Switching to digital workflows in a dental lab can be exciting, but let’s be honest—choosing the right dental lab scanner is overwhelming. There are so many models, each claiming to be the best in accuracy, speed, and efficiency.
If you’re like most lab technicians, you’re probably wondering:
Do I really need 4μm accuracy, or is that just marketing?
Will faster scanning actually improve my workflow, or is precision more important?
Should I choose an open system or a closed one?
Let’s break it down in real-world terms, so you can make a confident decision—without buyer’s remorse.
What Actually Matters in a Dental Lab Scanner?
Precision: Do You Need Extreme Accuracy?
Accuracy is a big selling point, but here’s the truth—not every lab needs ultra-high precision.
If you’re handling implant cases, accuracy matters. A 4μm scanner, like UP560HD, ensures the kind of tight fit that prevents costly remakes. But if most of your cases are crowns and bridges, a scanner in the 10-15μm range is perfectly fine—and will save you time.
For labs that balance speed and precision, UP400 is a solid choice, offering fast scanning with just the right level of detail for daily cases.
Pro Tip: Don’t overpay for extreme precision you won’t use. Choose a scanner based on the complexity of your work.
Speed vs. Detail: Can You Have Both?
Labs often assume that faster scanning means lower accuracy, but that’s not always true.
High-performance scanners, like UP560HD, can complete a full arch scan in just 10 seconds while maintaining sub-5μm accuracy. That means more cases per day—without compromising detail.
On the other hand, if your lab handles large-batch scanning, a scanner with optimized scanning paths and intelligent add-scan (like UP400) can improve efficiency by automatically filling in missing areas, cutting down on rescans.
If your work involves occlusion-based restorations, speed alone won’t cut it—you’ll need precise jaw alignment. That’s where UP1000’s dynamic articulator scanning comes in, capturing real-time occlusal data for better restorations.
Bottom line: If you’re scanning all day, speed matters—but only if it maintains high-quality output.
Open vs. Closed Systems: Will Your Scanner Be Outdated in 3 Years?
Nothing is worse than investing in equipment, only to find out it doesn’t work with your existing software.
A closed system locks you into proprietary software, meaning you can’t integrate with other workflows. That’s fine if you never plan to change your setup, but for most labs, flexibility is key.
UP3D scanners (UP400, UP1000, and UP560HD) all use open-format scanning, supporting STL, PLY, and OBJ. That means:
You can work seamlessly with exocad, 3Shape, or DentalWings.
You’re not stuck with a single software provider.
If your lab expands, your scanner remains compatible.
Pro Tip: Always choose an open-format scanner—it gives you future-proof flexibility as your lab grows.
Features That Actually Improve Your Workflow
Some features sound great on paper but don’t add much value in real-world use. Here are the ones that actually make a difference.
Color Texture Scanning: Do You Need It?
If you rely on hand-drawn margin lines or design frameworks, a color scanner is a game-changer. It helps capture:
Detailed margin lines on abutments
Hand-marked occlusion and design lines
Soft-tissue contrast for better restorations
UP1000’s true-color scanning ensures these details aren’t lost in the digital workflow, making it a solid choice for removable prosthetics and complex frameworks.
If your work is mainly crowns and bridges, color might not be essential—but for orthodontics and partial dentures, it’s worth considering.
Dynamic Articulator Scanning: Is It Overhyped?
Some scanners struggle with bite alignment, requiring technicians to manually adjust digital occlusion. That’s where dynamic articulator scanning shines.
With UP1000, you can:
Capture real-time occlusion movement, ensuring better bite precision.
Reduce manual adjustments in the CAD stage.
Improve the accuracy of full-arch restorations.
If occlusion matters in your cases, this feature saves both time and headaches.
Unsectioned Model Scanning: Why It Saves Time
Most orthodontic cases require scanning full arches, which means manually segmenting models before scanning. That’s time-consuming.
With UP560HD, you can scan unsectioned models while still capturing interproximal details, eliminating unnecessary prep work. That’s a huge win for labs handling aligners, orthodontic retainers, or full-arch restorations.
The Real Cost of a Scanner: What’s Worth Paying For?
Price matters, but the real question is: What’s the ROI?
A budget scanner might save money upfront, but if it slows down your workflow or requires frequent rescans, you’re losing time—and time is money.
Think about:
How many cases do you scan per day?
Does your current workflow require manual rescans?
Are you spending extra time adjusting occlusion?
For high-volume labs, UP560HD’s precision and speed can handle heavy workloads without sacrificing accuracy. For smaller labs, UP400 provides a balance of efficiency and affordability, making it a great entry point into digital workflows.
How to Choose the Right Scanner Without Wasting Money
A good scanner isn’t just about specs—it’s about how well it fits into your daily workflow.
If your lab handles implants and high-precision restorations, UP560HD’s 4μm accuracy is worth the investment.
If you need fast, daily scanning for crowns and bridges, UP400 offers speed and intelligent automation.
If occlusion-based cases are your focus, UP1000’s dynamic articulator scanning ensures better bite precision.
No scanner is perfect for every lab, but by focusing on your real needs, you can make an investment that actually improves efficiency, accuracy, and profitability.
And if you’re still unsure? Reach out to discuss your lab’s workflow—we’ll help you find the right fit.
