3Shape Dental System vs CEREC Software
Verdict. 3Shape Dental System leads on the overall Data Index (6.1 vs 5.2). On the 4 axes where both have evidence, 3Shape Dental System wins 2, CEREC Software wins 1 and 1 is tied. Clearest gaps: support (3Shape Dental System 7.5 vs 4.0), features (3Shape Dental System 5.9 vs 4.7), and vendor stability (CEREC Software 10.0 vs 9.0).
Table view
| Axis | 3Shape Dental System | CEREC Software |
|---|---|---|
| Features | 5.9 | 4.7 |
| Integrations | 6.9 | no data |
| Pricing clarity | 2.0 | 2.0 |
| Support | 7.5 | 4.0 |
| Vendor stability | 9.0 | 10.0 |
| User rating | no data | no data |
Axis by axis
- Features 5.9 vs 4.7 3Shape Dental System
- Integrations 6.9 vs – no data
- Pricing clarity 2.0 vs 2.0 tie
- Support 7.5 vs 4.0 3Shape Dental System
- Vendor stability 9.0 vs 10.0 CEREC Software
- User rating – vs – no data
3Shape Dental System or CEREC Software: which should you choose?
These are not direct substitutes. 3Shape Dental System is lab CAD covering crowns, bridges, dentures, partial frameworks, implant work and aligners, sold on subscription through resellers and strongest with TRIOS scans. CEREC Software is the dentist's chairside tool for same-visit restorations with Primescan and CEREC mills, and is priced only within a CEREC system.
If you are a lab, the choice is between 3Shape and exocad, not CEREC. If you are a dentist who wants to mill crowns in the office, the comparison is between complete chairside systems. If your lab partner uses 3Shape, confirm it can receive your files; CEREC exchanges open-format data through its interface module and DS Core.
Reviewed under the standards of our Editorial Board
What our reviews say
3Shape Dental System
3Shape's lab CAD system: broad indications, tight TRIOS integration, lab management and AI crown proposals through Automate. Subscription-based and sold only through resellers, with no public price.
Strengths- Covers crowns, bridges, dentures, partial frameworks, implant work, aligners and trays
- Direct case flow from TRIOS via 3Shape Unite, and imports from other scanners
- AI design proposals for crowns, inlays and onlays in about 90 seconds
- No public pricing; quotes only through resellers
- Subscription model
- AI design has a fair-use cap of 1,200 units per seat per year
CEREC Software
The chairside design software behind single-visit crowns with Primescan and CEREC mills: largely automated, easy to learn, and tied to Dentsply Sirona hardware. Sold as part of a CEREC system, not priced alone.
Strengths- Biojaw algorithm proposes a patient-specific restoration from the scan
- Guided workflow with a low learning curve
- Direct link to CEREC Primemill, CEREC MC and SpeedFire
- Built for the Dentsply Sirona ecosystem
- Price only as part of a CEREC system quote
- DS Core cloud features need a paid subscription
Side by side
| 3Shape Dental System | CEREC Software | |
|---|---|---|
| Data Index | 6.1 | 5.2 |
| Category rank | #3 of 15 · Dental CAD | #5 of 15 · Dental CAD |
| Pricing transparency | Quote only | Quote only |
| License | Quote only | Quote only |
| Deployment | Cloud | Cloud, Desktop |
| HIPAA claim | Yes | — |
| Company size | 1001–5000 | 10001+ |
| Markets | global | US |
| Data completeness | 82% | 73% |
Features
6 of 17 tracked capabilities differ. Only 3Shape Dental System: full arch, splints, models, and aligners. Only CEREC Software: inlays/onlays and veneers.
| Capability | 3Shape Dental System | CEREC Software |
|---|---|---|
| Crowns | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bridges | ✓ | ✓ |
| Inlays/onlays | ✕ | ✓ |
| Veneers | ✕ | ✓ |
| Abutments | ✓ | ✓ |
| Implant bars | ✕ | ✕ |
| Full arch | ✓ | ✕ |
| Full dentures | ✕ | ✕ |
| Partial frameworks | ✕ | ✕ |
| Splints | ✓ | ✕ |
| Surgical guides | ✓ | ✓ |
| Models | ✓ | ✕ |
| Aligners | ✓ | ✕ |
| Smile design | ✕ | ✕ |
| AI margin | ✕ | ✕ |
| AI crown proposal | ✓ | ✓ |
| Material library | ✓ | ✓ |
Choose 3Shape Dental System if…
- Labs whose clients mostly scan with TRIOS
- Labs that want CAD, case management and order flow from one vendor
- Labs interested in AI-generated crown proposals at volume
- you need full arch
- you need splints
Choose CEREC Software if…
- Dentists doing same-day crowns, inlays, onlays and veneers
- Practices that own or plan to buy Primescan and a CEREC mill
- Clinicians who want the software to propose the design with minimal editing
- you need inlays/onlays
- you need veneers
FAQ
Is 3Shape Dental System better than CEREC Software?
3Shape Dental System leads on the overall Data Index (6.1 vs 5.2). On the 4 axes where both have evidence, 3Shape Dental System wins 2, CEREC Software wins 1 and 1 is tied. Clearest gaps: support (3Shape Dental System 7.5 vs 4.0), features (3Shape Dental System 5.9 vs 4.7), and vendor stability (CEREC Software 10.0 vs 9.0).