Intraoral Scanners (IOS): Complete Guide to Buying Used

What an intraoral scanner (IOS) is and how it changes a dentist's work

An intraoral scanner (IOS) is a device that captures the three-dimensional geometry of teeth, gums and dental arches in real time, directly in the patient's mouth, eliminating the need for a traditional alginate or silicone impression. The result is a digital STL or PLY file that can be sent directly to the lab or processed by an in-office CAD/CAM system.

Today the IOS is the engine of the complete digital workflow in dentistry: from capturing the digital impression to prosthetic design, from implant planning with CBCT to production of the restoration. Over the last five years it has gone from a niche tool to an essential component of any practice focused on efficiency and quality.

IOS vs traditional impression: the real comparison

The transition to digital impressions is not just a matter of technology: it changes the workflow, the relationship with the patient and operating costs over the medium term.

Parameter	Traditional impression	IOS scanner
Patient comfort	Low (gag reflex, material in the mouth)	High (lightweight wand, no material)
Acquisition time	5–10 min + curing wait	2–5 min
Full-arch precision	±50–100 µm	±10–30 µm (premium systems)
Cost per impression	€3–8 (materials)	€0 (only scanner amortization)
Digital workflow integration	Requires scanning the model	Direct (STL file)
Transport errors	Possible (deformation)	None

The main IOS systems on the used market

The used IOS market has grown rapidly because manufacturers release new versions every 2–3 years, putting still perfectly functional units into the secondary market. The most common models:

3Shape TRIOS

The reference system for compatibility: TRIOS is accepted by nearly every lab and CAD software. Used versions 3 and 4 sell between €12,000 and €28,000. Check that the software license is transferable — this is the most critical aspect with 3Shape.

Carestream CS 3600 / 3700

Excellent precision-to-price ratio, with natively open STL files. Used units go for €8,000 to €18,000. The CS Orthodontic Insider software is a plus for practices with an orthodontic component.

Dentsply Sirona Primescan / Omnicam

Primescan is among the most precise overall for single teeth; Omnicam excels at capturing full arches in color. Used units go for €18,000–35,000 and €9,000–18,000 respectively.

Medit i500 / i700

The market disruptor: open, high precision, accessible price. The used i500 is often found under €8,000. Free software and continuous updates make it particularly attractive for practices entering the digital workflow.

Align iTero Element

Optimized for the Invisalign workflow, but also usable for prosthetics and implant-supported prosthetics. Used units go for €10,000 to €22,000. Caution: some versions have non-transferable licenses tied to the Align account.

Technical parameters to compare

• Precision (trueness and precision) — look for independent ISO 12836 studies, not just manufacturer data. Trueness measures how close the scan is to reality; precision measures repeatability.
• Acquisition speed — clinically relevant: faster systems reduce artifacts from patient movement.
• Open vs closed system — open systems (free STL files) give total flexibility; closed systems tie you to specific labs or milling machines.
• Wand size and weight — affects operator comfort, especially for full-arch acquisitions.
• Connectivity — USB or WiFi. Wireless systems offer greater freedom of movement in the practice.

What to check before buying a used IOS scanner

• Software license transferability — the most critical point. Some manufacturers (3Shape in particular) require specific procedures for transfer. Check before buying.
• Current software version and support — check whether the installed version still receives updates and is compatible with the formats required by your labs.
• Condition of the wand and optics — request a test scan on a standard model. Scratched optics or degraded sensors produce noisy scans.
• Hours of use / number of scans — some systems record this in the diagnostic software.
• Seller's warranty — even a short period (30–90 days) is a sign of reliability.

IOS and the digital workflow: integration with CBCT and CAD/CAM

The IOS scanner does not work in isolation: its true power emerges when the digital impression data is merged with the CBCT volume for implant planning, or sent directly to a CAD/CAM system for chairside milling. Before buying an IOS scanner, map your current and future workflow: not all systems integrate equally smoothly with every CBCT and milling machine.