3Shape Dental System is the flagship CAD program from Danish company 3Shape, main competitor to Exocad. If you need to install 3Shape Dental System, figure out the LMS subscription, connect a TRIOS scanner or activate Implant Studio and Splint Studio modules — this guide will help. We cover the 3Shape Dental System installation process, subscription model specifics, typical problems and who to contact if you need 3Shape installation in an hour.
What is 3Shape Dental System
3Shape Dental System is a CAD/CAM program from 3Shape A/S, Danish company headquartered in Copenhagen. Used by dental labs for designing prostheses, crowns, bridges, veneers, splints and surgical guides. The main difference from Exocad DentalCAD is the integrated ecosystem with its own intraoral scanner TRIOS.
Latest 3Shape Dental System versions: 2024 and 2025. The program is updated quarterly through 3Shape LMS (Lab Management System). 3Shape Dental System price starts from 4500 euros per year for the base subscription.
3Shape Dental System runs only on Windows 10/11 64-bit. Requires constant internet connection for license verification.
Where to buy 3Shape Dental System
3Shape Dental System is sold **only through certified 3Shape partners**. Direct purchase from 3shape.com is not available. Regional dealers:
In Europe: 3Shape Germany, Henry Schein, Atlantis. In USA: Patterson Dental, Henry Schein. In Latin America: 3Shape Brazil, local dealers in Mexico, Argentina, Chile. In Spain: Avinent Implant System, Innova Bridge, local partners.
3Shape LMS subscription model
Fundamental difference from Exocad — **subscription model**. You don't buy the program forever, but pay annual subscription through 3Shape LMS (Lab Management System).
What's in the subscription:
- Base CAD (crowns, bridges, veneers)
- Regular version updates
- Access to 3Shape Communicate
- Cloud storage for projects
- Tech support from 3Shape
What's bought separately:
- Implant Studio — implant surgical guide module: +1500-2000 euros/year
- Splint Studio — splints and night guards module: +1000 euros/year
- Removable Module — removable prosthetics: +2500 euros/year
- Smile Composer — smile design: +1000 euros/year
- Orthodontic System — orthodontic workflows: separate program 3Shape OrthoAnalyzer
**Important:** if you stop paying subscription — program shuts down within 30 days. Unlike Exocad with perpetual license, 3Shape doesn't have a "paid once, use forever" option.
5-year 3Shape Dental System cost of ownership
For a mid-sized lab (base + Implant Studio + Splint Studio):
- Year 1: 4500 + 1500 + 1000 = 7000 euros
- Year 2-5: same 7000 euros annually
- Total over 5 years: 35 000 euros
For comparison, equivalent Exocad configuration with perpetual license costs 12-15 thousand euros over 5 years (with Update Plan). 3Shape comes out 2-3 times more expensive, but for this money you get TRIOS integration and extensive support.
3Shape Dental System system requirements
Minimum: Intel Core i7 9th gen, 16 GB RAM, NVIDIA GTX 1660, SSD 256 GB. Recommended: Intel Core i7 12-13th gen, 32 GB RAM, NVIDIA RTX 3060 Ti, NVMe 1 TB. 3Shape is more GPU-demanding than Exocad, especially for working with color TRIOS scans.
3Shape Dental System installation process
Step 1: Getting LMS access. After purchase, 3Shape sends credentials for 3Shape Communicate and LMS portal.
Step 2: Downloading installer. Log into 3Shape LMS, select Dental System latest version, download installer (typically 800 MB to 1.5 GB).
Step 3: Base installation. Run installer, select components, activate online by entering account credentials.
Step 4: Module installation. Implant Studio, Splint Studio, Removable Module — each module separate installer from LMS portal.
Step 5: TRIOS synchronization. If you have TRIOS scanner — configure automatic case forwarding from TRIOS to Dental System via 3Shape Communicate.
Step 6: Implant library connection. Unlike Exocad, 3Shape implant libraries are better integrated — most popular brands (Straumann, Nobel, Astra, MegaGen) are already built in. But specific brands (local manufacturers) may require manual installation.
Step 7: Export configuration to mill or printer. If 3Shape is configured for production cycle — exports for your equipment needed.
Typical 3Shape Dental System installation problems
«License won't activate» — no internet during activation, or subscription expired. Check connection and LMS portal.
«TRIOS not syncing» — common problem. Solution: check shared 3Shape Communicate account, network settings in both programs.
«Won't open case from TRIOS» — version incompatibility. Dental System and TRIOS must be from same major version (2024 + 2024, or 2025 + 2025).
«Implant Studio doesn't see libraries» — install via special Library Manager in LMS portal.
«Program hangs on large projects» — insufficient RAM or GPU. 3Shape works with color scans, requiring more resources than Exocad.
3Shape Dental System version comparison
3Shape Dental System 2025 (current) — AI design, support for newest TRIOS Move+ and TRIOS 5, improved All-on-X workflow.
3Shape Dental System 2024 — stable, updated multiple times. Many labs still work on it.
3Shape Dental System 2023 and older — outdated, don't support new modules.
We install 3Shape Dental System in an hour
We install 3Shape Dental System remotely in 60-90 minutes. What's included:
- Installation of latest 3Shape Dental System version (2025)
- LMS subscription activation
- Installation of purchased modules (Implant Studio, Splint Studio, Removable, Smile Composer)
- Implant library connection for all needed brands
- Export configuration for production equipment
- 1-year activation warranty
We connect via AnyDesk, perform installation in real time. More on the process — article «How remote installation works».
Message Telegram @keys_helper or WhatsApp — we'll install 3Shape Dental System today.
If choosing between 3Shape and Exocad — read article «3Shape vs Exocad: which to choose in 2026». On TRIOS scanner — article «TRIOS vs iTero».
