2026-10-15
Face scanners in dentistry: what they are for and how to use them (MetiSmile, RAYFace)
A face scanner creates a three-dimensional model of the patient's face in a few seconds, which can be aligned with the intraoral scan and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), so the teeth are planned with the face in mind rather than the dental arch alone. In dentistry it is used for smile design, prosthodontic and orthodontic treatment planning, and communication with the patient and the lab. IMMT offers the SHINING 3D MetiSmile and MetiSmile MR and the Ray RAYFace face scanners.
What face scanning offers
An intraoral scanner accurately captures the teeth and gingiva, but tells you nothing about how the future restoration will look in the face: where the facial midline is, how the lip covers the incisors, what the smile line and facial proportions are. Photos help, but they are two-dimensional and difficult to align precisely with a 3D model. A face scanner fills this gap – the dentist and dental technician work with a single "virtual patient" that includes the face, the teeth and, if needed, the bone.
- Smile design. The shape, length and position of the future teeth are assessed in the context of the patient's face, not in isolation from it.
- Facially driven planning. The plan for extensive prosthodontic, All-on-X and aesthetic cases is based on facial landmarks – the midline, the interpupillary line, the position of the lips.
- Communication with the patient. A "before and after" view is shown during the consultation, making it easier for the patient to understand the proposed treatment.
- Communication with the lab. The technician receives not only the model but also the face, which means less guesswork about aesthetics and fewer repeat try-ins.
- Documentation. Face scans before and after treatment allow changes to be compared objectively.
How face scanning is combined with other data
The value of a face scan comes when it is aligned with other digital data in a single coordinate system:
- Intraoral scan – dental arches and occlusion, captured with an intraoral scanner.
- Face scan – repose and smile positions.
- CBCT – bone and root information for implantology and orthodontics (see Radiography).
- Jaw movements – for functional occlusal analysis, if a motion recording system is used.
According to SHINING 3D, the MetiSmile software automatically aligns face scans with intraoral data, and the MetiSmile MR page also lists DICOM data segmentation and automatic alignment with CBCT. For the Ray RAYFace, the manufacturer describes two routes: without CBCT, dental data is merged with the face using a dedicated face scan body (recreating a digital facebow), while with CBCT data the system is integrated into the entire diagnostic and planning workflow in orthodontics, implantology and prosthodontics.
MetiSmile and MetiSmile MR: what the manufacturer states
MetiSmile is a SHINING 3D face scanner designed for dentistry. According to the manufacturer, 3D facial data is captured in about 10 s with an accuracy of up to 50 µm, using three data cameras and a 5.0 MP HD texture camera. Scanning uses infrared light without flashes, so it does not strain the patient's eyes. The scanner works in handheld or stationary mode, and data is exported in STL, OBJ and PLY formats. The software includes orthodontic treatment visualization (Ortho Simulation) and measurement and comparison of facial features.
MetiSmile MR adds recording of the mandibular movement trajectory. The SHINING 3D specification lists: accuracy 50 µm, data camera 1.3 MP, texture camera 5.0 MP, field of view 210 × 270 mm at a distance of 500 mm, weight about 800 g. The manufacturer states compatibility with exocad – movement trajectory data can also be transferred to it.
| Feature | MetiSmile | MetiSmile MR | RAYFace |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | SHINING 3D | SHINING 3D | Ray |
| Scanning method | About 10 s, IR without flashes | IR without flashes, handheld or stationary mode | One-shot – up to 0.5 s |
| Accuracy (manufacturer data) | Up to 50 µm | 50 µm | No numerical value officially provided |
| Jaw movements | Not as standard (modules available) | As standard | – |
| Alignment | With intraoral scan | With intraoral scan and CBCT | With dental data via a face scan body, or with CBCT |
| Export | STL, OBJ, PLY | STL, OBJ, PLY | Check with IMMT |
RAYFace: one-shot scanning
RAYFace stands out for its scanning principle: instead of moving around the patient, the face is captured in a single shot – according to the manufacturer, in less than 0.5 seconds. This is convenient when you want to capture a natural smile – the patient does not need to hold the same expression for long. Ray describes a workflow with the RAYDENT CAD software, in which veneer mock-ups are designed; these can be 3D printed and tried in on the patient. For such try-in work, SHINING DENT TN11 try-in resin, for example, is suitable.
Jaw movement recording
When extensive prosthodontic work is planned or the vertical dimension is being changed, a static bite alone is not enough. MetiSmile MR records the mandibular movement trajectory, and SHINING 3D offers additional software modules: movement trajectory analysis, jaw motion tracking and determination of the optimal jaw relation. The manufacturer states that the optimal relation module is intended only for patients without temporomandibular joint disorders. Movement data is exported in .jawmotion and .xml formats. You will find the full range in this area in the Jaw motion analysis section.
For clinics that want a single workstation, SHINING 3D offers the All-in-one e-motion cart: it combines an intraoral scanner holder, a face scanning camera and a 23.8-inch monitor, and the intraoral scan, face and jaw movement are captured in a single coordinate system. The cart is compatible with the Aoralscan Elf, Elite, Elite Wireless, Aoralscan 3 and Aoralscan 3 Wireless scanners.
Clinical workflow step by step
- Intraoral scan – both arches and the bite.
- Face scan – face at rest, broad smile and, if needed, a scan with a face scan body or retracted lips so that the software can align the teeth.
- Alignment – automatic in the software, with CBCT added if needed.
- Analysis and design – smile design, orthodontic simulation, measurements.
- Discussion with the patient – "before and after" visualization during the consultation.
- Transfer to the lab – open STL, OBJ or PLY files into CAD software (e.g. exocad).
- Trial work – a 3D printed mock-up or provisional restoration before the final restoration.
Who needs a face scanner
- Aesthetic dentistry clinics – for veneers and smile makeovers, when it is important for the patient to see the result in advance.
- Prosthodontic and implant clinics – for All-on-X and full-arch restorations, when tooth position needs to be planned according to the face.
- Orthodontists – for treatment visualization and documenting facial changes.
- Dental laboratories – when the lab carries out smile design on behalf of clinics.
If a clinic mainly does single crowns and fillings, a face scanner is usually not a top-priority investment – it is worth implementing intraoral scanning first (see Intraoral scanner – how to choose?).
Frequently asked questions
Does a face scanner replace photos?
Not entirely. Clinical photos remain important for documentation, but a 3D face model allows the face to be aligned directly with the dental model, which a two-dimensional photo cannot do.
Is a face scanner safe for the patient's eyes?
SHINING 3D states that MetiSmile scans with infrared light without flashes, and Ray states that RAYFace illumination is safe for the eyes and skin. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for use.
Can a face scan be used in exocad?
Yes. On the MetiSmile MR page, SHINING 3D states compatibility with exocad and other third-party software, and both MetiSmile models export in STL, OBJ and PLY formats.
What is the difference between MetiSmile and MetiSmile MR?
MetiSmile MR includes mandibular movement trajectory recording as standard. MetiSmile is intended for face scanning and aesthetic analysis, and movement modules for it are purchased separately.
Is CBCT required?
No. For smile design and aesthetic planning, intraoral and face scans are enough. CBCT is needed when implants are planned or roots and bone are being assessed.
Summary
A face scanner turns dental planning into a facially driven process: the dentist, technician and patient see the same result before treatment begins. MetiSmile is suited to face scanning and aesthetic analysis, MetiSmile MR to cases where jaw movements are also needed, and RAYFace to cases where one-shot scanning matters. You will find all models in the Face scanners section. Would you like to see how face scanning connects with your intraoral scanner? Contact IMMT or call +370 601 00030 – we will arrange a demo.