
5. Clinical Core: Preparation Margin Clarity
All five scanners performed well and quickly on this straightforward crown case.
Medit i900: Very clear margin lines, strong on supragingival and mildly subgingival areas.
Aoralscan 3: Reliable; slightly less definition in deep subgingival zones compared with i900 or PS2.
Aoralscan Elite: Similar to A3 overall, with minor differences in deep subgingival areas; still excellent.
Primescan (PS1): Most outstanding detail, sharp and clear margins especially in deep subgingival regions (supported by extensive published research).
Primescan 2 (PS2): Inherited PS1 strengths-sharp margins and excellent subgingival detail with consistent clarity.
6. Deviation Analysis
When using PS1 as the reference, differences across the preparation cross-sections were extremely small, demonstrating high consistency among all tested scanners for routine crown work.
Which Scanner Is Right for You? Key Buying Considerations
Best all-round value → Medit i900
Lightweight, powerful software, balanced performance, and competitive pricing. (Note: not its strongest suit for complex edentulous cases.)
Limited budget or first step into digital → Shining 3D Aoralscan 3
Outstanding price-to-performance ratio and reliable results for most everyday clinical applications.
Innovation + ultimate lightness → Shining 3D Aoralscan Elite
Disruptive ultra-lightweight design and intraoral photogrammetry technology set a new ergonomic benchmark; software is also strong.
Maximum precision + same-day chairside restorations → CEREC Primescan (PS1)
Still the accuracy and detail gold standard. Paired with CEREC milling, it remains one of the strongest single-visit solutions.
Cloud-first future + wireless freedom → Primescan 2 (PS2)
Revolutionary cloud architecture and the only wireless option from Dentsply Sirona. Excellent scan quality (perceived resolution slightly below local PS1). Represents the direction of travel (requires stable high-speed internet).
Before You Decide, Ask Yourself:
What is my realistic budget and expected ROI (equipment cost, consumables, ecosystem lock-in)?
What are my core clinical indications (single crowns/bridges, implants, orthodontics, full-arch)?
How well does it integrate with my existing CAD software or chairside milling system?
How important are ergonomics, weight, wireless capability, and software ease of use?
Do I plan to expand into more advanced digital applications (guides, 3D printing, orthodontics)?
A High-Value Alternative Worth Considering: Aident AI-30
While the five flagships above dominate the premium segment, many clinics-especially those prioritizing open workflows, operator comfort, and complete digital ecosystems-are also evaluating strong mid-to-high-tier options such as the Aident AI-30.
Key real-world strengths of the Aident AI-30 include:
≤10 μm full-arch accuracy
Ultra-lightweight handpiece (156–198 g)
Powder-free true-color scanning with intelligent anti-fog heating
20–25 mm ultra depth of field and ≥30 fps imaging
Fully open system (STL / PLY / OBJ) with lifetime free software upgrades
Seamless integration into a complete Scan → Design → Print workflow with Aident dental 3D printers
It is not positioned as a direct replacement for the highest-end premium systems in every indication, but it delivers clinically reliable performance for crowns, bridges, implants, and orthodontics at a significantly more accessible total cost of ownership-especially attractive for growing practices and multi-chair clinics.
Final Take from Dr. Al-Hassiny
"These five top-tier scanners all deliver excellent clinical results for routine crown and bridge work. There is no single absolute 'best' scanner-only the one that best matches your clinic's unique needs, workflow preferences, and budget. Before making a major investment, always request an in-office demonstration and try the scanner yourself. Hands-on experience is irreplaceable."
Digital dentistry is evolving quickly. Staying informed about leading equipment is essential. We hope this in-depth comparison helps illuminate your decision-making process.
Ready to explore a high-performance, open-system intraoral scanner that fits modern clinic realities?
Discover the Aident AI-30 and complete digital dentistry solutions at https://www.aident3d.com/. Request a quote or schedule a live demo today.
