3Shape
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.
Open Dental
Open Dental is a highly customizable practice management software providing dental offices with open-source database access to manage clinical charting, electronic prescriptions, and patient billing efficiently.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | 3Shape | Open Dental |
|---|---|---|
| Website | 3shape.com | opendental.com |
| Pricing Model | Custom | Subscription |
| Starting Price | Custom Pricing | $175/month |
| FREE Trial | ✘ No free trial | ✓ 0 days free trial |
| Free Plan | ✘ No free plan | ✘ No free plan |
| Product Demo | ✓ Request demo here | ✓ Request demo here |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 2000 | 2003 |
| Headquarters | Copenhagen, Denmark | Salem, USA |
Overview
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.
Open Dental
Open Dental gives you full control over your practice management with its unique open-source database structure. You can customize the software to fit your specific clinical workflows, whether you run a solo general practice or a large multi-specialty mobile clinic. It handles everything from complex treatment planning and 3D charting to appointment scheduling and automated text reminders, ensuring your front and back office stay synchronized.
You own your data completely, allowing you to run custom queries and reports that most locked-down platforms don't permit. The software is designed to reduce your overhead costs by offering a scalable monthly subscription that includes comprehensive technical support and regular updates. It solves the common frustration of rigid software by letting you choose your own hardware and third-party integrations.
Overview
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.
Open Dental Features
- Graphical Tooth Charting. Visualize patient oral health with 3D charting that tracks restorative work, periodontal measurements, and existing conditions.
- Treatment Planning. Create multi-phased treatment plans for your patients and present clear cost estimates to improve case acceptance rates.
- e-Prescribing. Send prescriptions electronically to pharmacies directly from the patient's chart to save time and improve clinical accuracy.
- Appointment Module. Manage your daily schedule with color-coded blocks, drag-and-drop rescheduling, and real-time views of provider availability.
- Custom Reporting. Run deep-dive queries on your practice data to track production, collections, and patient demographics without technical restrictions.
- Mobile Web Tools. Access your schedule and patient contact information from your smartphone or tablet when you are away from the office.
Pricing Comparison
3Shape Pricing
Open Dental Pricing
- Full software access
- Unlimited technical support
- Software updates
- Initial setup assistance
- Conversion support available
- Everything in initial tier, plus:
- Ongoing phone support
- Update downloads
- Bug fixes
- Access to e-services
Pros & Cons
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
Open Dental
Pros
- Unmatched customization options for clinical workflows
- Direct access to your own database
- Affordable flat-rate pricing for the entire office
- Highly responsive and knowledgeable technical support
Cons
- Initial setup requires a steeper learning curve
- Interface looks dated compared to modern web apps
- Requires manual server management for on-premise installs