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Export 3D Scans for Use in CoTreat (PLY Format)

Prepare and upload 3D scans so patients can view them in Digital Treatment Plans.

Patients find 3D scans highly engaging, and they are often one of the most viewed elements in a Digital Treatment Plan sent via CoTreat.

This guide explains how to export 3D scans from common scanners so they can be uploaded into CoTreat.

Before you start

  • 3D scans must be exported in PLY format

  • Export steps vary depending on your scanner brand

  • You may need access to your scanner software or cloud portal

Exporting 3D scans by scanner type

Click the relevant scanner below to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for exporting 3D files.

Export PLY Files from iTero

  1. Open the patient scan in the iTero system.

  2. Navigate to the export or file sharing options.

  3. Select Export.

  4. The following is the recommended export option for an Orthodontic case:

    Export Type: Open Shell

    Data Format: File per Arch (arches oriented in occlusion)

    File Type: STL + PLY

  5. Export

⚠️ Some iTero accounts require export permissions to be enabled.
If PLY is not visible, contact your iTero representative.

More export instructions can be found here: MyiTero.com™ (MIDC)

 

Export PLY Files from Medit (Medit Link App)

  1. Open the Medit Link App.

  2. Go to the Work Box.

  3. Select the patient case.

  4. Click Export.

  5. Mesh Format: Choose PLY as the file format.

  6. Select your save location.

  7. Click Export.

💡 Medit allows multiple export options, ensure you choose the 3D mesh model, not just images.

More export instructions can be found here: Medit Link App


Export PLY Files from 3Shape (Unite)

  1. Open the patient case in Unite.

  2. Select the scan you want to export.

  3. Click Export.

  4. Save as type:

    DCM / STL / PLY
     

  5. Select PLY.

  6. Choose where to save the file.

  7. Save

💡 Unite may allow batch export, only export the models needed for the treatment discussion.

More instructions can be found here: 3Shape Unite

Export PLY Files from 3Shape (Dental Manager)

  1. Open Dental Manager.

  2. Locate the patient case.

  3. Right-click the case or open the case details.

  4. Select Advanced > Export Scan.

  5. Save as type: Select PLY as the file type.

  6. Choose your save location.

  7. Click Export.

💡 If multiple models exist (upper/lower), export each one separately.

More instructions can be found here: 3Shape Dental Manager

 

Export PLY Files from Shining 3D Dental

  1. Complete the scan and allow the model to generate.

  2. Open the patient case.

  3. Select the scan file from the case list.

  4. Click Export.

  5. Export Data Format: Choose PLY as the file format.

  6. Select where you want to save the file.

  7. Click Confirm.

💡 In newer versions, file storage locations may have changed, make sure you are exporting from the active case folder. 

More instructions can be found here: Shining 3D Dental


Export PLY Files from Omnicam or Primescan

  1. Complete the full upper/lower jaw and buccal bite scans  

  2. Move to the Model Phase
    Proceed to the stage where the full 3D model is rendered and visible.

  3. Open the Menu
    Click the menu icon (usually an arrow or menu button) in the top-left corner.

  4. Select “Export”
    Choose Export from the available options.

  5. Change the file format
    In the file type dropdown, select: .ply

     

  6. Choose where to save the file
    Select your destination (Desktop, USB, shared drive).

  7. Click Save

Adding 3D Scans to a CoTreat Pack 

Once you have exported the PLY file(s), you can add them to your CoTreat Pack:

  1. In CoTreat, create or edit a Digital Treatment Plan

  2. Go to the 3D Models tab

  3. Upload the exported PLY file(s)

  4. Save and include them in patient communications

 

Helpful tips

  • If you regularly add 3D scans to treatment plans, create a shared folder for your practice so files are easy to find

  • Ask your IT team if scan exports or file locations can be automated to reduce manual steps

  • Keep file names clear so scans are easy to match to patients

If something doesn’t look right

  • If the file doesn’t open, check that the extension is .ply

  • If colors are missing, confirm your scanner supports colored PLY export

  • If the file fails to upload in CoTreat, try renaming it with a simple name (no special characters)

If you’re still unsure, our support team can help.

Summary

Exporting 3D scans in PLY format allows your practice to:

  • Add engaging visuals to Digital Treatment Plans

  • Improve patient understanding and interest

  • Create clearer, more confident treatment conversations