I have to be honest - when Jorge Hernandez and Jerico Elomari from Shining 3D joined me on the latest Digital Dentistry Decoded podcast, I couldn't help but laugh about our history. You see, back in 2017, I reviewed their scanner and gave it one or two stars across the board. It was, to put it bluntly, "so fricking bad."
Fast forward to today, and I've basically stopped using my traditional photogrammetry unit in favor of their Elite scanner. This transformation is nothing short of remarkable, and in our conversation, we dove deep into how they pulled it off.
The Elite Scanner: How Shining 3D Blindsided Everyone
Let me be frank - the entire industry was caught off guard by the Aoralscan Elite. As I mentioned in the podcast, "I speak to everyone from Dentsply, 3Shape, Medit. You guys know that everyone was blindsided by this thing. No one saw it coming."
What makes the Elite revolutionary isn't just the technology - it's that it actually works. In an industry full of "marketing and BS" (my words), Shining 3D delivered something that fundamentally changes clinical workflows.
Jorge explained it perfectly: "Traditionally to be able to have this workflow for photogrammetry, we needed multiple devices... Having that intraoral photogrammetry, being able to capture that exact position of the implants, merge it with the soft tissue... it's a game changer."
Clinical Validation: The COI Study
One year later, the skeptics are being silenced. Shining 3D partnered with institutions like the COI Center, and Jorge revealed: "They released a study where they were comparing both extraoral photogrammetry compared to ours. And the difference is... we're pretty much on par."
The Dirty Truth About Intraoral Photogrammetry
Now, here's where things get real. I've been using the Elite for about six months, and there's one major challenge that Jerico was refreshingly honest about - blood residue on the coded scanbodies.
"Blood leaves like a little smear... and it makes the photogrammetry dots dull, so the camera cannot pick it up," Jerico explained. This has been my exact experience, and it's extremely frustrating until you figure out the solution.
The Fix That Actually Works
Here's what Jerico recommends (and I can confirm this works):
Remove the coded scanbodies completely
Wash them with water
Wipe with rubbing alcohol
Rinse again
Reinsert into the mouth
"99% of the time, if they haven't already damaged the dots, this method works," she confirmed.
Critical Maintenance Tips You Need to Know
This is where many clinicians screw up. The coded scanbodies require specific care:
Never use ultrasonic cleaners
Avoid CaviWipes
Don't brush the dots
Only use recommended enzymatic solutions
And here's a tip I didn't know - you can buy individual replacement scanbodies. You don't need to purchase an entire kit if you damage just one or two.
The Hardware Lineup: What's New from IDS 2025
Elite Wireless: Is It Worth It?
Having tested both versions side by side, I personally prefer the wired Elite. It's smaller (124 grams vs 194 grams) and has that solid metal construction. Jorge confirmed there's no functional difference: "When it comes to features, modules, accuracy and scan speed, you're gonna get the same results with both."
So it really comes down to preference. If you're a "I hate wires" person, go wireless. Otherwise, save some weight and stick with the original.
The AccuFab F1: Why DLP Still Matters
Here's where Shining 3D surprised me again. While the entire industry is shifting to LCD printers, they released a DLP printer - the AccuFab F1.
"The quick answer is accuracy, that's what it came down to," Jorge explained. At $10,000 USD, it's actually competitive for a DLP printer that can achieve 25-micron accuracy and print crowns in 10-11 minutes.
Having seen my lab struggle with complex All-on-X geometries on LCD printers, I understand the decision. Those screw channels at different orientations need precision that DLP still delivers best.
The Future: MetiSmile MR and Jaw Tracking
This is where things get really interesting. The MetiSmile MR will include jaw tracking modules using photogrammetry technology.
Jerico revealed they're moving away from individual tooth stickers (which were "torturous" to demo) to bite forks with photogrammetry squares. The potential game-changer? "We're gonna be able to get a vertical dimension on a completely edentulous patient without having to use a bite rim."
If they pull this off, it could revolutionize digital denture workflows.
Why Chinese Innovation Is Unstoppable
I'm just going to say what others won't - being a Chinese company is a massive advantage for Shining 3D. The speed of innovation and development is mind-blowing. You can message their team on WhatsApp or WeChat at any time and get responses. Within a day of reporting an issue, you get "a tidy response, like someone actually gives a damn."
This isn't about politics - it's about results. When you have the best workflow, people buy it, regardless of where it's made.
The Support That Sets a New Standard
Here's something that genuinely impressed me. Jerico revealed: "We offer to be there at TeamViewer on their first surgery... I mean, what company does that?"
This level of hand-holding during actual procedures is unprecedented. Combined with their responsive technical support, it explains why customers become evangelists.
Real Talk: Is Shining 3D's Success Sustainable?
Jorge teased that "the company has a lot of innovative things in the pipeline." But here's my take - they're at a peak right now with this disruption. It's really hard to beat what they've just accomplished.
However, their track record suggests they understand the assignment. As Jorge emphasized, their R&D department is "always thinking ahead... always what's the next step?"
Key Takeaways for Your Practice
Training isn't optional - Jerico sees clinicians daily who think they can "just take it out of the box... and use this brand new scanner. And I never even watch one video - it's suicide."
Get your team involved - Success with chairside digital dentistry requires trained assistants. As I emphasized: "You need a whole team around you."
Follow the damn instructions - Especially for cleaning coded scanbodies. Your expensive kit will last longer.
Think workflows, not devices - We've moved past the discussion about accuracy and speed. It's now about "what is this gonna enable or unlock for me in my practice."
The Bottom Line
Shining 3D's transformation from industry joke to innovation leader is a masterclass in listening to customers and iterating rapidly. They've proven that disruption isn't about having the shiniest marketing - it's about solving real clinical problems.
For those still on the fence, I'll leave you with this: I have a traditional photogrammetry unit, a Modjaw, and pretty much every digital tool available. Since getting the Elite, I've basically stopped using most of them for full-arch cases.
That's not marketing. That's reality.
Make no mistake - if you're not keeping an eye on Shining 3D, you're missing one of the most important stories in digital dentistry. They've gone from "fricking bad" to fricking brilliant, and based on this conversation, they're just getting started.
Want to hear the full conversation? Listen to the complete podcast episode with Jorge and Jerico on the Digital Dentistry Decoded Podcast. And if you're ready to level up your digital dentistry skills, check out our courses at the Institute of Digital Dentistry - we'll show you how to actually use these tools in your practice.
