The intraoral scanner market is expanding rapidly, fueled by technological advancements and the increasing adoption of digital workflows in dentistry. Intraoral scanners have transformed the way dental impressions are taken by offering high levels of accuracy and efficiency. With the rise of clear aligners, 3D printing, and fully digital workflows, the intraoral scanner has become an almost essential tool for modern dental practices.
This article draws on key trends and insights from the recently published US Dental Imaging Market Report.
What is an intraoral scanner?
Intraoral scanners capture detailed digital impressions of a patient’s teeth and gums. It is replacing the traditional method of taking physical impressions with dental impression material and creating a mold, by using optical or laser technology. This technology streamlines the process of forming a precise 3D image of the oral cavity, without disrupting the patient’s comfort. These images can then be used for a variety of different dental applications, which include crowns, bridges, clear aligners, and implants. The impression can also be exchanged by different dental firms, allowing them to have faster turnaround times and outcomes.
Market Drivers
Clear Aligners
The clear aligner market has shown significant positive growth at a rapid rate due to the increasing demand for aesthetic dental solutions and technological advancements. This has consequently affected the intraoral scanner market to grow as clear aligner cases are increasingly using the intraoral scanner to obtain and submit digital scans. If the clear aligner market continues to grow, the intraoral scanner can expect to grow alongside it.
Advancements in 3D Printing Technology
The dental industry has been steadily increasing the usage of 3D printing technology due to the capabilities it provides for printing important custom dental restorations. Some examples of the things that dental companies print are crowns, bridges, and orthodontic devices. Each of these examples require an impression to ensure the measurements and dimensions for the dental restoration, which has led to an increase in demand for intraoral scanners because of the compatibility between these two technologies.
Increasing Digital Workflow Adoption
The implementation of increased digital aspects in dental practices and laboratories has created a positive effect on the intraoral scanner market. Online databases of patient impressions and history have created improvements in efficiency and accuracy with other compatible pieces of technology. Conversely, traditional methods are becoming less efficient and are being replaced by its counterpart. As more dental labs continue to modernize their practices, the adoption of the intraoral scanner will increase.
Conclusion
The intraoral scanner market is experiencing rapid growth as it transforms dental workflows with greater precision, efficiency, and compatibility with modern technologies. With the rising adoption of clear aligners, advancements in 3D printing, and an increase in digital workflow adoption, intraoral scanners are becoming indispensable tools for creating accurate dental impressions. As digital workflows continue to replace traditional methods in dental practices and laboratories, the demand for intraoral scanners is expected to grow, driving further innovation and enhancing patient care. The market for intraoral scanners shows to have a promising future as it is slowly becoming the staple for generating impressions for dental patients.
For more detailed insights into market drivers, growth projections, and strategic opportunities, explore our 2025 US Dental Imaging Market Report Suite. Packed with detailed data and expert analysis, it’s an essential tool for companies looking to navigate and stay ahead in this rapidly expanding market.
