Intraoral Scanner Market Analysis
A deep dive into the competitive landscape, comparing two leading contenders in digital dentistry: Shining 3D Aoralscan and Allied Star. This report visualizes key metrics to guide informed purchasing decisions for the modern dental practice.
Market Snapshot: Performance at a Glance
Full Arch Scan Speed (Seconds)
Faster scanning minimizes chair time and improves patient comfort. The Allied Star AS 200E demonstrates a significant speed advantage in capturing a full arch.
Scanner Weight (Grams)
Lighter scanners reduce operator fatigue during procedures. The Allied Star AS 100 is the lightest, while the AS 200E’s weight includes its onboard battery.
Allied Star AS 200E Accuracy
20μm
High precision for reliable digital impressions and clinical outcomes.
Allied Star Cloud Storage
10 TB
A significant value-add, providing ample space for case data and lab collaboration.
Deep Dive: Shining 3D Aoralscan
Shining 3D focuses on a holistic user experience, bundling its accurate and efficient hardware with a powerful suite of software tools designed to streamline the clinical workflow from scan to design.
Key Strength: Comprehensive Clinical Toolkit
An integrated software suite allows for in-clinic evaluation and pre-design, enhancing communication with dental labs.
- ✔ AI Scan for soft tissue filtering
- ✔ Motion Sensing for PC-free operation
- ✔ Undercut & Bite Check tools
- ✔ Automatic Margin Line Extraction
- ✔ Direct Export to Exocad
Deep Dive: Allied Star
Allied Star aggressively targets the market by combining exceptional performance with high-value features, aiming to lower the barrier to entry for digital dentistry without compromising on core functionality.
Key Strength: Value and Convenience
The focus is on speed, ease of use, and reducing operational friction for a seamless scanning experience.
- ✔ Market-leading scanning speed
- ✔ Calibration-Free operation
- ✔ True wireless with wireless charging
- ✔ Up to 2 hours of continuous scanning
- ✔ Includes a spare battery for all-day use
File Format Compatibility
Both scanners offer open architecture with standard file exports. Shining 3D provides an additional OBJ option, which stores color and texture data, a benefit for certain design workflows.
(OBJ)
STL
PLY
Market Pricing Overview
Shining 3D occupies a competitive mid-range price point. Allied Star is positioned as a high-value, budget-friendly alternative, making it an attractive entry point into digital dentistry.
The Digital Dentistry Workflow
Both scanners integrate seamlessly into the standard digital workflow, transforming a physical patient impression into a digital file ready for design and fabrication. The choice of scanner impacts the initial data capture step.
1. Scan
Capture patient data
2. Design
Use CAD software
3. Fabricate
Mill or 3D print
The Verdict: Which Scanner is Right for You?
Choose Shining 3D If…
You value a mature and integrated software ecosystem. The comprehensive clinical toolkit provides significant advantages for in-house diagnosis, treatment planning, and seamless collaboration with labs, making it a reliable workhorse for a wide range of applications.
Choose Allied Star If…
Your priority is raw speed, operational efficiency, and maximum value. The combination of industry-leading scan times, calibration-free use, true wireless freedom, and a highly competitive price point makes it an ideal choice for new digital practices or those looking to expand with a cost-effective, high-performance scanner.