The CAD software is the heart of your digital laboratory: it designs your restorations and determines which machines you can send your files to. exocad and 3Shape dominate the market. How do you choose?
The real criterion: openness
Before considering the brand, ask yourself about the open vs. closed ecosystem. An open workflow allows you to:
- send your files to any milling machine / printer,
- purchase your materials from the supplier of your choice,
- avoid being locked into more expensive proprietary consumables.
This is the factor that weighs most heavily on your long-term costs.
exocad
Widely used in dental laboratories, exocad (DentalCAD software) is valued for its modular approach and its broad network of compatible materials and machines. You simply add the modules you need (implant, smile design, etc.).
Best for: labs that want flexibility and an open ecosystem.
3Shape
3Shape offers a highly developed integrated scanner + CAD ecosystem, often preferred when a seamless single-brand workflow is the priority.
Best for: practices and labs that value scanner-software integration from a single supplier.
Questions to ask yourself
- Are my current or planned machines compatible with this software?
- Cost model: licence, modules, updates, subscription?
- Learning curve and available training?
- Indications covered (crowns, bridges, implants, splints, smile design…)?
What this means for you
Whatever your choice, make sure your materials and equipment are compatible with both. This is the case for the equipment and discs we distribute: compatible with both exocad and 3Shape, so you are never locked in. A consultant can verify the compatibility of your software with a given configuration before any purchase.
