3Shape Dental System Lifecycle Policy FAQ

At 3Shape we are continuously focusing on our customers’ needs and developing the best solutions for them. The Dental System lifecycle policy provides a clear and predictable end-of-life timeline and helps you upgrade in a timely manner, ensuring you will have access to the latest features and improvements, enhancing overall
experience and ensuring optimal use of our products.

The Dental System lifecycle policy is applicable globally, even though 3Shape understands that local regulations, conditions, and support requirements differ among the markets.

Dental System lifecycle policy applies to Dental System software. This does not include Model Builder Express, Implant Studio, Splint Studio and other Unite based applications as they are covered by Unite Lifecycle Policy.

The last 4 Dental System major versions released are supported, while all older versions are unsupported.

The policy will take effect on the 1st of August 2025, and from this date all versions from Dental System 2021 and below will become out-of-policy. Please refer to the table below for further reference.

We will disclose the end-of-support date once the software is globally available in the table below.

The software does not provide notifications. We recommend updating to the latest version as soon as it becomes available to you. You can refer to the table below or in the dedicated Dental System End-of-Life policy page in the 3Shape Help Center Coming soon to check end-of-life dates for each version.

The version used is displayed on Dental System startup window. You can also find it in Dental Manager by pressing the ‘?’ button in the upper right corner and then selecting ‘About Dental Manager…’.

You have several options for upgrading to the latest Dental System version:

1. You can contact your reseller and ask them to help you upgrade

2. You can contact 3Shape support who will be happy to assist you

We suggest you consult the frequently asked questions on upgrading Dental System:

• Dental System upgrade FAQ and best practices
• Upgrading your Dental System - Backwards compatibility with Manufacturers

It is possible to use Dental System versions outside the policy, although 3Shape cannot guarantee that all features will be available. We strongly recommend upgrading to the latest software version. There are several risks using unsupported software versions such as no technical support, security vulnerabilities, compatibility issues (e.g. with your Windows or Cloud Services), lack of new features, performance issues, and no bug fixes¹. 

In case you require guidance or support with updating to the latest version, find update guides here or contact support.

We are introducing a 3-months grace period of limited support for Dental System versions older than Dental System 2022 that will be initiated starting from the 1st of August 2025. In this period 3Shape support will be providing troubleshooting of encountered issues that do not require escalations to R&D.

We are happy to support you with upgrading your current version of Dental System to a newer version. Please contact 3Shape support for assistance. We unfortunately cannot offer technical support for the versions outside the policy except in connection with upgrading to a supported version.

We will still provide remote troubleshooting for Lab scanners such as scanner connectivity issues. However, if the root cause of the problem is software-related, we will require you to upgrade before providing further assistance. For more information on older scanners support please refer to this article.

Dental System follows the Windows lifecycle policy and new software updates are compatible with supported Windows versions. Optimal performance cannot be guaranteed on unsupported Windows versions. Find an overview of Dental System 2024 System Requirements in this article.

You may check the latest Dental System version supporting your scanner in this article.  If you have a scanner that is only supported by an out-of-policy software version, you have two options:

1. You can benefit from the great trade up discounts and get upgraded to the latest technology that offers faster workflows and better scan quality. Please contact your reseller to learn more about this option.
2. You can receive a “Scan only” license with the latest available scanner software version. The scan only dongle should not be updated and needs to run on a separate PC than the supported Dental System PC. Your reseller can help you set this up. Note, however, that “Scan only” licenses running an out-of-support Dental System version is still subject to the limitations of the lifecycle policy.

Although 3Shape will strive to offer uninterrupted availability of related web and cloud services (such as 3Shape Communicate), 3Shape reserves the right to discontinue availability for unsupported Dental System versions.

We recommend you opt-in to the LabCare subscription to start benefiting from unlimited upgrades, support, hands-on training and events, and special product discounts. You can read more about LabCare here: https://www.3shape.com/en/services/labcare

Alternatively, you may pay for a one-off upgrade capability.

Please contact your reseller to opt-in to LabCare or purchase a one-off upgrade.