The process of taking physical impressions of patients’ mouths is fraught with difficulty. Applying the paste is uncomfortable, causes gagging, and can be inaccurate, leading to less-than-ideal prosthetic sizing and placement.
Because of this, Korean company Medit began building 3D digital scanners in the 2000s. The idea was to make dentists’ and patients’ lives easier, even if it meant higher initial expenses for clinics.
Since then, Medit has been on a roll. Among all the brands in the space, it is now the best-known, famous for its scanning equipment ranging from the i500 to the i900 and its more lab-focused Indentica Hybrid. Taken together, these machines are making clinical dental practice more straightforward and eliminating many of the challenges of conventional molds and impressions,
This article explores why Medit scanners have become popular in more detail. We look at specific models in the range, why they matter, and why you should consider buying one as a dentist.
Medit Scanners: Where Did They Come From?
Medit is a South Korean company founded in 2000 that focused on 3D scanning in industrial applications. However, the firm soon realized the need was greatest in the dental industry and quickly made the switch, designing hand-held devices dentists can use to scan patients’ mouths. More accurate scanning technology allows professionals to perform better crown, bridge, and implant placement, and to understand overall tooth structure.
To facilitate this market, Medit has introduced a host of scanners for various budgets. Its range is structured as follows:
- i500: The most affordable scanner in the range for entry-level practitioners and those new to digital practices in dentistry
- i600: A more mid-range offering with several advanced features not found on the i500
- i700: A more advanced scanner with slightly more precise imaging and a wireless variant for dentists wanting greater convenience
- i900: Medit’s top-of-the-range 3D scanning device with the most advanced technologies
- Indentica hybrid: A scanner designed for dental laboratories
During the course of this guide, we will discuss these models in more detail and which you might want to choose.
Why Dentists Love Medit Scanners
Medit is one of the most successful 3D scanning companies in the dental industry and loved all over by practitioners. But what makes them so successful in this sector?
Positive Reviews
One reason for Medit’s success is the sheer volume of positive reviews the company has for its scanning products. Dentists love them because they are reliable and suitable for daily clinical use.
The benefits cited in these reviews vary considerably, highlighting how the i500 to i900 range is a holistic offering. For example, some dentists love how these devices improve speed and accuracy, while others say it makes them more productive because of higher patient throughput.
Overall, Digital Dentistry ranked among the i700 and i600 as the top scanners available on the market based on feedback from 1,000 dentists. It said professionals loved how easy the equipment was to use, and the overall value for money it offers.
No Proprietary Systems
Another perk of Medit’s scanners is its open integration with third-party formats. The company doesn’t try to lock users into its ecosystem and then charge them higher prices.
For dentists working in the clinic, this element of the service means better collaborations with labs. There’s no requirement to standardize equipment or harmonize data into an acceptable format, making Medit scanners more versatile.
Ease Of Use
Medit scanners are also easy to use. The brand designs them to be comfortable for dental practitioners using them frequently throughout the day.
For instance, Medit focuses on making the i700 as compact as possible. The device weighs 245g and is significantly lighter than earlier models, making life easier when examining and mapping the oral cavity.
The Indentica Hybrid takes this even further with its 3-axis arm and intuitive software. Even if users make a mistake, they can simply click “undo” or “redo” to return to another element of their work flow. For lab technicians, this feature means higher productivity and more bandwidth.
Speed And Efficiency
Speed and efficiency are also baked into Medit’s handheld 3D scanners. The i900 can generate images up to 70 FPS, allowing dentists to capture more detail in less time.
The Indentica Hybrid offers similar technology, with Medit claiming it can scan a full arch in under 16 seconds, making it around three to four times as fast as previous-generation technology. Combined with the “multi-die” technology, this means better scans for arches, partials, and single dies.
In practice, these technologies mean less chair time for patients. Instead of a scan taking several minutes, dentists can now use Medit technology to do it in seconds before patients become tired, bored or uncomfortable.
Greater Accuracy
Dentists also love buying Medit devices because they offer higher precision. Conventional molds have a tendency to be inaccurate, especially if paste moves during transit. However, the company’s 3D scanners eliminate many of these issues and speed up information transfer to labs.
For example, the i900 now has third-generation cameras and optical sensors. This technology lets it offer scans in 10-bit true color with an accuracy of ±7μm with a standard deviation of ±2μm.
This precision gives dentists more confidence with denture and bridge placement. The system is so much more accurate, it makes it easy.
Affordability
Finally, Medit’s devices are affordable. Dentists don’t have to pay subscription fees and the price point is reasonable, especially for entry-level devices.
For example, the i500 is available in most stores for around $12,000 (which is cheaper than its debut price). The i600 is also affordable when bought on sale, usually around $1,500 to $2,000 more expensive.
Even the Medit i900 is reasonable for a flagship 3D scanner with all the latest technologies onboard. Outlets sell it for anywhere from $17,500 to $24,500, depending on whether you can find promotional pricing.
A Detailed Look At Medit 3D Scanner Models
Let’s take a more detailed look at Medit’s 3D scanner models so you can determine which is the best option for you.
i500
Medit considers the i500 to be its standard, entry-level model for dental practitioners expecting moderate, but not heavy use. It’s reasonably priced (as mentioned above) and doesn’t require a subscription.
The handheld part of the device weighs 280g and uses autoclavable tips (which can be used 50 times). It also doesn’t require powder but shiny surfaces might require a scan spray. It works with CAD and CAM software, but not with Invisalign.
i600
The i600 is Medit’s mid-range product. It can perform scans at a rate of 35 FPS, meaning most dental applications are complete in under a minute.
The main upgrade over the i500 is the enhanced lifespan of the autoclavable tips. These can last 100 to 150 scans, instead of just 50, making this device more of a machine for daily use.
Unfortunately, the i600 isn’t compatible with Invisalign, but still works inside Medit’s open system for easier integrations.
i700
The i700 is one of Medit’s high-performance scanners. At just 245g, it is lightweight and easier to manipulate, and around a quarter more compact than the previous iteration.
The scanning speed is also higher. The i700 scans at a rate of 70 FPS while also offering a 7% wide scan focal point and a reversible tip.
Quality-of-life features also make the device worth buying. For example, dentists get ultraviolet LED disinfection and anti-fog technology to prevent misting or steaming from patients’ breath.
These technologies mean that the i700 has won several awards for Medit, including Reddot Design and Cellerant. Judges appreciated the value packed into the device.
The i700 Wireless takes this convenience to the next level. It operates the same as the i700 except offers wireless connectivity, improving productivity.
i900
The i900 is Medit’s most advanced and sophisticated model. It comes in at a super skinny 165g and has the company’s latest sophisticated cameras and scanning technology. Calibration cycles last up to three months, and tips are autoclavable up to 150 times.
For dentists, though, the easy, tactile interface is one of the main draws. The device is just easy to use and comes with armor that protects against accidental damage.
Identica Hybrid
Lastly, the Identica Hybrid is Medit’s scanner for labs. It’s famous for being able to perform a whole arch scan in speeds up to 16 seconds, which makes it handy for those processing a lot of patients.
It also has a mult-die feature support. This added bonus means that the scanning chamber can accommodate numerous articulators
Finally, the Identica Hybrid comes with industry-leading accuracy of ±7μm accuracy. The triple camera system has color and texture support, meaning that labs across the globe are now looking into using it more often.
How Do Medit Scanners Compare To Other Scanners?
Of course, Medit isn’t the only game in town. These days, numerous other scanners are vying for dentists’ attention.
Our analysis is that Medit offers more value than competitors like iTero and 3Shape. These latter offerings also have advanced equipment, but dentists need to pay a premium for it.
The i700 has the same performance as many of the leading models from these companies, but the price is considerably lower. Furthermore, Medit offers the open system, meaning easier integrations and no requirement for dentists to lock themselves into a proprietary ecosystem.
Do Medit Scanners Enhance Patient Experience?
Medit scanners come with various features and technologies to enhance the patient experience. These are essentially “quality of life” additions — not necessary for function, but helpful all the same.
For example, Medit offers:
- Fast scanning, which means less patient chair time
- Full-color 3D images for superior patient communication and lab work
- Compatibility with the Medit Smile Design app that makes it more straightforward for dentists to simulate cosmetic treatment outcomes
This final technology is one of the most compelling for dentists because it gives patients insights into what their teeth will look like when they finish treatment. This accurate view encourages greater understanding and helps to manage expectations.
Is Medit Accelerating Digital Dentistry Adoption?
Medit is accelerating digital dentistry adoption by making affordable, high-quality scanners more widely available. It’s also spearheading its “open” system, which is making life easier for dentists who just want to pick up products like these and run with them. Medit ensures that it slots into existing workflows and doesn’t require too much additional work.
Many of Medit’s 3D scanning products also come with the newest and best technologies. These provide dentists with a real material upgrade over conventional devices that lacked the speed and accuracy of the current generation. These changes considerably enhance the patient experience, increasing the incentive to make the change to digital dentistry (instead of sticking with old-fashioned approaches).
What Is The Environmental Impact Of Medit Devices?
Medit believes in working hard to reduce the environmental impact of its devices for dentists interested in sustainable practices. The main perk is the elimination of single-use impressions. Previously, these contained materials that were unfriendly or even harmful to the environment.
Scanning technologies, however, remove the vast majority of the environmental impact. Medit, like its competitors, invests in the quality of the devices themselves so they last longer and have slower turnover.
Does Medit Offer Training And Support?
Medit does offer training and support to those purchasing its devices. Dentists can enrol in webinars and online courses, or consult the company’s extensive knowledge database.
Third parties also provide training for using Medit scanners. These focus on device specifics for more detailed applications and integrations into workflows. The idea is to ensure dentists waste less time figuring out how to use devices, and more time using them.
Final Verdict: Why Dentists Are Choosing Medit 3D Scanners
Medit scanners range from budget to advanced, and also span the clinic and laboratory. Overally, every device in the range plays a role, but for greatest accuracy, the i700 and i900 are the best options. The fact that Medit doesn’t require a subscription is another feather in its cap.