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How a relatively unknown intraoral scanner manufacturer became part of one of the biggest names in dentistry.
If you've been researching intraoral scanners for your dental practice, you've probably encountered some familiar names: iTero®, 3Shape, CEREC, and, increasingly, Alliedstar.
Did you know that one of the most interesting developments in Straumann Group's digital dentistry portfolio began with a relatively young scanner manufacturer called Alliedstar?
In 2023, Straumann Group announced its acquisition of a controlling interest in Alliedstar, a rapidly growing manufacturer of affordable, high-performance intraoral scanners.
The acquisition brought together an emerging technology company and one of the world's most established dental organizations. For dentists researching Straumann scanners today, understanding this relationship can help explain how the scanner market is evolving—and why Alliedstar deserves a closer look.
The Beginning of Alliedstar: A New Approach to Intraoral Scanning
Alliedstar was founded in Shanghai, China, in 2019 by Wang Guijian, an entrepreneur with more than a decade of experience in technology.
At the time, the intraoral scanning market was already competitive. Established manufacturers had developed sophisticated scanning systems, but the cost of purchasing and maintaining this technology remained a significant consideration for many practices.
Alliedstar saw an opportunity.
Rather than focusing exclusively on premium-priced equipment, the company set out to develop intraoral scanners that combined modern scanning technology, straightforward software, and affordable pricing.
The goal was to make digital impressions more accessible to dental professionals, including general dentists, orthodontists, and practices transitioning away from traditional impressions.
The company's early development led to the introduction of the AS 100 intraoral scanner, which began shipping internationally in December 2021.
By July 2022, Alliedstar had shipped more than 1,000 AS 100 units.
For a relatively new manufacturer, this represented an important milestone.
How Alliedstar Scanners Evolved
One of the reasons Alliedstar attracted attention was its ability to develop new scanning technology quickly.
Over just a few years, the company introduced several generations of scanners designed to improve the user experience and expand the range of clinical applications.
Alliedstar AS 100: The Beginning
The AS 100 was Alliedstar's early entry into the intraoral scanning market.
It established the company's foundation in digital impressions and introduced clinicians to its approach to scanner design and software.
Alliedstar AS 200E: Wireless Scanning
In late 2022, Alliedstar began shipping its AS 200E wireless intraoral scanner.
The AS 200E gave dental professionals additional flexibility by eliminating the need for a cable between the scanner handpiece and computer during scanning.
Wireless operation became an important part of Alliedstar's product portfolio, particularly for practices seeking greater mobility between operatories.
Alliedstar AS 260: A New Generation
In July 2023, Alliedstar launched the AS 260, its third-generation intraoral scanner.
The AS 260 built upon the company's previous developments with an emphasis on scanning efficiency, software functionality, and affordability.
The scanner also attracted attention from independent industry reviewers, including the Institute of Digital Dentistry, which highlighted its balance of performance, usability, and value.
For dental practices seeking an affordable alternative to some of the industry's more expensive scanning systems, the AS 260 became an appealing option.
Why Did Straumann Group Acquire Alliedstar?
This is where Alliedstar's story becomes especially interesting.
In September 2023, Straumann Group announced an agreement to acquire a controlling stake in Alliedstar.
Straumann Group is one of the most recognized organizations in implant dentistry, with an extensive portfolio of dental implants, restorative solutions, orthodontic technologies, and digital dentistry products.
But the company also recognized the growing importance of intraoral scanning.
As more practices adopted digital impressions, scanners were becoming the starting point for a wide variety of clinical workflows.
Digital impressions could connect to implant planning, restorative design, orthodontic treatment, and laboratory manufacturing.
For Straumann Group, acquiring Alliedstar offered an opportunity to expand its intraoral scanner portfolio and reach additional customer segments.
According to Straumann Group's original acquisition announcement, the company intended to use Alliedstar's technology to strengthen its offerings in China and other price-sensitive markets.
The acquisition also complemented Straumann Group's development of its AXS digital platform, designed to connect various aspects of digital treatment planning and production.
Importantly, Straumann Group announced that Alliedstar would continue serving its existing sales channels.
In other words, Alliedstar wasn't simply disappearing into Straumann Group. Its technology and brand would continue to have a place in the dental scanner market.
The Straumann Group and Alliedstar Connection Today
The relationship between Alliedstar and Straumann Group has continued to develop beyond the original acquisition.
In 2025, Straumann Group introduced the SIRIOS X3, a next-generation wireless intraoral scanner designed to expand the company's offerings in the mid-priced segment.
Straumann Group has publicly described how it worked with Alliedstar to develop scanner technology for its SIRIOS portfolio.
This is an important distinction for dentists researching Straumann scanners.
While Alliedstar-branded scanners and Straumann-branded scanners are not necessarily identical products, they share a meaningful technology and corporate relationship.
Straumann Group's investment in Alliedstar reflects the importance of accessible intraoral scanning technology to its broader digital dentistry strategy.
It also illustrates how quickly the intraoral scanner market has evolved.
Technology that was once largely associated with premium-priced scanning systems is increasingly available through a broader range of products and price points.
What About Alliedstar Scanners Today?
Alliedstar hasn't stopped innovating since joining Straumann Group.
In March 2025, the company introduced the Sensa, a next-generation wireless intraoral scanner.
The company has also continued expanding its software and workflow capabilities, including the introduction of DirectIP, a full-arch scanning solution, in February 2026.
Today, Alliedstar's product history includes:
- AS 100: The company's early intraoral scanner that helped establish its international presence.
- AS 200E: A wireless intraoral scanner offering greater mobility and convenience.
- AS 260: A third-generation wired scanner emphasizing performance and affordability.
- Sensa: A newer wireless scanner designed to build on Alliedstar's existing technology.
- DirectIP: A full-arch scanning solution supporting digital implant workflows.
This progression demonstrates Alliedstar's evolution from a young scanner manufacturer into a company contributing technology to a major global dental organization.
Affordable Entry Into Digital Dentistry
One of Alliedstar's greatest strengths has been its focus on delivering intraoral scanning capabilities at accessible price points.
For practices purchasing their first scanner, adding a second scanning station, or expanding into additional operatories, upfront investment can make a significant difference.
Flexible Digital Workflows
Alliedstar scanners support digital impression workflows that can help practices communicate with laboratories and streamline restorative and orthodontic procedures.
Practices should confirm specific file export capabilities and compatibility with their preferred laboratory, design software, and treatment platforms.
Straightforward Software and Ownership
Alliedstar has emphasized a simplified software experience and an ownership model without recurring scanner software subscription fees for its core scanning workflow.
This can be particularly attractive to dentists concerned about the long-term cost of digital equipment.
Technology Backed by an Established Dental Group
Straumann Group's involvement provides additional context for Alliedstar's continued development and long-term product strategy.
Although this doesn't make the products interchangeable, it does demonstrate that Alliedstar's scanning technology has become an important part of a much larger digital dentistry portfolio.
Where Can You Buy an Alliedstar Scanner?
At Renew Digital, we've spent years helping dental professionals find the right imaging and scanning technology for their practices.
While we're best known for our certified pre-owned CBCT systems, panoramic X-ray machines, and intraoral scanners, we also offer select brand-new intraoral scanners, including Alliedstar.
We believe the best technology investment isn't necessarily the most expensive system. It's the one that delivers the features, performance, and workflow compatibility your practice needs at a price that makes sense.
Alliedstar represents an interesting option for doctors who want modern intraoral scanning capabilities without the expense commonly associated with premium scanner brands.
Whether you're a general dentist looking to begin digital impressions, an orthodontist expanding scanning capacity, or an existing scanner owner considering an additional system, our team can help you evaluate the available options.
Final Thoughts: From Startup to Straumann Group
Alliedstar's journey from a startup founded in 2019 to becoming part of Straumann Group in 2023 is a remarkable example of how quickly digital dentistry continues to evolve.
The acquisition demonstrates that affordable intraoral scanning technology has an increasingly important role in the future of dentistry.
And for dental professionals searching for Straumann scanners, it's worth remembering that the story extends beyond the Straumann name itself.
Alliedstar has become an important part of that story.
Interested in learning more about Alliedstar intraoral scanners?
Contact Renew Digital to explore our selection of new Alliedstar scanners, compare available models, and find a digital scanning solution that fits your practice and budget.
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