3Shape Dental System is one of the leading CAD platforms used by dental laboratories worldwide. It offers the deepest integration with TRIOS scanners, while also supporting high-quality data from open-system third-party intraoral scanners such as the Aident AI-30.
TRIOS Direct Connection (Smoothest Workflow)
Cases sent from a TRIOS scanner via 3Shape Communicate open directly in Dental System. Alignment, color, and texture are preserved automatically - no manual import is required. This is the most seamless clinic-to-lab pathway when both sides use the 3Shape ecosystem.
Importing Third-Party Intraoral Scan Data
Create a new order in Dental System.
Select "Import scan data" (supports STL, PLY, and other standard formats).
Import the upper jaw, lower jaw, and bite registration files separately.
Use the alignment tools to verify and refine the occlusal relationship.
Third-party data may require manual tooth numbering and basic model preparation.
Open-system scanners like the Aident AI-30 export clean, accurate STL/PLY files that import reliably into Dental System, giving labs full design flexibility without proprietary lock-in.
Standard Design Workflow in Dental System
Model Preparation - Generate removable dies, define margin lines, and establish proximal surfaces.
Margin Line - 3Shape's automatic margin detection is highly accurate, but always verify and refine critical areas (especially subgingival and interproximal margins).
Restoration Design - Use the tooth library or biogeneric tools to create crown/bridge morphology, then customize as needed.
Occlusal Adjustment - Check dynamic occlusion for interferences during lateral and protrusive movements.
Aesthetic Design - For veneers and anterior restorations, apply the dedicated aesthetic design tools.
Export - Generate manufacturing files (STL or 3OXZ) for milling machines or 3D printers.
Dental System vs. exocad – Quick Comparison
Dental System offers the highest automation and best integration when paired with TRIOS.
exocad provides greater flexibility and broader support for third-party scanners and materials.
Both platforms fully meet the needs of the vast majority of restorative cases. The choice usually depends on the lab's existing equipment ecosystem and technician preference.
Practical Tips for Better Results
Capture clear, sharp preparation margins during scanning - this significantly reduces margin-line correction time in Dental System.
Use 3Shape's "Preparation" tools inside the scanning software (when available) to pre-mark margins and trim the model before sending the case. Labs can then start designing immediately.
Keep Dental System updated so it supports the latest materials and manufacturing devices.
With open-system scanners such as the Aident AI-30, always export both the geometry (STL) and texture (PLY/OBJ) when color information is needed for aesthetic cases.
Clean, high-accuracy scan data combined with a disciplined Dental System workflow produces better-fitting restorations and shorter turnaround times.
Looking for an open-system intraoral scanner that works smoothly with 3Shape Dental System?
Discover the Aident AI-30 Intraoral Scanner - powder-free, true-color, high-accuracy, and fully compatible with major CAD platforms including 3Shape and exocad. Visit https://www.aident3d.com/ or contact us for a quote, sample scan files, or technical support.
