3Shape vs ArborCAD Comparison: Reviews, Features, Pricing & Alternatives in 2026

Detailed side-by-side comparison to help you choose the right solution for your team

Updated Apr 2026 8 min read

3Shape

0.0 (0 reviews)

3Shape provides advanced 3D scanning and CAD/CAM software solutions for dental professionals to digitize workflows, improve treatment precision, and enhance patient experiences through innovative digital dentistry tools.

Starting at --
Free Trial NO FREE TRIAL
VS

ArborCAD

0.0 (0 reviews)

ArborCAD is a specialized CAD software designed for arborists to create professional, scale-accurate tree survey plans and reports while automating critical protection zone calculations and data management.

Starting at --
Free Trial NO FREE TRIAL

Quick Comparison

Feature 3Shape ArborCAD
Website 3shape.com cad.com.au
Pricing Model Custom One_time
Starting Price Custom Pricing Custom Pricing
FREE Trial ✘ No free trial ✘ No free trial
Free Plan ✘ No free plan ✘ No free plan
Product Demo ✓ Request demo here ✓ Request demo here
Deployment saas desktop mobile desktop
Integrations Henry Schein Patterson Dental Straumann Ivoclar FullContour Argen DentalMonitoring Micro-X voco Kulzer PowerCADD Microsoft Excel
Target Users small-business mid-market enterprise solopreneur small-business
Target Industries healthcare Environmental Services Construction Government
Customer Count 0 0
Founded Year 2000 1988
Headquarters Copenhagen, Denmark Sydney, Australia

Overview

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3Shape

3Shape offers a comprehensive ecosystem of digital dentistry tools designed to move your practice or lab away from manual impressions and physical models. You can capture high-accuracy 3D scans of a patient's mouth using their intraoral scanners and then transition immediately into treatment planning. Whether you are focused on restorative work, orthodontics, or dental implants, the software provides the digital workspace you need to design precise crowns, bridges, and clear aligners.

You can collaborate seamlessly with labs and other specialists through their integrated cloud platform, ensuring that your digital files move quickly between stakeholders. The system is built to be open, meaning you can connect your scans with various third-party mills and 3D printers. By adopting these digital workflows, you reduce chair time for patients and increase the overall predictability of your clinical outcomes.

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ArborCAD

ArborCAD is a specialized design tool built specifically for arborists and tree consultants who need to produce professional, scale-accurate survey plans. Instead of struggling with generic drafting tools, you get a system that understands arboricultural data, allowing you to plot trees quickly and generate comprehensive reports automatically. You can import site surveys, define tree species, and visualize critical data points directly on your plan without manual drafting.

The software simplifies the complex task of calculating Tree Protection Zones (TPZ) and Structural Root Zones (SRZ) by automating these measurements based on your input data. You can manage large-scale projects with ease, ensuring all your documentation meets local regulatory standards. It functions as an add-on to the PowerCADD engine, providing a familiar yet highly optimized environment for your specialized consulting needs.

Overview

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3Shape Features

  • Intraoral Scanning Capture accurate 3D digital impressions of your patient's teeth and gingiva in lifelike colors within minutes.
  • Treatment Simulation Show your patients their projected results before treatment begins to increase case acceptance and manage expectations.
  • 3Shape Unite Manage all your digital dental apps and patient cases from a single, intuitive interface that connects your entire workflow.
  • Cloud Collaboration Share your 3D scans and design files instantly with dental labs and colleagues through a secure cloud-based platform.
  • CAD Design Tools Design highly accurate dental restorations like crowns, bridges, and veneers using automated tools and anatomical libraries.
  • Open Ecosystem Connect your digital files to a wide range of 3D printers and milling machines for flexible manufacturing options.
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ArborCAD Features

  • Automated TPZ/SRZ Calculation. Calculate and draw Tree Protection Zones and Structural Root Zones instantly based on your trunk diameter measurements.
  • Tree Survey Plotting. Place tree symbols on your plans quickly using a dedicated toolset that stores species and health data.
  • Automatic Report Generation. Export your survey data directly into professional reports, saving you from manual data entry and transcription errors.
  • Scale-Accurate Drafting. Create precise, professional-grade plans that you can share with architects, developers, and local planning authorities.
  • Species Database Integration. Access and manage a comprehensive list of tree species to ensure consistent naming and data across all projects.
  • DXF/DWG Compatibility. Import site surveys from land surveyors and export your finished plans to work with other industry-standard CAD formats.

Pricing Comparison

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3Shape Pricing

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ArborCAD Pricing

Pros & Cons

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3Shape

Pros

  • Industry-leading scan speed and accuracy for clinical use
  • Seamless integration between scanning hardware and design software
  • Excellent visual communication tools for patient education
  • Open system architecture allows for flexible hardware choices

Cons

  • Significant initial investment cost for hardware and software
  • Annual subscription fees are required for software updates
  • Steep learning curve for advanced CAD design modules
A

ArborCAD

Pros

  • Significant time savings on calculating tree protection zones
  • Produces professional plans that meet local government standards
  • Eliminates manual data entry between plans and reports
  • Specifically designed for arborist workflows rather than generic CAD

Cons

  • Requires a separate base CAD engine to operate
  • Limited to specific operating systems (primarily macOS)
  • Higher initial cost compared to basic drawing tools
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