Dental · head to head
3Shape TRIOS vs CareStack
The short version
- Each has a real cost: 3Shape TRIOS 3Shape publishes no price for TRIOS scanners or software; quotes come from 3Shape or a local reseller; CareStack essentials plan starting price $829/month is per location, not per user
- They diverge on capability: 3Shape TRIOS covers Intraoral scanning, CareStack covers Cloud-based platform.
- Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which 3Shape TRIOS and CareStack actually diverge.
| Attribute | 3Shape TRIOS | CareStack |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $15000/one-time | $829/month |
| Pricing model | one-time | subscription |
| Platforms | Windows | Web, Ios, Android |
| Founded | 2000 | 2015 |
Identical on both: free tier (No), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Dental).
What each one covers
Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.
Only in 3Shape TRIOS
- Intraoral scanning
- Digital impressions
- Treatment simulation
- Shade measurement
- Lab connectivity
- Implant planning
- Orthodontic integration
- Patient engagement tools
Only in CareStack
- Cloud-based platform
- Patient scheduling
- Clinical charting
- Revenue cycle management
- Patient communication
- Online booking
- Insurance verification
- Business intelligence
Both cover
- HIPAA Compliant
- GDPR Compliant
- Cloud deployment
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
3Shape TRIOS
- Taking digital intraoral impressions in place of physical traysnot CareStack
- Sending digital scans to dental laboratories for restorations and alignersnot CareStack
- Recording and comparing patient scans over time for treatment planningnot CareStack
CareStack
- Dental practice management and patient schedulingnot 3Shape TRIOS
- Multi-specialty charting and digital imagingnot 3Shape TRIOS
- Insurance eligibility verification and claims managementnot 3Shape TRIOS
- AI-powered clinical notes and diagnosis assistancenot 3Shape TRIOS
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
3Shape TRIOS
- 3Shape publishes no price for TRIOS scanners or software; quotes come from 3Shape or a local reseller
- The software is tied to buying 3Shape TRIOS scanner hardware
- TRIOS Care, the premium service plan with extended warranty, is included only for the first year of ownership and is a paid subscription after that
CareStack
- Essentials plan starting price $829/month is per location, not per user
- Intelligence plan adds $470/month minimum to base Essentials cost
- Pricing based on number of locations, chairs, and providers (not per-user)
- Core charting and imaging capabilities limited to base Essentials plan
- AI-powered clinical features require Intelligence plan upgrade
Pricing, plan by plan
3Shape TRIOS
$15000/one-time- TRIOS Essential$15000/one-time
- Intraoral scanning
- Digital impressions
- Lab connectivity
- TRIOS Premium$25000/one-time
- Everything in Essential
- Treatment simulation
- Shade measurement
- TRIOS Care$199/month
- Extended warranty
- Software updates
- Priority support
CareStack
$829/month- Essentials$829/month
- Scheduling, charting, imaging
- Patient portal
- Insurance management
- Intelligence$1299/month
- Everything in Essentials
- AI-powered clinical notes
- Voice perio charting
Which should you pick?
Choose 3Shape TRIOS if
- You need intraoral scanning.
- You work on Windows.
- You also want digital impressions.
Choose CareStack if
- You need cloud-based platform.
- You work on Web, Ios, Android.
- You also want patient scheduling.
Questions people ask
- Is 3Shape TRIOS or CareStack better?
- Neither clearly leads. 3Shape TRIOS starts at $15000/one-time and CareStack at $829/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, 3Shape TRIOS or CareStack?
- 3Shape TRIOS starts at $15000/one-time and CareStack at $829/month.
- Does 3Shape TRIOS or CareStack run on more platforms?
- 3Shape TRIOS runs on Windows. CareStack runs on Web, Ios, Android.
- What is 3Shape TRIOS best used for?
- 3Shape TRIOS is most often used for taking digital intraoral impressions in place of physical trays, sending digital scans to dental laboratories for restorations and aligners, recording and comparing patient scans over time for treatment planning. Of those, taking digital intraoral impressions in place of physical trays and sending digital scans to dental laboratories for restorations and aligners are not what CareStack is typically brought in for.
- What can 3Shape TRIOS do that CareStack cannot?
- 3Shape TRIOS covers Intraoral scanning, Digital impressions, Treatment simulation, Shade measurement. CareStack covers Cloud-based platform, Patient scheduling, Clinical charting, Revenue cycle management. Both handle HIPAA Compliant, GDPR Compliant, Cloud deployment.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
3Shape TRIOS: What licensing options does 3Shape TRIOS offer?
3Shape TRIOS offers flexibility between full-service subscription options or no-subscription purchases. TRIOS Care is the premium service plan included in the first year, providing extra coverage and extended warranty.
SourceCareStack: How much does CareStack cost?
CareStack starts at $829 per month for the Essentials plan and $1,299 per month for the Intelligence plan. Pricing is customized based on the number of locations, chairs, and providers. Custom plans are available and implementation fees may apply.
Source3Shape TRIOS: How do I get a TRIOS pricing quote?
Pricing is customized per region and reseller. Contact your local 3Shape reseller or visit 3Shape directly using the online shop feature to request a quote.
SourceCareStack: What is included in each CareStack plan?
The Essentials plan ($829/month) includes scheduling, charting, imaging, patient portal, and insurance management. The Intelligence plan ($1,299/month) adds AI-powered clinical notes, voice perio charting, X-ray analysis, and clinical diagnosis features.
SourceCareStack: Are there additional fees for CareStack add-ons?
Yes, CareStack offers optional add-ons including VoiceStack (AI phone system), CareRevenue (RCM services), and ACE DSN (dental procurement) that can be added to either plan at additional cost. No other additional charges apply beyond the monthly subscription.
SourceRelated pages
More on 3Shape TRIOS
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