Scan-body shape and size and scanning accuracy

English technical abstract

The study evaluates how implant scan-body geometry contributes to the accuracy of optical 3D scanning. The authors compared fifteen PEEK* scan bodies with spherical, cylindrical and cuboid geometries. Reference values were measured with a coordinate measuring machine and then compared with laboratory scans.

In practice, a scan body is not a passive accessory. It is reference geometry from which the software derives implant position. Shape, height and width can therefore affect both linear and angular transfer accuracy.

scanbodyshapesizetrueness*precision*

What the article covers and how to read it

Scan-body shapeIn the study, cylindrical scan bodies achieved better linear accuracy than cuboid and spherical variants.

Angular informationAccording to the authors, spherical geometry cannot transmit implant angulation because it lacks a readable axis.

Dimensions and readabilityWithin the cylindrical group, narrow scan bodies performed worse than wider variants. Taller scan bodies showed better angular trueness than shorter variants.

Clinical relevanceA well-designed scan body can improve transfer of the implant’s 3D position, which matters for passive fit and long-term restoration behaviour.

Relevance for the laboratory, dental practice and technical support

For deeper or less accessible implants, complete visibility of the upper scan-body geometry should be considered.
When alignment* problems recur, the library should not be the only focus. Scan-body visibility, height and shape in the specific clinical situation must also be verified.
The article supports the principle that a scan body should be geometrically clear, readable and sufficiently stable for the intended type of scan.

Limitations and cautious interpretation

This is an in-vitro study using experimental PEEK scan bodies and a laboratory scanner. The results should therefore be read as principles of design and geometric readability, not as a universal comparison of all commercial scan bodies.

Original source article

Original title: Effect of shape and size of implant scan body on scanning accuracy*: An in vitro study

Download the original PDF

The source document remains available so readers can verify the original wording, methodology and results.

PDF

Related IPD pages and workflows

Glossary of abbreviations and specialist terms

An asterisk next to a term in the text refers to its explanation below.

full-arch: Full-arch means the entire dental arch, typically a scan or reconstruction of a complete edentulous arch.
trueness: Trueness describes how close a measurement result is to the true reference value.
accuracy: Accuracy describes overall closeness to the true value.
precision: Precision describes repeatability, the ability to obtain similar results when a measurement is repeated.
alignment: Alignment is the registration or matching of a scanned 3D model to reference library geometry in CAD software.
PEEK: PEEK is polyether ether ketone, an engineering polymer used, among other applications, in some scan bodies.

Effect of scan-body shape and size on scan accuracy