1. Introduction: Exocad and 3Shape
Modern dentistry is no longer defined by plaster models, manual waxing, or days of waiting for laboratory work. The rise of digital dentistry has transformed how clinics and labs design and deliver restorations. At the heart of this transformation lies CAD software (Computer-Aided Design)—the digital tool that enables technicians to design crowns, bridges, dentures, and implant restorations with unmatched precision and speed.
For dental professionals, choosing the right CAD platform is a critical decision. The software determines not only how quickly restorations can be designed, but also the accuracy, aesthetics, and compatibility with other digital systems. Two names dominate this field: Exocad and 3Shape. Both are used globally and represent the gold standard for digital dental workflows, yet they differ in philosophy, features, and pricing.
At VCAD Dental Outsourcing Lab, our technicians are trained and experienced in both Exocad and 3Shape, allowing us to seamlessly integrate with clinics and labs around the world. By mastering both systems, we provide our partners the flexibility to choose whichever platform aligns with their workflow while still ensuring consistent quality and efficiency.
2. Exocad: Flexible and Technician-Friendly
Exocad is known as one of the most adaptable and user-friendly dental CAD software platforms in the world. Since its introduction, it has gained a reputation for offering laboratories and clinics a balance of flexibility, affordability, and reliable performance.
Key features of Exocad:
- Modular system – Users can add specific modules such as Crown & Bridge, Partial Framework, Implant, and Smile Design depending on their needs.
- Compatibility – Built on an open architecture, Exocad integrates with a wide range of intraoral scanners, desktop scanners, and milling machines, making it versatile for labs with diverse equipment.
- Ease of use – The interface is designed with technicians in mind, simplifying complex tasks and reducing the learning curve.
- Scalability – Suitable for single restorations as well as large, complex cases.
Why labs like VCAD rely on Exocad:
- It is cost-effective compared to some proprietary systems, making it attractive for outsourcing partners who need to deliver efficiency at scale.
- The open-source approach allows VCAD to serve clinics that use different types of scanners or milling equipment, ensuring compatibility across international clients.
- Its robust set of restorative tools makes it ideal for everyday cases such as crowns, bridges, and implant frameworks.
In short, Exocad provides the flexibility and speed required by modern outsourcing labs. For VCAD, this means we can quickly adapt to the preferences of different clinics, while still ensuring restorations are accurate and delivered on time.
3. 3Shape: Premium Ecosystem for High-End Dentistry
While Exocad has built its reputation on flexibility and open architecture, 3Shape represents the premium end of dental CAD software. Developed in Denmark, 3Shape has become a global leader thanks to its robust ecosystem of hardware and software, tailored not just for technicians but also for dentists and patients.
3Shape’s strength lies in its seamless integration of digital tools—from scanning to design and patient engagement. It is particularly valued in practices that prioritize aesthetics, orthodontics, and advanced treatment planning.
Key features of 3Shape:
- TRIOS intraoral scanner – Recognized as one of the most accurate and user-friendly scanners on the market. It allows dentists to capture precise 3D impressions chairside, improving both patient comfort and data accuracy.
- 3Shape Dental System – A complete software suite that covers restorative, implant, orthodontic, and prosthetic workflows. It is highly detailed, offering advanced design capabilities that support complex cases.
- AI-driven tools – Automated margin detection, crown proposals, and design suggestions reduce manual input, making workflows faster and more consistent.
- Smile Design & patient communication – 3Shape enables clinicians to present digital simulations of the final smile, improving case acceptance and patient confidence.
Why labs like VCAD value 3Shape:
- High-end aesthetics – Perfect for anterior restorations where lifelike details matter most.
- Orthodontic compatibility – Strong tools for aligners and orthodontic appliances, supporting clinics with comprehensive treatment offerings.
- Proprietary polish – While less flexible than Exocad, 3Shape’s closed ecosystem ensures smooth performance and integration across its own devices.
In essence, 3Shape delivers a premium experience—combining advanced technology with powerful visualization tools that benefit both the dental team and the patient. At VCAD, our ability to design with 3Shape means we can support clinics that require not only precision but also superior aesthetics and patient communication.
4. Exocad vs. 3Shape – Head-to-Head Comparison
Both Exocad and 3Shape are market leaders in dental CAD software, but they serve slightly different needs. Understanding their differences helps clinics and laboratories choose the right partner—or, in the case of outsourcing with VCAD, benefit from both without compromise.
Key dimensions of comparison:
- Ease of Use
- Exocad: Known for its intuitive interface and technician-friendly design. It’s often preferred by labs looking for quick adoption and efficient workflows.
- 3Shape: More advanced and feature-rich, but with a steeper learning curve. Ideal for clinics that need complex, highly customized cases.
- Flexibility and Compatibility
- Exocad: Open architecture supports a wide range of scanners, milling machines, and third-party devices. Excellent for labs that need versatility.
- 3Shape: Stronger in its own ecosystem, designed to work seamlessly with TRIOS scanners and 3Shape’s Dental System. Less flexible with external hardware.
- Cost Considerations
- Exocad: Generally more affordable with modular pricing. Clinics and labs can purchase only the features they need.
- 3Shape: Positioned as a premium solution, requiring higher initial investment and subscription costs.
- Range of Features
- Exocad: Robust for restorative and implant workflows—crowns, bridges, dentures, implant frameworks.
- 3Shape: Excels in aesthetics, orthodontics, and advanced case presentations with smile design and patient engagement tools.
Adoption at VCAD
At VCAD Dental Outsourcing Lab, we do not force clinics to choose one platform over the other. Instead, we maintain expertise in both. This allows us to integrate seamlessly into the workflows of partners worldwide—whether they rely on Exocad for its flexibility or 3Shape for its advanced ecosystem. The result: consistent, high-quality restorations, no matter the platform.
Extending the comparison: In-House vs. Outsourcing with VCAD
Running these platforms in-house requires not just software licenses, but also powerful computers, milling equipment, and trained technicians. The total setup can easily exceed $100,000 in upfront investment, alongside ongoing maintenance and training costs. For many clinics, this is neither cost-effective nor sustainable.
By outsourcing to VCAD:
- Clinics access both Exocad and 3Shape expertise without buying licenses or hardware.
- They benefit from pay-per-case pricing, avoiding the burden of capital investment.
- Each restoration is produced under strict international quality standards (CE, FDA, ISO).
- With a workflow of design in 8 hours and milling in 2 days, turnaround is faster than most in-house setups.
In short, while Exocad and 3Shape each have unique strengths, outsourcing to VCAD allows clinics to leverage the best of both worlds—without the costs and risks of running digital labs on their own.
5. Conclusion: Why VCAD Offers Both Platforms
In the debate between Exocad vs. 3Shape, there is no single winner. Each platform shines in different areas: Exocad with its flexibility, affordability, and technician-friendly workflow; 3Shape with its premium ecosystem, advanced aesthetics, and strong orthodontic applications. For clinics and laboratories, the challenge lies not in choosing one over the other, but in finding a partner who can deliver the best of both.
That is where VCAD Dental Outsourcing Lab makes the difference. By mastering both platforms, our technicians adapt seamlessly to the preferences and existing workflows of global partners. Whether your clinic values the open architecture of Exocad or the polished ecosystem of 3Shape, VCAD ensures every restoration is designed and manufactured with the same commitment to accuracy, speed, and international quality standards.
Our promise is straightforward:
- Designs delivered in 8 hours.
- Milling completed in 2 days.
- Restorations compliant with CE, FDA, and ISO certifications.
For dental professionals, outsourcing with VCAD means eliminating the need for costly in-house investment while still gaining access to cutting-edge CAD/CAM technology. It allows you to focus on patient care while we deliver world-class digital restorations behind the scenes.
Partner with VCAD today and experience the freedom of working with a lab that bridges both worlds—Exocad and 3Shape—so your clinic never has to compromise.
