Intraoral photogrammetry (IPG) is an intraoral scanning technology pioneered by SHINING 3D DENTAL that integrates “photogrammetry and structured light.” IPG scanners include Aoralscan Elite and Aoralscan Elite Wireless.
Its working principle involves placing multiple high-precision coded scanbodies inside the oral cavity. During scanning, the IPG dental scanner extracts the 3D coordinates of the coded points and combines their absolute coordinates to calculate the relative positions of the coded scanbodies. In this way, it accurately captures the positions of teeth, gingiva, and implants.
Unlike traditional methods, the IPG dental scanner focuses on spatial relationships rather than image stitching, achieving accuracy of up to 5 μm. It is designed for All-on-X implant cases.
As the demand for high-precision full-arch restorations continues to grow, dental photogrammetry technology is helping clinics achieve faster and more predictable digital workflows.
The primary concern is passive fit. This means that when a bridge or denture is installed, it should not create unnecessary pressure or stress. The prosthesis can seat naturally and precisely on the implants.
In single-tooth or short-span implant cases, small positional deviations have a limited impact. It is generally easier to achieve an accurate fit.
However, full-arch implant treatments often involve 4-6 or more implants distributed across the entire arch. The distance between implants is greater. As a result, even minor errors introduced during scanning, design, 3D printing, or milling can accumulate, preventing the bridge from seating passively.
If the prosthesis does not fit properly, stress can develop between the bridge and implants, leading to screw loosening, peri-implant bone loss, or even implant failure.
Intraoral scanners are suitable for crowns and short bridges. However, they have limitations in full-arch implant rehabilitation:
The image stitching can accumulate errors. The longer the scanning span, the lower the overall accuracy.
Obstacles such as cheeks, tongue, or existing restorations can affect complete data acquisition.
Saliva and blood may cause reflections and distortions.
Soft tissue structures may not be captured precisely.
SHINING 3D DENTAL understands the challenges faced by dentists. The IPG intraoral scanner aims to address common issues, including:
Error accumulation in full-arch scanning.
Unstable soft tissue.
Inaccurate scanbody matching.
Limited scanning field of view.
Scanning speed and ease of operation.
First, determine the ideal tooth position and maintain the patient’s vertical dimension of occlusion. There are generally three methods:
Fiduciary markers: Before surgery, 2-3 fiduciary markers are placed in both the maxilla and mandible. These markers remain in place until soft tissue data is collected after implant placement. This allows integration of preoperative and postoperative data.
Pre-retained teeth: Remaining teeth can serve as stable occlusal support and reference points. After completing jaw relation records, implants are placed.
Existing dentures: A well-adjusted and stable existing denture can be used as a template to determine the vertical dimension and position for new implant placement.
Proper implant angulation and depth are critical, as they directly influence prosthetic design and long-term success.
Coded scanbodies feature system-recognizable coded points that help precisely determine implant positions. They are available in three different lengths and are designed for easy identification by the scanner, ensuring that each marker is accurately captured.
After gingival healing or during All-on-X treatment, the coded scanbodies are connected to the MUA (multi-unit abutments).
An IPG scanner is used to capture the 3D coordinates of the coded points. Points that have not yet been captured appear in orange on the screen, while captured points appear in green. When all scan points turn green, the scan is complete. The entire process typically takes about 20-30 seconds.
The system calculates the precise implant positions based on the extracted coordinates and the absolute coordinates of the coded points.
After implant position capture is completed, the scanner switches back to its IOS camera to record surrounding soft tissue, occlusion, and adjacent teeth.
The scanning system directly aligns the coded scanbody position data with the soft tissue data to create the patient’s 3D oral model.
Next, you can select the specific MUA within the system and the implant system being used. All data alignment and matching processes are completed within the software, allowing a single dentist to perform the entire workflow.
The final data is exported to CAD software, such as Exocad, where the technician designs the full-arch denture. Because the implant positions are captured with high precision, the fit of the denture becomes more predictable.
Here, dental photogrammetry technology directly impacts the quality of the restoration. Passive fit reduces mechanical stress between the implants and the dentures.
Once the design is completed, the file is sent to a dental 3D printer to produce dentures that meet the patient’s immediate functional and aesthetic needs. The final restoration can also be fabricated through milling, depending on material selection.
The reliability of intraoral photogrammetry technology reduces the need for repeated try-ins. This saves time for both the clinic and the laboratory, improving overall efficiency and enhancing the patient experience.
As the name suggests, the intraoral photogrammetry (IPG) device captures implant position data inside the oral cavity. An extraoral photogrammetry (EPG) device, in contrast, performs measurements outside the mouth. The workflows of the two methods differ in several key steps.
In EPG, the dentist first uses a fixed photogrammetric machine or a high-end DSLR camera to take images of the patient’s teeth from multiple angles. Coded scanbodies are placed on the mouth, and the captured images are analyzed along with electromagnetic radiation patterns to obtain precise 3D data.
Soft tissue data must be acquired separately using an intraoral scanner.
Therefore, EPG involves more steps:
Extraoral capture of implant positions
IOS acquisition of soft tissue data
Integration of both datasets in CAD
Improper camera settings or insufficient lighting may affect the quality of the 3D model. Photogrammetry dentistry streamlines the workflow by reducing these extra procedures.
Yes. The SHINING 3D photogrammetry dental scanner can also function as a standard IOS for conventional restorations, orthodontics, and routine implant cases. The single device can cover all clinical needs.
Dental photogrammetry can be applied in All-on-X implant cases, orthodontics, routine implant treatments, as well as crown and bridge procedures. It is particularly suitable for All-on-X cases, significantly improving passive fit and reducing mechanical complications.
Contact SHINING 3D DENTAL for more information.
Data acquisition takes only 20-30 seconds. The efficient workflow allows it to easily adapt to your busy clinical schedule.
Yes. The IPG scanner can be integrated with SHINING 3D facial scanners and 3D dental printers. It supports advanced treatment solutions such as digital smile design, orthodontics, and temporomandibular disorder (TMD) management. By purchasing our e-Motion dental cart, you can use all these functions.
In addition, the IPG scanner is designed as an open system and can export STL, OBJ, and PLY files.
IPG devices have a relatively high purchase cost due to the upgraded precision. The SHINING 3D Aoralscan Elite series is priced at about $20,000 USD. However, for clinics handling a large number of full-arch restoration cases, the accuracy and efficiency of photogrammetry in dentistry can offset the investment over time and help build a strong professional reputation.