Intraoral Scanners Compared
Five models, side by side, with the numbers that actually change the decision.
With five scanners on the table, the real differences usually boil down to three things: full-arch scan speed, scan or field depth, and long-term software cost. The rest of the spec sheet matters too, but these three usually decide it.
Speed directly affects the patient experience and your scheduling. Depth determines how careful you need to be with tip clearance on implant cases and deep areas. Software is something many buyers overlook: an annual subscription can, over a few years, cost more than the price gap between two machines.
The table below is built directly from the specs listed on each product page. Where a cell is empty ("—") it means that figure isn't recorded for that model — not that it's zero. Ask us on WhatsApp about that specific spec.
Comparison table
| Spec | MEDIT i700 | MEDIT i900 | SHINING 3D Aoralscan Lync | PANDA P3 Plus | PANDA Smart |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-arch scan time | ≈ 52 sec | ≈ 36 sec | — | ≈ 60 sec | 1–2 min |
| Scan depth | 12–23 mm | 12–30 mm | Up to 22 mm | — | — |
| Field depth | — | — | — | 20 mm | — |
| Weight | — | — | 116 g (without cable) | — | ≈ 138 g |
| Net weight | — | — | — | 250 g | — |
| Software | Medit Link — no subscription fee | Medit Link — no subscription fee | — | — | — |
| Output | STL / PLY / OBJ | STL / PLY / OBJ | STL / OBJ / PLY | — | — |
| Scan type | Color, powder-free | Color, powder-free | — | — | — |
| Price | On request | On request | On request | On request | On request |
| Details | Details | Details | Details | Details |
"—" means that figure isn't on record for that model in our data; ask us on WhatsApp for that specific spec.
Which should you choose?
If you're just starting out
The Medit i700 is the lowest-risk entry point: subscription-free software, open output, and an autoclavable tip. The lowest long-term running cost.
If speed is your bottleneck
The Medit i900 is the fastest in this family, built for practices with high patient volume.
If you have long chairside sessions
The Aoralscan Lync, at 116g, is the lightest option and works without a separate adapter — noticeably less wrist fatigue.
If you do a lot of implant work
The Panda P3 Plus, with a 20mm field depth, makes scanning deep areas smoother.
If space and portability matter
The Panda Smart is the smallest and lightest model on this list.
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FAQ
Which is the best intraoral scanner?
There's no absolute "best" — the right choice depends on your case volume, case type and budget. The i700 makes sense for a low-risk start, the i900 for speed, the Aoralscan Lync for light weight, and the P3 Plus for greater field depth.
How much does software cost matter in the decision?
A lot. Medit scanners ship with Medit Link and no annual subscription; over a few years, that gap can exceed the initial price difference between two devices.
Do all these models have open output?
Models with output listed in the table produce open formats — STL/PLY/OBJ. For a model where the output cell shows "—", ask us before buying.
Is a lab scanner included in this comparison?
No, this page only compares intraoral scanners. For a comparison between the intraoral and lab-scanner paths, see our article "Lab Scanner or Intraoral?"