A dental laboratory scanner (also called a dental lab scanner or dental model scanner) is designed to digitize a wide range of physical objects commonly found in dental laboratories.
The scanner converts these objects into accurate 3D digital files (usually STL, PLY, or OBJ) that can be imported directly into CAD software for designing restorations, appliances, and guides.
Here is a clear overview of what you can scan with a modern dental laboratory scanner:
1. Stone / Plaster Models
This is the most common use.
Full-arch models, quadrant models, and sectioned models are scanned quickly and with high accuracy. Many systems complete a full arch in approximately 10 seconds.
2. Dental Impressions
Most current lab scanners support direct impression scanning.
This allows technicians to skip the traditional gypsum pouring step, reducing material costs, time, and the risk of dimensional changes caused by plaster expansion or shrinkage.
3. Dies and Multi-Die Setups
Individual dies or multiple dies on a tray can be scanned efficiently.
This is essential for single crowns, multi-unit bridges, and cases that require precise margin definition.
4. Wax-Ups and Diagnostic Wax Patterns
Wax patterns for crowns, bridges, or diagnostic setups can be digitized for further digital design or milling/printing of the final restoration.
5. Implant Scanbodies and Analogs
High-precision capture of implant scanbodies is critical for accurate implant position and angulation data.
Advanced systems include dedicated implant modes and automatic hole-closure features.
6. Articulators and Mounted Models
Many professional lab scanners support articulator scanning (static or dynamic).
This preserves the relationship between upper and lower models and helps maintain correct occlusion and vertical dimension in the digital workflow.
7. Bite Registrations
Bite registrations can be scanned quickly (often in just a few seconds) to record the patient's occlusal relationship.
8. Additional Objects
Depending on the scanner model and software, laboratories can also digitize:
Partial and complete denture models
Frameworks and bars
Temporary restorations
Orthodontic study models
Custom trays or other laboratory-fabricated objects
Why These Scanning Capabilities Matter
Being able to scan this full range of objects gives laboratories maximum flexibility:
Convert both digital and traditional (analog) cases into the same digital workflow
Handle high-volume crown-and-bridge work as well as complex implant and aesthetic cases
Reduce dependency on physical model storage
Speed up production and lower remake rates through consistent, high-quality data
What Modern Dental Lab Scanners Handle Especially Well
High-performance systems such as Aident's laboratory scanners are optimized for the objects listed above. Key strengths include:
Fast full-arch and impression scanning
Reliable accuracy suitable for clinical restorations (typically in the 5–10 μm range under ISO 12836 conditions)
True-color texture scanning for aesthetic communication
AI-assisted features that detect incomplete areas and support implant workflows
Open file formats that work with major dental CAD platforms
Aident AI-S3 series example performance (published specifications and testing):
Full-arch scan ≈ 10 seconds
Accuracy 6 μm / ±0.006 mm
Impression scanning supported
True-color texture
Compact and laboratory-friendly design
Higher models such as the AI-S9 add dual high-resolution cameras and even tighter accuracy for demanding implant and aesthetic cases.
Summary: What You Can Scan
With a professional dental laboratory scanner you can digitize virtually every physical object that enters a modern dental lab:
Models (stone/plaster)
Impressions
Dies
Wax-ups
Implant scanbodies
Articulators
Bite registrations
Related prosthetic and orthodontic objects
This versatility makes the laboratory scanner one of the most valuable tools for any lab transitioning to or expanding a digital workflow.
Ready to see what a dental laboratory scanner can do for your cases?
Explore Aident's full range of dental lab scanners:
https://www.aident3d.com/3d-scanner/dental-lab-scanner/
Request a quote or schedule a demo:
Inquiry form: https://www.aident3d.com/inquiry
WhatsApp: +86 19311417410
Email: dongjiahao@aident.cc
The more objects your scanner can handle cleanly and quickly, the more efficient and flexible your laboratory becomes.
