Every new Exocad user within a week of work googles «how to import STL into Exocad», «exocad new project», «exocad create case». The program is powerful but the interface isn't the friendliest — even basic scan import requires understanding the structure. Let's go through step by step — how to load STL from any scanner, align bite, trim excess, and start designing.
Why this operation matters
The goal — take an STL file from an intraoral scanner (TRIOS, Medit, Carestream, Shining3D) and prepare it in Exocad DentalCAD for further design: crowns, bridges, implant superstructures, splints. Without proper import, all subsequent work in Exocad is meaningless.
Supported formats
Exocad supports: STL (main), PLY (with color info for antagonist), OBJ (with textures), OFF. Most modern scanners export STL.
Where to get the STL file
From 3Shape TRIOS: in TRIOS Studio select patient → «Export» → STL format → choose folder. You get 3 files: maxilla.stl (upper jaw), mandible.stl (lower), bite.stl (occlusion). From Medit i700: in Medit Link select case → «Export to STL» → similar three files. From Carestream CS 3700: «CS ScanFlow» → STL export.
Step 1 — launching Exocad DentalSetup
Exocad has two components: DentalDB (project database) and DentalCAD (design). First launch DentalDB — it's the gateway to all projects.
Step 2 — creating a new project
In DentalDB click «New» in the top menu. Fill patient information: name, identifier, date of birth. This is needed for work identification — a technician can handle dozens of cases simultaneously.
Step 3 — choosing work type
A visual schematic for choosing teeth and construction type opens. You click tooth number N — program asks: crown, bridge, implant, temporary crown, bridge on implants? For a bridge — select multiple teeth. For implant — specify the implant system from library.
At this stage it's important to set the material correctly (zirconia, lithium disilicate, PMMA, wax) — this determines thicknesses and clearances in further work.
Step 4 — STL scan import
After project setup, program goes to scan import mode. Three slots appear: «upper jaw», «lower jaw», «bite». Load corresponding STL into each slot: maxilla.stl → upper, mandible.stl → lower, bite.stl → occlusion.
Typical error here — maxilla and mandible get mixed up. If STL loaded upside down — remove the file and load into the correct slot.
Step 5 — checking scan quality
After import, Exocad opens a window with three scans in 3D visualization. Check: are all preparation teeth visible (especially the margin line), are there no holes in the prepared tooth area, are boundaries between adjacent teeth clear.
If the scan has critical holes or artifacts — better re-scan the patient. Exocad can fix minor defects but major ones will ruin the final crown.
Step 6 — bite alignment
Program asks to fuse upper and lower jaws via the bite registration scan (bite.stl). Exocad suggests automatic fusion — usually works well, but sometimes manual correction is needed. You specify 2-3 corresponding points on the bite scan and on the jaws — program aligns them.
Verify occlusion: antagonists should touch in correct points, not overlap, not hang in air.
Step 7 — trimming excess
Scans usually have «excess»: soft tissue areas, tongue, cheeks, scanner edges that aren't needed for design. Trim excess with «Cut» tool — select polygons and delete.
Goal — leave only teeth, gums around them (1-2 mm), palate/frenulum if needed for support. Fewer excess polygons → faster program operation, cleaner project.
Step 8 — saving and moving to design
After all steps you click «Next» — program saves project to DentalDB and opens DentalCAD for designing the future construction. Here the main creative work begins: setting margin line, tooth libraries, thicknesses, contact points.
Typical beginner mistakes
«STL too large» — some scanners produce super-detailed STLs (millions of polygons), Exocad may lag. Solution: simplify the mesh in the scanner before export, or open STL in Blender and reduce resolution via Decimate modifier.
«Bite doesn't match» — bad bite scan, re-scan the patient, or manual fusion by characteristic points. «Holes in scan» — Exocad has automatic hole-closing function, but large holes are better re-scanned. «Scans won't open» — verify it's binary STL (not ASCII) — some Exocad versions don't handle ASCII format well.
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If something doesn't work
If Exocad won't open STL, throws errors, doesn't align bite correctly, lags on large scans — usually it's the program configuration for your scanner or hardware. Setup takes 30-60 minutes — we do it remotely.
Message us on Telegram @keys_helper or WhatsApp — we'll configure Exocad for your TRIOS, Medit or Carestream scanner, verify import of your actual STL files. On CAD program comparison — article «Which CAD/CAM to choose in 2026». On system requirements — «Exocad system requirements».
