Is an Intraoral Dental Scanner Worth It? Here’s Why the ROI Says Yes

Dentistry is one of the most competitive branches in the healthcare sector. According to the latest data, there are 135,333 dental practice establishments in the U.S. It’s not going to be easy to keep your practice ahead of the curve in this increasingly competitive market.

But keeping your practice tech savvy, whether its marketing, managing patient appointments, or providing dental care, is an excellent way to stand out from your competitors. That’s where one tool can make a major impact - the intraoral dental scanner.

If you’ve been thinking about adding one to your practice, you’re probably wondering: 

Is it really worth it?

Let’s break down how an intraoral scanner pays for itself and then some.

A Sneak Peek into The Intraoral Scanner

An intraoral scanner is a digital device that captures high-precision 3D images of a patient’s mouth. It replaces the messy, uncomfortable traditional impressions dentists have used for years. With a digital scanner, you can create crowns, bridges, implants, and aligners faster, more accurately, and with a better patient experience.

Speed and accuracy are the best advantages of this tech. That means you can avoid costly mistakes resulting from a bubble or distorted mold. Since intraoral scanners are quicker, cleaner, and way more comfortable, they benefit both you and your patients. 

But for a dentist like you, the real question is: what’s the scanner ROI for your practice?

How Much Does an Intraoral Scanner Cost?

Let’s address the elephant in the room: scanner cost. 

Depending on the brand and features, an intraoral dental scanner can range from $15,000 to $40,000. Add software fees, maintenance, and occasional upgrades, and the investment feels even bigger.

It’s normal to get sticker shock at first. But when you look deeper into the numbers, it’s clear the returns are tangible.

How an Intraoral Dental Scanner Boosts Your ROI

While an intraoral dental scanner requires considerable upfront investment, it benefits your practice in the long run. Here’s a quick rundown for you: 

1. Save Time Per Patient

Traditional impressions take about 15–20 minutes, not counting cleanup, shipping, or retakes. However, a digital scanner cuts that time by half or more. With the right tech and training, most full-arch scans now take just three to five minutes.

Saving 10+ minutes per patient may not seem like a lot, but it adds up fast. In a busy practice, that could mean seeing two to three extra patients a day. More patients equals more revenue without needing extra staff or extra hours.

2. Slash Remake Rates

Remakes, especially for traditional dental impressions, are more common. They increase the cost of dental care, frustrate your patients, and harm your practice in the long run. But, with intraoral scanners, the chances of remakes are less than 1%. 

Fewer remakes mean:

• Fewer frustrated patients

• Lower lab costs

• Less wasted chair time

Each remake can cost hundreds of dollars and chair-time you can't get back. Reducing even a few remakes a month already starts justifying the scanner cost.

3. Speed Up Treatment Turnaround

Lab turnaround is faster with digital scans. Labs don’t have to pour, section, or scan physical models. They get your case instantly and start production right away.

This means you can deliver crowns, bridges, and aligners faster. Patients appreciate fast service, which means they’re more likely to refer you to others. Word of mouth remains the best free marketing around.

4. Improve Patient Experience (and Loyalty)

Patients hate traditional impressions. They often involve gagging, mess, and discomfort, which is the part of a dental visit many dread. It’s no wonder many people suffer from dental anxiety. 

But using a sleek intraoral scanner instantly upgrades your image. Patients feel like they’re getting cutting-edge care. It’s faster, more comfortable, and honestly, pretty cool to watch their 3D scan pop up on the screen.

As you know, happy patients come back, and they also leave better online reviews. That's a free promotion that directly fuels your practice.

5. Open Up New Services

Every dentist dreams of expanding their offerings. With a digital scanner, you can expand into new, high-value services like:

• Clear aligner therapy.

• Same-day crowns (with in-office milling).

• Implant planning and surgical guides.

• Smile design and cosmetic mockups.

Each new service streamlines workflows and creates new revenue streams, helping you maximize your scanner ROI even faster.

Keep The Following in Mind Before Buying

While they’re a great investment for your practice, not all intraoral dental scanners are created equal. When comparing your options, think about:

• Accuracy: Precision matters for crowns, bridges, and implants.

• Ease of use: You and your staff need to feel confident quickly.

• Speed: Faster scans mean happier patients.

• Support and training: Ongoing help is crucial.

• Integration: Make sure the scanner works with your lab and software systems.

Most importantly, pick a digital scanner that can grow with your practice. That also means you should buy your scanner from a trusted online store like Cad-Ray, which can lend you all the support you need. 

The Bottom Line 

Buying an intraoral dental scanner is one of the smartest investments you can make for your practice. Sure, the scanner cost looks high at first. But when you see faster treatments, happier patients, new service offerings, and bigger daily production, the numbers make total sense.

The true scanner ROI isn’t just about money, either. It’s about freeing up your time, boosting your brand, and making your practice a place where patients want to come back. If you’re serious about growing your practice and delivering next-level care, investing in a digital scanner is a no-brainer.