Written by: Isaac D. Tawil, DDS, MS
Capturing implant positions for full-arch restorations has traditionally required multiple devices, multiple scans, and significant technical skill. With the integration of IPG (intraoral photogrammetry) into the Shining 3D Elite wired or wireless scanner, clinicians can now streamline implant capture using a single chairside device—accurately registering multi-unit abutment positions in minutes without relying on external photogrammetry systems or post-processing in third-party software.
Clinical Advantages
The Shining 3D Elite is the first commercially available intraoral scanner with native photogrammetry integration backed by clinical research. This 2-in-1 platform enables the seamless capture of both soft tissue and implant positions, using coded scan bodies and intraoral scanning in a single, unified process. The result is a more predictable, efficient full arch protocol that reduces scan distortion, stitching errors, and the need for manual alignment by technicians. This IPG workflow is compatible with both immediate and delayed loading protocols. For immediate surgical cases, “cap” scan bodies can be installed over multi-unit abutments immediately after placement—even in the presence of minor bleeding or soft-tissue mobility. For healed ridges, clinicians can use scan matching with a preoperative denture or existing prosthesis as a guide. This allows for prosthetically driven design with fewer appointments and no analog verification jigs.
First Appointment: Implant Capture and Tissue Scan
Objective: Digitally capture implant positions, soft tissue, opposing arch, and occlusion using a single device (Figures 1 to 5).
Begin with intraoral scan mode to capture:
- Existing teeth or temporary prosthesis (if present)
- Working arch soft tissue with multi-unit abutments
- Opposing arch and centric occlusion
These scans will serve as reference data for merging.
Place Shining 3D HACS (high accuracy coded scan bodies) after implant placement or exposure of multi-unit abutments:
- HACS bodies feature elongated, perpendicular flags designed to point toward the center of the arch for optimal visibility and camera overlap
- Activate photogrammetry mode using the 19- × 14-mm wide window tip
- Capture overlapping groups of HACS scan bodies within the scanner’s field of view
- Maintain sufficient overlap between groups to ensure continuity and data integrity
Switch back to intraoral scan mode to:
- Perform scan matching of the captured HACS bodies with the previously acquired soft tissue and occlusion scans
- Alternatively, during surgical procedures, use the Cap Scan Body option for immediate intraoral capture
Finalize data preparation:
- Manually convert the captured scan bodies into the desired library components specified by the laboratory
- Then, allow the Shining 3D native software to automatically align and merge all datasets into a unified, export-ready file compatible with full-arch CAD/CAM workflows
Second Appointment: Prosthesis Delivery
Objective:Deliver final or provisional prosthesis with verified passive fit (Figure 6). Design and fabrication proceed based on the converted IPG scan file. At delivery, perform a 1-screw test or radiographic verification to confirm passive fit. Minimal or no chairside adjustment is required due to the high trueness of IPG capture.
Additional applications include
- Healed Ridge Matching: for cases with delayed loading, scan matching can be performed using preoperative records such as a denture, scan prosthesis, or wax-up for faster prosthetic design.
- Surgical Cap Scan Bodies: special low-profile caps are available for use during immediate surgeries. These scan bodies are ideal in settings where bleeding or soft-tissue mobility would otherwise interfere with traditional IOS workflows.
SUMMARY
With IPG built into the Shining 3D Elite, clinicians now have access to one of the most streamlined and cost-effective implant capture solutions available. The ability to scan intraorally using coded markers eliminates the need for separate devices or third-party merging software. From immediate surgery to healed ridge cases, the Elite scanner simplifies full arch implant capture into a 2-step process that improves accuracy, reduces treatment time, speeds up delivery, and enhances patient satisfaction.
For more information, visit Shining3D.com
