Both 3Shape and Medit produce high-quality dental laboratory scanners that rank among the leading options in the industry. The question of which is "better" depends on your laboratory's priorities: maximum accuracy and ecosystem integration, pure scanning speed, open-system flexibility, total cost of ownership, or a balance of all these factors.
Here is a clear, practical comparison based on published specifications and real-world performance characteristics of their flagship lab scanners.
Quick Specification Comparison
| Feature | 3Shape E4 | Medit T710 | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cameras | 4 × 5 MP | 4 × 5.0 MP | Both high-resolution multi-camera systems |
| Accuracy (ISO 12836) | 4 μm | 4 μm | Both excellent for clinical work |
| Full-arch scan speed | ≈ 9 seconds | ≈ 8 seconds | Medit slightly faster on paper |
| Impression scanning | Supported (≈ 45 s full arch) | Supported | Both capable |
| Texture / Color | Color | Color / texture support | Both offer texture options |
| Key software strengths | Deep integration with 3Shape Dental System | Medit Scan for Labs + open STL workflows | Different ecosystem philosophies |
| System openness | Strong within 3Shape ecosystem; export possible | Highly open (STL focus) | Medit emphasizes openness |
| Typical positioning | Premium performance + ecosystem | High speed + open flexibility | - |
Sources: Manufacturer published specifications and industry documentation for 3Shape E4 and Medit T710.
Strengths of the 3Shape E4
Excellent documented accuracy (4 μm)
Very fast full-arch scanning
Powerful multi-camera system that supports efficient die-in-model and impression workflows
Mature, deeply integrated software ecosystem (Dental System) that many laboratories already use
Strong brand recognition and extensive global support network
Reliable performance for complex restorative and implant cases
Best suited for: Laboratories already invested in the 3Shape software ecosystem, high-end production environments, or those that prioritize seamless integration with 3Shape design tools.
Strengths of the Medit T710
Extremely fast full-arch scanning (approximately 8 seconds)
High accuracy matching the top tier (4 μm)
Four high-resolution cameras with wide coverage
Auto-elevation feature that simplifies model positioning
Strong emphasis on open STL workflows
Good versatility for models, impressions, articulators, and more
Best suited for: Laboratories that want maximum scanning speed, prefer open file formats, or want to avoid being locked into a single software ecosystem.
Key Differences That Matter in Daily Use
1. Ecosystem vs Openness
3Shape offers one of the most complete and polished lab software environments. If your team already works in Dental System, the E4 feels native.
Medit prioritizes openness, making it easier to move files into exocad or other third-party CAD platforms without friction.
2. Speed in Real Production
Both are very fast. Medit's published full-arch time is slightly quicker, while 3Shape's overall workflow efficiency (especially with its software) remains highly competitive.
3. Accuracy
Both achieve 4 μm under ISO 12836 conditions - more than sufficient for the vast majority of crown, bridge, and implant cases.
4. Total Cost of Ownership
Premium scanners from both brands typically sit at the higher end of the market. Exact pricing varies by region, configuration, and support package. Laboratories should evaluate not only the hardware price but also software, training, and long-term support costs.
Is There a Clear Winner?
There is no universal winner.
Choose 3Shape E4 if you value the deepest software integration, brand ecosystem, and a proven high-end workflow.
Choose Medit T710 if you prioritize raw scanning speed, open-system flexibility, and strong performance without proprietary lock-in.
Many laboratories also evaluate value-oriented alternatives that deliver very close real-world speed and accuracy at a more accessible total cost of ownership.
Aident AI-S3 as a High-Value Alternative
In independent side-by-side testing published by Aident, the AI-S3 delivered:
Full-arch scan speed of approximately 10 seconds
Accuracy of 6 μm (ISO 12836)
Clean point-cloud quality suitable for clinical restorations
Fully open STL / PLY / OBJ export
Compact 6 kg design
It sits between the pure premium tier and more budget options, offering a practical balance of speed, accuracy, and open-system flexibility that many production laboratories find compelling.
How to Decide for Your Laboratory
List your most common case types and daily volume.
Decide how important software ecosystem lock-in vs open flexibility is to you.
Request live or remote demonstrations with your typical models.
Compare real scan times + data cleanliness (not just brochure numbers).
Factor in training, support quality, and long-term software costs.
Calculate expected productivity gains and remake reduction.
Want to see how these options perform on models similar to yours?
Explore Aident laboratory scanners and request a comparison demonstration or quotation:
https://www.aident3d.com/3d-scanner/dental-lab-scanner/
Contact us:
Inquiry form: https://www.aident3d.com/inquiry
WhatsApp: +86 19311417410
Email: dongjiahao@aident.cc
Both 3Shape and Medit make excellent lab scanners. The better choice is the one that best matches your workflow, software preferences, volume, and total value requirements.
