The Role of Facial Scanners in Modern Dentistry

Article
Written By Christophe Pope

Digital dentistry has evolved dramatically in recent years, and one of the most impactful innovations is the integration of facial scanners. These devices are transforming how dental professionals approach treatment planning, smile design, communication, and prosthetic fabrication, offering new levels of precision, realism, and efficiency.

What Are Facial Scanners?

Facial scanners capture three-dimensional (3D) images of a patient’s face. Unlike traditional photography, they generate highly detailed digital models, recording every contour and expression with remarkable accuracy. This allows clinicians and technicians to design restorations that are not only functional but also harmoniously integrated with the patient’s facial structure.

Applications in Dentistry

1. Smile Design and Aesthetic Planning

Facial scanners play a key role in digital smile design. When integrated with intraoral scans, they help visualize and align restorations precisely with the patient’s facial landmarks. The result: smiles that look natural, balanced, and esthetically consistent. Patients can also preview their new smile digitally, which enhances communication and confidence before treatment begins.

2. Implantology and AOX Workflows

In All-On-X (AOX) and implant cases, precision is essential. Facial scans ensure accurate midline alignment, occlusal harmony, and soft-tissue balance. By combining facial and intraoral data, clinicians can plan and execute full-arch restorations with greater predictability and efficiency.

3. Orthodontics

Orthodontists use facial scanning to assess facial symmetry, growth, and proportionality throughout treatment. 3D visualization improves diagnostics and supports treatment plans that enhance both function and esthetics.

4. Dentures and Removable Prosthetics

For complete dentures, facial scanners help ensure that final prosthetics complement each patient’s proportions and expressions—often reducing fabrication to as few as two appointments.

Current State of Facial Scanners in Dentistry

Adoption of facial scanning technology is accelerating. High-end labs and digitally advanced practices are incorporating it as a standard component of their workflow. Manufacturers continue to refine scanners for greater speed, accuracy, and affordability.

A major trend is the rise of accessible, cost-effective solutions such as the ObiScanner and compact APS-type systems, which deliver advanced capabilities at far lower cost than traditional equipment.

Advantages of Facial Scanners

  • Accuracy: Provides precise 3D data for enhanced treatment planning.

  • Patient Engagement: Allows patients to visualize expected outcomes.

  • Integration: Seamlessly connects with CAD/CAM, IOS, and CBCT systems.

  • Efficiency: Reduces remakes, saves chair time, and streamlines lab coordination.

Future Trends

The next wave of facial scanners will feature AI-driven automation, real-time simulation, and augmented-reality integration. As these technologies become more user-friendly and affordable, facial scanning will become a core standard in both large and small dental practices.

Top Facial Scanners in Dentistry (2025)

ObiScanner (FI3LD Dental Solution)

Key features & use cases

  • Desktop facial scanner built for dental workflows.

  • Uses Class-1 laser technology (eye-safe, non-flashing).

  • Fast scan time (~6 seconds).

  • Compatible with CAD/CAM, IOS, and CBCT systems (.stl, .obj, .ply).

  • Captures static and expressive scans with minimal patient movement.

Strengths

  • Comfortable, non-flashing laser capture.

  • Fast and efficient for clinical use.

  • Broad digital integration.

  • Excellent value (~$2,500 USD through Conmetior).

Considerations / limitations

  • Slightly less detail in deep undercuts or hairline areas.

  • Requires stable mounting and calibration.

  • Fixed desktop configuration.

Thunk Scanner (InstaRisa Workflow)

Key features & use cases

  • High-end structured-light handheld scanner used in InstaRisa’s AOX and denture protocols.

  • Captures full-color 3D facial data for alignment with IOS and CBCT scans.

Strengths

  • Seamless integration with InstaRisa workflows.

  • High-resolution (~0.04 mm accuracy).

  • Portable, suitable for chairside use.

Considerations / limitations

  • Bright, repetitive LED flashes can cause discomfort or light sensitivity in some patients.

  • Operator-dependent; motion artifacts possible.

  • Proprietary software environment.

  • High cost (~$19,000 USD, or ~$16,000 without laptop).

Artec Eva — (~$10,000)

Key features & use cases

  • Industrial-grade structured-light 3D scanner used across dental, medical, and design sectors.

Strengths

  • Outstanding resolution and surface texture quality.

  • Versatile applications beyond dentistry.

Considerations / limitations

  • Requires a high-performance computer.

  • Not dental-specific; additional post-processing needed.

  • Bright structured light may reduce patient comfort.

Zirkonzahn Face Hunter — (price on request)

Key features & use cases

  • Dental-dedicated scanner for precision esthetic and prosthetic design.

Strengths

  • Exceptional accuracy and reproducibility.

  • Deep integration with Zirkonzahn’ s CAD ecosystem.

Considerations / limitations

  • High cost and complexity.

  • Non-portable; designed for lab environments.

Dental Wings 3Di — (price on request)

Key features & use cases

  • Dedicated full-face scanner for dental and implant workflows.

Strengths

  • Accurate full-face capture.

  • Direct integration with Dental Wings software.

Considerations / limitations

  • Costly setup and calibration.

  • Limited independent validation data.

  • More complex interface for new users.

iTero (App / System)

Key features & use cases

  • Primarily an intraoral scanner; offers 2D smile simulations rather than 3D facial capture.

Strengths

  • Exceptional intraoral accuracy.

  • Excellent integration with Invisalign and Align Technology systems.

Considerations / limitations

  • Not a true facial scanner.

  • Requires additional hardware for facial data capture.

RAYFace — (~$20,000)

Key features & use cases

  • One-shot, six-camera dental facial scanner with automatic registration (face + IOS + CT).

Strengths

  • Extremely fast (0.5-second) capture.

  • Sophisticated software for alignment and visualization.

Considerations / limitations

  • High price.

  • Fixed desktop format.

  • Requires calibration and may still need manual corrections.

MetiSmile (SHINING 3D) — (~$6,000)

Key features & use cases

  • Dental-specific scanner integrated with Aoralscan IOS; captures full-face geometry (~10 seconds).

Strengths

  • Eye-safe infrared light (no flashes).

  • Portable dual-mode (handheld/desktop).

  • Affordable and fast.

Considerations / limitations

  • Regular calibration required.

  • Manual movement for full coverage.

  • Slightly reduced accuracy in deep contours.

Vectra H2 (Canfield Scientific) — (~$5,000 – $10,000)

Key features & use cases

  • Portable 3D imaging system used in esthetic and restorative dentistry.

Strengths

  • Excellent texture detail and simulation quality.

  • Lightweight and intuitive.

Considerations / limitations

  • Flash-based capture may cause eye fatigue with repeated scans.

  • Accuracy optimized for visualization rather than surgical precision.

Summary

Facial scanners are redefining how clinicians plan, communicate, and deliver restorative dentistry. From high-end systems to affordable options, they empower dental professionals to merge precision, efficiency, and artistry in every case. For practices and labs striving for modern excellence, facial scanning is now an essential part of the digital workflow.

Christophe Pope
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