3Shape has officially launched the highly anticipated TRIOS 6 at IDS 2025.
This release signals a potential paradigm shift, not just for 3Shape but for the entire digital dentistry landscape. Rather than focusing on hardware improvements or a more compact design, 3Shape introduces a comprehensive ecosystem: the TRIOS 6 scanner, the powerful new TRIOS Dx Plus diagnostic software, and the DentalHealth patient app.
Together, these tools aim to redefine the intraoral scanner’s role - from a digital impression device to a patient-centered diagnostic platform. Here’s everything you need to know.
Watch the overview below.
TRIOS 6 - What's New?
The TRIOS 6 builds upon the TRIOS 5. It has basically the same hardware while introducing significant software enhancements and diagnostic capabilities. At its core, the TRIOS 6 is an improved TRIOS 5 with a host of AI features, many diagnostic tools and a new software - Dx Plus.
The scanner maintains the familiar ergonomics and wireless operation while adding a few minor improvements.
Hardware Refinements
The TRIOS 6 looks like a TRIOS 5. There is no mistaking that. To differentiate it from its predcessor it features a new "arctic sapphire blue" metallic finish. The remote control button has also been refined based on user feedback, addressing accidental activations that occurred in the previous flagship.
Everything you get in the box is basically the same as T5. It shares the same closed-tip scanner head design continues the TRIOS approach to contamination prevention and scanning consistency. One notable difference is 3Shape are shipping a box of single-use tips with the T6.
TRIOS 6 (top) and TRIOS 5 (bottom)
Otherwise, it is very much an upgraded TRIOS 5 from the software side.
Enhanced Scanning
The most substantial scanning advancement is what the company claims is up to 110% improvement in scanning resolution across the entire scan field. Unlike both the TRIOS 5 and some competing scanners that enhance resolution only in preparation areas, this improvement applies uniformly across all captured regions.
While scanning with it, I have to say this does seem true. The T6 scans actually look super HD. See below.
Whether or not this improved resolution has any any clinical or accuracy impacts is a discussion in its own right. However the improved resolution does play into a number of diagnostic tools the company has built.
Hyperspectral imaging - a Multi-Modal Scanning System
The TRIOS 6 introduces a multi-source imaging system that captures data using three different light sources simultaneously:
- White light provides basic geometry and color information - this is used for your intraoral scan.
- Fluorescence detection aids in caries identification, building on technology introduced in earlier models but now fully integrated with diagnostic AI.
- The addition of near-infrared imaging represents a new dimension for 3Shape, enhancing the scanner's diagnostic capabilities particularly for visualizing proximal regions.
Screenshot
This multi-modal approach requires no additional scanning steps or time from the operator, maintaining the workflow efficiency of previous TRIOS models while collecting significantly more diagnostic data. This sort of multi-modal scanning is something that iTero often boasts about (scanning + NIRI), so it is interesting to see 3Shape bringing this to their scanner hardware.
How this works is simple - you take one scan and the TRIOS 6 captures all this information. You dont have to switch modes, open a different app or click any buttons. Take a patient scan and it will record all of this.
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TRIOS Dx Plus - The AI-Powered Diagnostic Engine
The most transformative aspect of the TRIOS 6 solution is the TRIOS Dx Plus software, which leverages artificial intelligence to provide comprehensive diagnostic capabilities from a single scan. This represents a fundamental shift in how TRIOS scanners can contribute to clinical assessment.
The TRIOS 6 is set it apart from the TRIOS 5, and other scanners in the market, via five key AI-powered diagnostic capabilities bundled up in the new Dx Plus software that has a UI to allow you to click between these diagnoses seemlessly. This is one of the nicest patient communication sofware I have seen for pathologies.
The TRIOS 6 is capable of detecting:
1. Occlusal Caries Detection
The system uses AI algorithms to analyze scan data for potential occlusal caries, providing both detection and severity classification with confidence ratings. The software automatically classifies severity, compares changes over time, and documents findings for integration with practice management systems.
2. Tooth Wear Analysis
A quantitative measurement system tracks tooth structure loss over time in millimeters. The AI automatically detects wear patterns from a single scan and integrates findings with patient monitoring tools for long-term tracking, providing objective documentation for insurance purposes and treatment planning.
3. Gingival Recession
The scanner automatically identifies both the CEJ and current gingival margin position, calculating recession depths with precise measurements. Measurements are automatically recorded and can be compared across visits, enhancing periodontal monitoring and documentation.
4. Plaque Detection
This is a new feature never seen in a scanner before - Plaque detection provides digital visualization of plaque accumulation without requiring traditional disclosing solutions. The system identifies patterns in commonly missed areas during cleaning, supporting both patient education and clinical assessment.
This could be very useful for hygienists as patients not wanting to have a purple or pink mouth after a hygiene appointment is often a pain point of using plaque disclosing gels / solutions.
5. Proximal Caries Visualization
Currently functioning as a visualization tool rather than automated detection, this feature combines data from all three light sources to enhance visibility of proximal regions. While AI analysis is still in development, the enhanced visualization complements traditional radiographic examination.
How does it work?
What makes this system particularly valuable is that all five diagnostic analyses can be performed from a single scan. There's no need for comparison with previous scans to generate this comprehensive assessment, providing immediate clinical value from the very first use.
The integration of these diagnostic features doesn't disrupt the familiar TRIOS workflow. The scanning process remains unchanged from previous models. Once a scan is completed, the AI analysis begins automatically, with results appearing in a new diagnostic tab - called Dx Plus. Clinicians can verify and modify all AI findings, maintaining professional oversight of the diagnostic process.
I find this fascinating because AI is finally being seamlessly integrated into a scanner - exactly where it belongs, given the vast amount of data captured in full-arch scans.
DentalHealth App - Patient Communication Beyond the Clinic
The TRIOS 6 also introduces another first for 3Shape - a patient focussed education and diagnosis app that may represent a significant advancement in patient engagement.
This phone-application allows patients to access their scan data, view AI-detected conditions, track treatment progress, and receive personalized recommendations through the DentalHealth mobile application.
The app enables patients to:
- Track their oral health progress over time
- Receive education to better understand their dental conditions
- Get personalized recommendations to improve their dental routine
- Stay connected with their dental care between appointments
While the vision of "scan every patient" has been discussed for years, the TRIOS 6 solution may finally provide a compelling reason to implement regular scanning. The diagnostic information generated from a single scan creates immediate value for both practitioners and patients. Many dentists are already adopting baseline scanning protocols with regular follow-ups for patients with specific conditions like bruxism, that leads to additional treatment acceptance.
TRIOS Software Enhancements
With the TRIOS 6 launch we also have a pretty big upgrade to the TRIOS UI and software overall.
This includes, a new model view while scanning that zooms in and out of areas of interest, new and improved UI/UX for TRIOS, new workflow order, and "Status Scan" is now called "Baseline Scan" which makes a lot more sense.
What all this really translates to is that TRIOS software looks a lot cleaner now and overall, I think a lot better. I like it.
The Cost of the TRIOS 6
The TRIOS 6 enters the market at $27,900 USD, positioning itself in the premium segment alongside iTero Lumina ($27,000 USD), Primescan 2 ($24,995 USD) and above the Medit i900 ($18,990 USD).
For reference, the TRIOS 5 was launched at $25,900 USD and remains at this price point.
The intraoral scanner market has seen significant activity over the past year, with several major manufacturers releasing new flagship models. The market shows a clear trend toward AI integration, enhanced connectivity options, and expanded diagnostic capabilities beyond basic scanning - all areas where the TRIOS 6 seems to be taking a leadership position.
Laptop or TRIOS MOVE?
The 3Shape TRIOS 6 comes in 2 options - laptop or the new MOVE Pro cart.
The recommended laptop setup is a certified Dell Workstation. It comes with an official Dell premium service package for full 3-year support from 3Shape and includes a wireless adapter for easy connectivity. The complete laptop solution costs $3,150 USD (on top of the scanner price).
The MOVE is the 3Shape TRIOS cart and is one of the nicest scanner carts for patient engagement. We now have the new MOVE Pro with a few key improvements including (finally) an integrated battery so it can be unplugged and moved between clinics (only lasts around 20-30min), larger screen, improved PC specifications, and several other enhancements like storage.
The MOVE Pro cart is $8,000 USD additional to the base scanner price.
One last thing - Say bye to TRIOS 4
With the launch of TRIOS 6, 3Shape has announced a significant realignment of its product portfolio.
The TRIOS 4 and TRIOS 3 wireless models are being discontinued, streamlining the lineup to create clearer positioning across price points and capabilities.
This strategic decision makes a lot of sense. I've written extensively about the somewhat ambiguous positioning of the TRIOS 4, which occupied an increasingly awkward middle ground between the economy-focused TRIOS Core and the premium TRIOS 5.
The new portfolio creates a more coherent progression with distinct value propositions at each level:
- TRIOS Core: Economy entry point
- TRIOS 3: For Invisalign
- TRIOS 5: Wireless and their premium scanning performance
- TRIOS 6: AI diagnostics, Dx Plus platform, DentalHealth app, and the new 3Shape flagship
Conclusion
The TRIOS 6 marks a fascinating turning point in digital dentistry.
With this release, 3Shape is boldly pushing beyond the traditional uses of intraoral scanning. While the hardware is essentially a TRIOS 5, the new AI detections, TRIOS Dx Plus diagnostic software and the DentalHealth patient app transforms the entire value proposition from digital impressions to comprehensive diagnostics and patient engagement.
This shift reflects the natural evolution of dental technology. As hardware capabilities mature, the most significant advancements now come through software and AI. The TRIOS 6 solution leverages this transition by combining multiple imaging technologies with sophisticated diagnostic algorithms that deliver immediate clinical insights from a single scan.
The concept of "scan every patient" has been discussed for years, but the TRIOS 6 may have finally provided a compelling reason to implement this approach. With five distinct AI-powered diagnostic tools analyzing each scan, the clinical value becomes immediately apparent, potentially justifying the investment for many practices.
Perhaps most impactful part of this is how this technology could transform team dynamics within the dental practice. Imagine dental assistants, treatment coordinators, and hygienists initiating meaningful patient conversations based on objective AI findings. The scanner becomes not just a clinical tool but a communication platform that engages the entire team and empowers patients through the companion mobile app.
In a market with increasingly capable hardware options that are getting cheaper and cheaper, 3Shape's investment in AI and patient engagement to try create meaningful differentiation that addresses clinical needs rather than incremental hardware improvements is interesting, to say the least.
I expect many to not quite get it on face value because they may see this as a TRIOS 5, but frankly there is a lot going on in the software side. Make no mistake - I think this is a huge gamble. 3Shape's focus on diagnostic intelligence does position them at the forefront of where digital dentistry is clearly heading, but is this what clinicians (and patients?) want in a scanner?
I will be publishing a comprehensive review evaluating its performance in real-world clinical settings. I'm particularly interested in testing whether these AI capabilities deliver accurate diagnostic value that translates to better patient outcomes and practice efficiency. The industry is clearly moving toward more intelligent digital workflows - and the TRIOS 6 appears to be leading this transformation in the IOS space. Fascinating pivot.
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