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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →For recording implant positions in complete-arch restorations, dental photogrammetry is often more accurate than intraoral scanning in comparative studies—but the evidence does not establish a universal winner. The methods capture different information: photogrammetry focuses on the implants’ relative positions and angulations, while an intraoral scanner (IOS) records visible soft tissue and broader arch anatomy. Many workflows use both.
Which is more accurate for full-arch implant impressions?
Recent reviews generally favor photogrammetry for measuring implant-position capture, but their findings differ and should be read in context. A 2023 systematic review of nine studies—three clinical and six in vitro—found comparable accuracy for intraoral scanning and photogrammetry in full-arch edentulous cases. It also noted methodological variation and said that acceptable misfit thresholds and objective criteria need verification in clinical studies (2023 systematic review).
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A 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis included 13 studies, three in vivo and ten in vitro. Stereophotogrammetry was favored in ten studies, but results were not uniform; the authors called for further clinical trials (Altalla et al., published online 2025). A separate review published online in 2025 and included in a 2026 journal issue analyzed 14 studies and found significantly better photogrammetry trueness and precision for the implant-position outcomes measured (Altalla et al., 2026 issue).
These results are not a direct ranking of every current scanner or every clinical situation. The reviews include different studies, devices, protocols, and endpoints, and much of the comparative evidence is in vitro. Better measured implant-position accuracy does not by itself establish better patient outcomes or a better complete prosthetic record.
#1 Best Overall
- Mini Body:246g, small and ergonomic design 14mm ultra low inlet height 1 7mm great depth of Ĭeld
- High accuracy for data:Get the impression data directly and the data can be uploaded directly to cloud, which makes it easy to restore and traceable.
- Intuitive image:Realistic scan colors,Offers full HD color or monochromatic scanning
- CAD/CAM Systems for Dentists,Produces open STL and PLY files for easy sharing with the lab of your choice
- Supports full clinical workflows in orthodontics, restorative, implant and sleep dentistry
What “accuracy” means in these studies
- Trueness is closeness to a reference value or model.
- Precision is repeatability across repeated measurements.
- Deviation measures may describe linear or inter-implant distance, angular position, or surface differences. A result for one measure is not automatically a result for another.
There is no single clinically meaningful micron cutoff established here for all systems and cases. The 2024 review of 23 in-vitro studies on digital versus conventional methods illustrates the mixed picture: 12 study-level conclusions favored digital techniques, six favored conventional methods, and five found comparable accuracy. Those are conclusions from laboratory studies, not patient-level outcome counts (Joensahakij, Serichetaphongse, and Chengprapakorn, 2024).
What each method captures
Photogrammetry: implant relationships
A typical extraoral dental photogrammetry system uses dedicated markers or transfers to record the three-dimensional positions and angulations of multiple implants. Its central output is the implants’ relationship to one another, rather than a complete map of the surrounding soft tissue and arch.
Rank #2
- 【Adjustable-height Tabletop】Featuring a flexible height-adjustable Tabletop(30 cm to 87 cm), this design adapts perfectly to different user heights and usage scenarios for enhanced comfort. With a spacious 60x42 cm surface area and a 30 kg load capacity, it easily accommodates daily equipment and supplies. Note that the column height is fixed, with only the worksurface adjustable for targeted convenience.
- 【Universal Oral Scanner Holder】This universal holder is compatible with major intraoral scanners including 3Shape, iTero, Sirona, and Planmeca. It keeps your device organized and within reach, reducing clutter and saving time during dental procedures. The secure grip prevents accidental falls, protecting sensitive scanning equipment.
- 【Integrated Storage】Features a lockable drawer measuring 35x25 cm, offering safe and secure storage for valuable instruments such as intraoral scanners and other essential equipment. The lockable design protects your costly devices from loss or damage, ensuring convenient access while maintaining high security for your valuable dental and medical tools.
- 【Smooth Mobility】Equipped with four 360° swivel silent casters, each with an independent foot brake for flexible and stable control. The cart moves smoothly on various floors and surfaces, while the dedicated brakes firmly lock each wheel to keep the trolley steady, ensuring a safe and stable platform for precise operations.
- 【Hidden Cable Design】This cart features a hidden cable management system to keep wires tidy and out of the way, effectively reducing clutter and potential hazards, while maintaining a clean and professional workspace.
PIC Dental describes its own output this way: “The PIC file contains only the interrelated positions and angulations of the implants.” That is a vendor description of the PIC file, not an independent comparative clinical finding (PIC Dental workflow documentation).
Intraoral scanning: soft tissue and arch anatomy
An IOS uses optical scanning and implant scan bodies to create a digital record that can include visible soft tissue and broader arch anatomy as well as the scanned implant components. How reliably it resolves implant geometry depends on the scanner, scan-body library, implant platform, and case conditions (SHINING 3D implant scanning workflow).
Rank #3
- Simple Positioning: One hand operation for higher stability and convenience as well as freeing your fingers from your mouth for less cross infection
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- Better Images: Dynamic range of 16 bits creates high quality images for accurate diagnosis. For example: Periapical images after root canal filling. Periodontal ligament widening.Trabecular bone structure is clearly visible.Perfect wisdom teeth structure image
- Package includes: Digital sensor: 1Set; U Disk: 1Pcs; Sensor holder: 1Pcs; Disposable Sensor protective sleeve:100Pcs; Aluminum plate:1Pcs (40*40*6mm)
How the workflows differ—and combine
Photogrammetry and IOS are not necessarily competing, one-for-one ways to capture a complete prosthetic record. A common combined approach uses photogrammetry for implant positions and a separate IOS scan or conventional impression for soft tissue and arch anatomy. The datasets are then aligned in dental CAD software.
- Record implant positions. Use a compatible photogrammetry system and its markers or transfers to capture the relative implant positions and angulations.
- Capture the surrounding anatomy. Make a separate IOS scan or impression for soft tissue and arch information that the photogrammetry file does not contain.
- Align the records. Match the implant-position file to the soft-tissue or arch record in the dental CAD workflow, using supported landmarks and software.
PIC Dental says its workflow can use scan bodies, healing caps, implant platforms, or transepithelial abutments as alignment markers. Those options describe that vendor’s workflow; compatibility and exact steps should not be generalized to other systems (PIC Dental workflow documentation).
Rank #4
- Instant, High-Definition Imaging: Digitize the oral cavity with exceptional clarity. Our system provides instant, high-quality images crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. The preset exposure function simplifies the process, enabling rapid capture with consistent results every time.
- Unparalleled Efficiency and Uptime: Never worry about power during a busy clinic day. With a robust battery that supports over 300 exposures per charge, your workflow remains smooth and uninterrupted.
- Designed for Comfort and Stability: We prioritize the operator's experience. The lightweight design, coupled with an elastic and fully adjustable hand strap, reduces fatigue and ensures a stable, secure grip for perfect shooting posture and sharp images, regardless of hand size.
- Intelligent and User-Friendly Workflow: From power-on to image capture, the process is streamlined for maximum efficiency. The responsive 3.0-inch IPS LCD screen offers quick touch control and a wide viewing angle, allowing for easy operation and immediate image assessment right at the point of care.
- Commitment to Safety: Your well-being is our priority. The System is engineered to produce high-resolution diagnostic images while maintaining very low radi-ation doses. The secure strap and stable handling provide an added layer of safety during operation.
With an IOS-centered workflow, the clinician scans implant scan bodies along with visible anatomy. It may provide both implant-component and soft-tissue data in one capture process, but the result depends on the scanner, components, library, and case. Neither workflow’s file should be assumed to contain information it was not designed to capture.
When each approach makes sense
- Consider photogrammetry when the case involves a complete arch or multiple implants and accurately transferring their relative positions is a priority.
- Use IOS when soft-tissue geometry and broader arch anatomy are needed, whether as the primary capture method or alongside photogrammetry.
- Consider a combined workflow when the case calls for photogrammetry’s implant-position record as well as a separate record of the surrounding anatomy.
The current reviews do not establish one best method for every patient, restorative indication, or product. Their comparisons cover particular systems and study protocols, not every scanner now available.
Best Value
- Crystal clear pictures.Can be integrated into most North American imaging software
- Button work with DEXIS, Eaglesoft, Apteryx, Adstra, XDR, CDR, Schick, Tracker, Cleardent, DentiMax CaptureLink, CliniView, ProfSuni, Dentrix Ascend, EasyDent-i Digora, Mogo, Romexis, OneView, ExaminePro,TigerView,Tab32,Owandy QuickVision VixWin, CADI, Dentrix Image, Carestream/Kodak/CS Imaging, Cliosoft/Sota, CurveHero, iDentalsoft DBSwin, Dettio, Progeny, Sopro, Sidexis XG, Sidexis 4G, Dental EMR, EvaSoft.
- CAPTURE BUTTON Driver included which make the capture button work in above software. DON'T BUY if your imaging software is NOT in above list unless you agree to use this camera's software
- Ergonomic daesign to easily take picture from upper and lower capture button.Direct connect to computer's USB to use. No other hardware and software required.Work on Windows 10/8/7/XP.Anti-fog, non-spherical lens.
- Come with software you need.Automatic power-off function.Content:camera:1,holder:1,USB cable:1,Sheath:50 pieces.Auto-focus,Resolution:1600x1200,Video size:640x480,Image format:JPEG,Cable length:2m (6.5 feet),weight of handset:34g
How to compare systems for a specific case
Before selecting a method or purchasing equipment, compare the workflow against the actual case and laboratory requirements:
- Accuracy endpoint: Check whether the evidence reports trueness, precision, linear or angular deviation, surface deviation, or inter-implant distance.
- Evidence type and case match: Distinguish in-vitro from in-vivo findings, and check the number and distribution of implants and how closely study conditions resemble the intended case.
- Capture coverage: Establish whether the system records implant positions only or also the soft tissue and arch anatomy required for the prosthesis.
- Workflow burden: Account for any separate scan or impression, dataset alignment, and handoffs to the laboratory.
- Compatibility: Confirm support for the relevant implant platforms, markers or scan bodies, scanner libraries, and CAD workflow.
Verify current model capabilities and platform support with the manufacturer and dental laboratory before committing to a workflow. Compatibility is system- and platform-specific; a generic scan body should not be treated as a universal substitute for manufacturer-supported components.
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