Understanding the structure of a patient’s mouth has been challenging dentists for decades. While X-rays are great for identifying solid tissues, like teeth and bones, they don’t reveal much about the soft tissues, like the gums and palate.
Now, though, 3Shape (along with other brands in the industry) are using 3D scanning technology to transform patient care. Instead of taking molds or going by eye, these intraoral scanners, like the TRIOS 3, 4, and 5, and TRIOS Core, improve digital impressions significantly.
As the technology matures, the number of applications is also accelerating. Early systems offered remarkable accuracy, but 3Shape continues to improve its offering, making it one of the preferred brands for dentists across the globe. Nowadays, these systems are essential for modern dentistry by providing patients with the standard of care they expect.
A Quick Overview Of 3Shape TRIOS Scanners
3Shape is a relatively new company. Founded in 2011, it set off with a mission to improve digital impression technology, and since then, it’s succeeded.
Dentists like 3Shape because it offers an “open” system. This aspect of its service means dentists can export file formats, like STL and PLY for seamless collaborations with other labs instead of having to work within a strict ecosystem.
Furthermore, TRIOS scanners offer high-resolution 3D scans with realistic colors. Again, these provide dentists with additional benefits, such as extra clarification of intraoral structures and better detailing.
This review looks at multiple 3Shape scanning devices in detail below, but they all offer global benefits you don’t always find with other vendors. These include:
- A high degree of accuracy with microscopic scanning resolutions
- An open system for flexible workflows and use of common STL and PLY formats
- A user-friendly design for easy intraoral scanning
- Exceptional support across the 3Shape ecosystem, including with eq equipment onboarding and training
For many industry watchers, the TRIOS 3, 4, and 5 represent the natural evolution of 3Shape’s technology. These systems are more advanced and deliver helpful features, like caries detection, which would otherwise be manual.
TRIOS 5 Wireless
The TRIOS 5 Wireless is 3Shape’s flagship scanner. Launched in 2022, the brand designed this product to showcase its state-of-the-art technology.
The TRIOS 5 is the lightest of 3Shape’s intraoral scanners, weighing 299g. This weight brings it into line with other scanners in its class, although it is heavier than Medit’s i900. 3Shape also claims it is 30% more compact than its previous iteration design, making it more manageable in the clinic and while scanning patients’ mouths.
The TRIOS 5’s most exciting feature is the AI ScanAssist. This software provides intelligent alignment technology that reduces the need for weekly calibration (seen on some devices).
It also comes with a closed-tip design protected by glass (to reduce the need for replacement) and uses sleeves that minimize infection risk.
Ultimately, this scanner is for dental practices wanting the latest and most advanced equipment. It offers the highest level of comfort and hygiene, which is useful when trying to meet high patient expectations.
TRIOS 4
The TRIOS 4 is a little older than the TRIOS 5, hitting the market in 2019. However, it remains popular today due to its flexibility and the fact that it can work wired or wirelessly, depending on your preferences.
According to 3Shape, the TRIOS 4 weighs 375g. While it is bulkier than many other systems on the market, it makes up for this with multiple features. For example, the system offers caries protection (reducing the need for manual inspection of every tooth surface). It also has scanner tips for up to 150 autoclave cycles, reducing waste and enhancing convenience.
The clinics that benefit most from the TRIOS 4 include those seeking flexibility and connectivity. As a less expensive product, it offers value for money and comes in a wireless option for greater convenience.
TRIOS 3
The TRIOS 3 originally launched in 2015. However, 3Shape now offers an updated version with additional features and handy USB-C connectivity. The new unit is slightly lighter, but still significantly bulkier than 3Shape’s premium options.
Why is the TRIOS 3 still worth considering? Its primary benefit is its rapid scanning speed. Units can capture up to 1875 images per second and works with Invisalign outside of certain markets (including the U.S., Japan and China). Like the TRIOS 4, its scanner tips will allow up to 150 autoclave cycles for enhanced durability and reduced environmental impact.
Essentially, this scanner is for dental practices looking for a high-level technology on entry-level budgets. You don’t get all the bells and whistles that you get on the expensive scanners — and the object weighs more — but you will still benefit from 3Shape’s technology and advanced connectivity options.
TRIOS Core
Finally, we have Trios Core. This device launched in 2024 and became 3Shape’s de facto entry-level scanner. It’s very simple and affordable, scanning at 1400 images per second with 150 autoclave cycles.
Again, this option is targeted at those with limited budgets. It’s about ensuring digital dentistry offers the best possible results.
Why Dentists Decide To Choose 3Shape TRIOS Scanners
So, let’s get on and answer the main question of this article: why are so many dentists using TRIOS scanners? And what sets them apart from the competition (like Dentsply and Medit)?
Thoughtful Ergonomics
One of the things dentists love about TRIOS scanners is their ergonomics. For example, the TRIOS 5 is a lightweight device and just 10.5 inches long which reduces the risk of user fatigue. It also has plenty of haptic feedback features and LED guidance for improved operation, allowing dentists to provide the best patient experience more consistently.
For many dentists, the TRIOS 5 (and other models) have no learning curve at all. Professionals can often perform full arch scans immediately, without requiring any special training courses. This perk differs from some earlier devices that required complex instructions for optimal use.
Ultimately, this ease-of-use reduces training time and enhances efficiency. Dentists can simply provide the service to patients with plug-and-play functionality.
Superior Accuracy
TRIOS also offers exceptional scanning accuracy, minimizing misalignment issues. 3Shape’s proprietary ScanAssist technology leverages AI to reduce measurement errors and ensure the best possible results for patients.
Paired with this is the caries detection technology on the more recent TRIOS models. This feature automates a task that would otherwise require dentist time and concentration.
Advanced Features
Not wanting to be left behind, 3Shape equips its equipment with the latest advanced features and innovations. Currently, the brand works with multiple labs and software vendors to create a system that integrates with existing workflows and works in multiple settings.
For example, TRIOS is compatible with CAD/CAM systems and uses STL and PLY formats. It also connects seamlessly with labs, allowing for faster outcomes for patients waiting for prosthetics and other treatments.
Superior Support
Alongside technology, 3Shape also provides some of the best support in the industry. It provides what it calls “24/5” technical assistance to align with clinic opening hours, and various online training modules. You can call the company or talk to it online about any issues you might be having with its products.
During the first year of owning a TRIOS, 3Shape also offers express replacements and extended warranties (regardless of your model). This support means less downtime and more opportunities to scan patients’ mouths.
3Shape can also assist on the software side by providing support. The firm is keen to help client clinics adopt best practices in digital dental technology as it believes this is the future.
Affordability
The price of TRIOS systems is reasonable, and falls in line with other providers, like Medit. For example, the TRIOS Core’s starting price is just $12,400, which is more than affordable for most clinics. Above that is the TRIOS 3 and TRIOS 4, which are more expensive, but don’t require a subscription during the first year.
The TRIOS 5 is, of course, much more expensive. But 3Shape doesn’t target this product at clinics seeking reduced-price options. Instead, it offers the best possible performance.
Better Patient Experience
Finally, 3Shape’s TRIOS scanners offer patients a better experience. The goal is to reduce the discomfort of conventional impression materials and reduce chair time.
Most patients are surprised when they first encounter these systems from 3Shape. Many imagine that they need to submit to a lengthy impression session but are shocked when their scan is complete in less than a minute.
Comparison With Competitors
So, how do TRIOS scanners line up against 3Shape’s competitors?
Ultimately, 3Shape is competing at many of the same price points as Medit, Planmeca and Dentsply. However, the brand does differ in some important respects.
For example, the TRIOS 5 exceeds the Medit i900 in some respects. While the latter has the same open system and affordability benefits, it doesn’t have features like AI-assisted ScanAssist.
The Planmeca Emerald is another example. It’s handy and portable, but not as ergonomic as most TRIOS devices.
Finally, Dentsply has its Sirona Primescan. This device is celebrated for being highly accurate, but dentists have to use it inside the CEREC ecosystem. If they don’t, they can’t benefit from all the features.
Are 3Shape Scanners Environmentally Sustainable?
3Shape scanners are more environmentally sustainable than single-use material impression scans as well. Dentists using these systems can look forward to reducing their waste output and proving their green credentials to eco-conscious patients.
For example, 3Shape’s scanners reduce the influx of traditional impression waste materials into the environment, including polyvinyl siloxane and alginate. The scanning technology is also chemical free, putting patients and the environment at lower risk. Instead, TRIOS devices focus on being as energy efficient as possible, undercutting the CO2 embodied in conventional impression techniques.
Is 3Shape Still Working On Developing New 3D Scanning Devices?
3Shape introduced the TRIOS 6 in 2025, offering a significantly higher scan rate and new AI-powered diagnostics. This latest innovation shows that the brand isn’t standing still and is constantly seeking new ways to help dentists better serve their patients.
TRIOS 6 is innovative because its scanning resolution is 100% higher than previous-generation models, enabling dentists to find the most suitable treatment for the patient. The device also uses hyperspectral technology, which essentially means that it captures intraoral structural data in various colors, including near-infrared, blue, and white across multiple scans.
TRIOS Dx Plus works with the TRIOS 6 to provide even more in-mouth information via an AI engine, including:
- Gingival recession
- Tooth wear
- Caries
- Various dental pathologies
Dentists can then use this data to determine the next steps for the patient, providing them with greater characterization of their oral health, and how they can expect things to develop for them in the future.
Ultimately, the TRIOS 6 will improve the patient experience further. It will do this by:
- Being the lightest device yet released by 3Shape for intraoral scanning
- Enabling patients to better track their oral health progress
- Integrating with the DentalHealth app
- Streamlining workflows for dentists for shorter appointments
Final Verdict: Why 3Shape Digital Scanners Now Lead The Dental Industry
3Shape digital scanners lead the dental industry for several reasons, notably their lack of learning curve and innovative features. Dentists love the value they offer upfront, without the requirement for expensive add-ons and additions.
The TRIOS 5 Wireless is perhaps the most convenient of all the devices listed in the title of this guide. It blends AI technology with an ultra-hygienic design, minimizing maintenance requirements while enhancing features. At the other end of the spectrum is the TRIOS Core, 3Shape’s entry-level device. It offers value-for-money features while bringing with it all of 3Shape’s advanced support and seamless integrations.
Because of these innovations, 3Shape is gaining status as the market leader. All-round, it offers one of the most compelling value propositions for dentists seeking efficient oral scanners of any brand.