Trade-in programs are a common promotional tool among intraoral scanner manufacturers, especially as domestic Chinese brands gain market share. Many brands now offer trade-in discounts to encourage upgrades or brand switching.
Common Trade-In Models
Same-brand upgrade
Higher trade-in value when moving from an older 3Shape to TRIOS 5, or from an older iTero to a newer model.
Cross-brand trade-in
Domestic manufacturers attract users of imported systems with offers such as "trade in any brand of old intraoral scanner for a new Shining 3D / Fussen / Aident unit and receive a deduction of several thousand dollars."
Dealer buy-back
Dealers purchase used units, refurbish them, and resell them on the secondary market or use them as demo/training devices.
Approximate Trade-In / Residual Value Reference
Within 1 year of use: 50–70% of the original new price
1–3 years: 30–50% of the original new price
3–5 years: 15–30% of the original new price
Over 5 years: Very low residual value - often only a few hundred dollars in credit
Well-known brands with large installed bases (3Shape, iTero, CEREC) generally retain higher residual value than less common models.
Important Points When Considering a Trade-In
Negotiate the new-unit price first, then the trade-in credit
Some dealers inflate the new price and then offer a "high" trade-in value. Always ask for the cash price without trade-in and the final price after trade-in separately.
Verify the real value of your old unit
Obtain quotes from multiple dealers and check current second-hand market prices for the same model.
Data security
Completely delete all patient data from the old device, restore factory settings, and ensure any cloud accounts are closed or transferred.
Software subscriptions
Properly cancel or transfer any linked software subscriptions or cloud services to avoid continued billing.
Completeness of accessories
Having original tips, calibration tools, base, and cables intact can increase the trade-in credit.
Written trade-in agreement
Clearly state the trade-in credit amount, new unit price, handover method, and timeline.
Registration and documentation
If the old unit will be resold, confirm any required transfer procedures.
Practical Advice
If your current scanner still works reliably, selling it privately to a colleague may yield more than a manufacturer trade-in offer.
If the unit is aging, frequently needs repair, or no longer receives software support, trading it in for a new model is often the more practical choice.
When considering a cross-brand trade-in, focus on the actual net price of the new scanner and its long-term total cost of ownership (tips, software fees, warranty, and support) rather than the headline trade-in credit alone.
Aident's AI-30 series provides a strong value proposition for clinics upgrading from older or closed systems: open architecture (STL/PLY/OBJ), powder-free true-color scanning, ≤10 μm accuracy, lightweight design, lifetime free software upgrades, and no mandatory annual fees. This combination often delivers better long-term economics than remaining locked into older proprietary ecosystems.
For current trade-in possibilities, upgrade pricing, or a personalized comparison, visit:
https://www.aident3d.com/3d-scanner/intraoral-scanner/
or submit an inquiry at https://www.aident3d.com/inquiry.
Always calculate the true net cost and long-term ownership expenses before accepting any trade-in offer. A higher trade-in credit does not automatically mean better overall value.
