"Machine price" and "ready-to-scan price" are not the same thing
A CBCT scanner on its own cannot take a legal, usable scan. It needs installing, testing by your Radiation Protection Adviser, a PC to run the software, and a trained team. Some adverts leave these out. You then pay for them later, often from a different company.
A machine-only price
The scanner is delivered. Ask who pays for each of these:
- Room planning and the pre-install survey
- Installation and commissioning
- The critical examination
- A PC powerful enough for 3D reconstruction
- Training for your team
- A QA test object for routine quality checks
- Warranty and support after year one
A 360 Visualise ready-to-scan price
From around £27,500 +VAT (late 2026), including:
- Room planning and a free Pre-Install Pack for your builder and IT team
- Professional installation
- The critical examination, with your RPA
- A high-spec PC, set up and ready
- Training at your practice
- A QA test object
- Two years' warranty and support
- Our Level 1 online CBCT course, free for your whole team
Tip: put every quote side by side and add up the items above. The cheapest machine price is often not the cheapest scanner to own.
Five things that move a CBCT quote up or down
| Factor | What it means for you |
|---|---|
| Field of view | A small field of view such as 8×9 cm covers endo and single implants. Full-arch implant work needs around 12×10 cm. Larger volumes for ortho, airway and maxillofacial work cost more. Many practices find 10×10 cm the sweet spot: it captures the wisdom teeth for complex extractions without scanning the spine, which would need an external radiology report. |
| 2D and 3D in one | Most practices buy a combined panoramic and CBCT unit, so one machine replaces your OPG. |
| Cephalometric arm | An optional extra for orthodontic work. You only need it if you take cephs. |
| Software | Viewing software comes with the scanner. Implant planning modules and premium licences can add to the cost. |
| Upgrade path | Some machines, such as the Carestream CS 8200 3D, unlock larger fields of view with a software key. You can start smaller and upgrade later without replacing the machine. |
Not sure which field of view you need? Read our independent CBCT buyer's guide.
Budget for the room and the running costs
The scanner is only part of the job. The room is where budgets slip if nobody warns you early. The running costs are lower than most people expect.
The room
- A room of at least 1,500 mm × 1,500 mm
- Solid brick walls, or code 3 lead lining
- A leaded door – budget around £3,000. See our X-ray room doors
- Electrical and network preparation
Every building is different, so your builder gives you the exact figure. We advise on the room and speak to your builder directly, so nothing gets missed.
Running costs
- No ongoing software licence fees with Carestream or Acteon – the software comes with the machine
- An annual service: £595 a year, including calibration and firmware updates
- A critical examination every three years: around £700 +VAT
That's it. For equipment this valuable, the upkeep is modest.
The CBCT scanners UK practices buy most
| Scanner | Field of view | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|
| Carestream CS 8200 3D Access | 8×9 cm as standard, 10×10 cm option | First CBCT, general practice, endo, single implants |
| Carestream CS 8200 3D Advance | 12×10 cm as standard | Implants, oral surgery, endo, ortho |
| Acteon X-Mind Optima 3D | 12×10 cm as standard | Implants and general practice. Available to rent |
| Carestream CS 9600 | Up to 16×17 cm | Referral, maxillofacial, ortho and multi-specialty practices |
Compare the full ranges: Carestream CBCT · Acteon CBCT
A quick way to check the numbers
Divide your monthly cost by the fee you charge for a scan. That tells you how many scans a month cover the machine.
Practices typically charge £150–£200 a scan. For example, if you rent at £499 a month and charge £150 a scan, about four scans a month cover the rental. Every scan after that is income.
But the scan fee isn't where the real return comes from. The treatment it generates is. Without a scanner, an implant case means referring the patient out, bringing them back, then seeing them again to plan. With your own CBCT you scan, plan and explain the treatment in one visit, and give an accurate quote there and then. Patients understand what they need and can say yes on the spot.
Finance and tax
Most dentists buy on finance. We work with several lenders to find you the best rate, so you're not tied to one. You can usually claim tax relief on the purchase, but the amount depends on your set-up – a sole trader and a limited company are treated differently – so speak to your accountant before you buy.
CBCT cost FAQs
How much does a CBCT scanner cost in the UK?
As of late 2026, a fully installed CBCT starts from around £27,500 +VAT at 360 Visualise. That price includes planning, installation, the critical examination, training, a QA test object, a high-spec PC, and two years' warranty and support. You can also rent from £499 +VAT a month.
Why are some CBCT prices much lower?
Some adverts show the price of the scanner alone. Installation, the critical examination, the PC, training and warranty are then charged separately. Always ask for a ready-to-scan price so you can compare quotes fairly.
Can I rent a CBCT instead of buying one?
Yes. Our CBCT rental costs a fixed £499 +VAT a month with a £1,999 +VAT deposit. Servicing, repairs, PC, installation and training are included. There is no interest, and you can buy the scanner at the end.
Can I get finance on a CBCT?
Yes. Finance on the Carestream CS 8200 3D starts from £399 a month. We work with Bramar, Performance Finance and Aspired Finance to find terms that suit your practice.
What is included in a 360 Visualise CBCT price?
Room planning, installation, the critical examination, training at your practice, a QA test object, a high-spec PC, and two years' warranty and support.
Which CBCT is best value for implant work?
For full-arch implant planning you need a field of view of around 12×10 cm. The Carestream CS 8200 3D Advance and the Acteon X-Mind Optima 3D both offer this as standard.
What size room do I need for a CBCT?
At least 1,500 mm × 1,500 mm, with solid brick walls or code 3 lead lining and a leaded door. Budget around £3,000 for the door. We advise on the room and talk to your builder for you.
What are the running costs of a CBCT?
There are no ongoing software licence fees with Carestream or Acteon. You pay for an annual service at £595 a year and a critical examination every three years at around £700 +VAT.