How Many Dentists Use Intraoral Scanners in 2024? Understanding Adoption Rates & Trends

Today’s dentists are living through a digital shake-up, and intraoral scanners are leading the way. This article breaks down how many dentists use intraoral scanners, why that’s important, and how this technology is changing day-to-day dental work. If you care about more comfortable appointments, getting better dental care, and keeping up with modern tools, here’s everything you need to know.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction: Digital Dentistry and Intraoral Scanners

Let’s be honest—technology has changed how we do just about everything, even a trip to the dentist. I’ve been sitting in the dentist’s chair plenty and saw the change from thick, sticky trays to cool new tools. Intraoral scanners are showing up all over the place now. But just how often are they used? Is your own dentist using them, or is it just big city offices that have these gadgets?

The numbers might surprise you. While using intraoral scanners was rare ten years ago, now it’s growing fast—mainly in the United States, Europe, and in modern dental practices everywhere.

2. What Are Intraoral Scanners?

Intraoral scanners are digital tools that kind of look like magic wands. The dentist puts the scanner in your mouth, and it takes lots of pictures really fast. These photos join together to make a 3D picture of your teeth and gums.

Why is this a big deal?

Old dental impressions needed sticky goo in trays that you had to bite down on for minutes—not fun! Intraoral scanners mean no more mess, no more gagging, and better end results.

Some well-known brands are:

With these tools, dentists can make crowns, bridges, retainers, clear aligners, even full dentures, sending files right to a digital dental lab.

3. How Many Dentists Use Intraoral Scanners Today?

So, what’s the real story? How many dentists actually use these scanners now?

Here’s a simple look:

What kind of dentist matters too:

• Orthodontists: 70-80% use scanners for aligners and retainers.
• Dentists who do crowns, bridges, or implants: Over half use digital scans.
• Regular or “general” dentists: More than 40% now, up by about 10-15% each year.

Take Dr. Joe Dental, a dentist from Chicago, who said:

“Five years ago, almost no one in my area had intraoral scanners. Now, just about every dentist I know uses one or is planning to buy. It’s quicker with the lab and my patients like visits more.”

So if your dentist doesn’t have a scanner yet, they might soon!

4. Why Are So Many Dentists Switching to Digital Impressions?

Let’s talk about why so many dentists are done with trays and gooey stuff.

More Precise and Reliable

Digital scans are just more exact. The old way could tear or go wrong. Scanning gives clear, sharp, and repeatable images. Crowns and bridges will fit better, so you’re not going back for as many fixes. Crown and bridge lab workers say these scans help them do it right on the first try.

Nicer for Patients

Most people remember almost gagging with the old trays. That’s gone now. Patients love how quick and easy scanning is. Kids and people who gag easily do much better with scanners.

Faster and Smoother Work

Scans go right into the computer. Dentists can plan, model, and send jobs to a 3d dental lab right away. No need to mail out molds or wait for stuff to set. Appointments are quicker, and labs start work on your teeth sooner.

Saves Money Over Time

You won’t keep running out of impression trays and goo. Fewer mess-ups mean you save time and money. And with shorter visits, many dentists can see more patients every day.

5. Are Digital Scanners Really Better Than Traditional Impressions?

Is the hype real? Here’s a side-by-side:

Dentists who fix teeth, do braces, or place implants say it’s all more accurate and reliable with scanners. Patients see the better side, too.

But, not every dentist jumps right in—some worry about the cost or need extra help with learning the new way.

6. What Stops Dentists from Using Intraoral Scanners?

Even though more dentists are trying scanners, some still aren’t sure. Why not?

Big Start-Up Expense

Let’s be clear—scanners aren’t cheap. A good one can be $20,000–$50,000 or even more. That’s a lot, especially for small offices. Prices are falling though, and now you can often make payments over time.

Learning Something New

Not everyone is excited to learn new computer stuff. Scanning takes some practice, and team members need time to train. Some dentists worry it could slow them down at first.

Working With Labs

Dentists want their scanner to work with their computer systems and dental labs. If a lab can’t use your files, that’s a problem. But more labs, like those that make dental ceramics, now accept digital scans, so this is less of a problem.

Not Sure It’s Worth It

Some dentists who mostly do simple checkups and fillings don’t see the need. But as treatments get fancier with more digital work, it’s becoming harder to ignore.

7. Which Dentists Use Intraoral Scanners Most?

Orthodontists (dentists who fix teeth with braces) are the biggest fans—over 70% use scanners for things like clear aligners and retainers.

Implant and crown specialists also count on scanners to get a great fit.

Regular dentists are catching up. Big group offices often buy one scanner for everyone. Single-dentist or small family clinics are adding them too, more every year as costs drop.

Dentists who work with kids love them because most kids hate the goopy trays. And dental schools are teaching students to use intraoral scanners as part of their training, so soon almost every new dentist will know how.

8. How Fast Is the Intraoral Scanner Market Growing?

Market studies say digital dentistry is growing like crazy. The world market for intraoral scanners is getting bigger by 10–15% every year and could double or triple in just five years.

Market size in 2024:

• $1.2–$1.6 billion USD worldwide
• Over a million digital scans done each month

What’s helping this?

• Scanners and software getting cheaper
• More people wanting nicer smiles with veneers or implants
• Dental labs (including some in China) going all-digital
• Scanners becoming lighter and wireless

By 2030, experts think 80% or more dentists in rich countries will have and use scanners.

9. Will Digital Impressions Become the New Normal?

Everything says yes. Digital impressions are winning.

• Patients pick clinics with faster, more comfortable care
• Insurance companies start covering digital cases faster
• Labs work quicker on crowns, bridges, and implants with digital files

Just like we moved from film photos to phone photos, dentistry is doing the same. Dentists who never upgrade could lose patients who want better tech.

Dr. Joe Dental says it best:

“I can’t imagine going back. Patients believe in my work more and I get my best results ever.”

10. Should Your Dental Practice Go Digital?

Still don’t know if your office should get a scanner? Let’s break it down:

Problem:

Your office uses traditional impressions—patients don’t like them, visits take longer, and you have to redo work sometimes.

Agitate:

Patients wish their visit was better. Some leave for offices with the new tech. Labs might charge for remakes. Competing dental offices say they use digital and take business.

Solution:

With an intraoral scanner, you get happier patients, less redo work, and a smoother day. You’ll use the same modern systems as dentists with Align Technology, 3Shape, Dentsply Sirona, and others. Plus, you can send cases quickly to a removable denture lab or 3D printer.

Some tips before you buy:

• Think about how big your office is and what you do most
• Check if you want a scanner that can work with lots of labs and software
• Make sure the company will help you learn it
• Look at long term savings, not just the cost to get started

Most offices making a lot of crowns, implants, or aligners find the scanner pays for itself pretty fast.

11. Conclusion: The Digital Future of Dentistry

Digital impressions really have changed everything. In 2024 and going forward, most dentists are leaving the old putty behind for intraoral scanners. Patients win. Labs win. And practices that get scanners now get ahead.

Don’t get left out. The tools and help are here, and if you’re just getting started, you’ll find good partners—scanner makers, digital labs, and other dentists already switched to digital.

12. Key Points to Remember

• Intraoral scanner use is growing fast.

Almost half of all U.S. dentists use them today, and it’s more every year.

• Digital scanning gives big benefits:

It’s more comfortable, more exact, quicker, and makes lab work easier.

• High costs and hard learning are not as big of a deal anymore.

Today’s support, training, and lower prices make it much easier.

• Braces and implant dentists switched first.

Regular offices, small clinics, and dental schools are joining fast.

• Dentistry’s future is digital.

Switch sooner, and you get ahead of the game.

Remember, digital dentistry means more choices—see what a digital dental lab or a crown and bridge lab can do to make your patients’ visits even better. It’s a good move for your practice and your patients.

Reviewed and Approved by Dr. Joe Dental, DDS

Practicing dentist and digital dentistry fan