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Updated: Jun 8, 2026
Measuring the Complete-arch Distortion of an Optical Dental Impression
Published on: May 30, 2019
Use of a universal non-calibrated auxiliary geometric device for complete arch implant scanning
Seyed Ali Mosaddad1, Abolfazl Jalili2, Marina González-Álvarez3
1PhD Candidate, Department of Conservative Dentistry and Bucofacial Prosthesis, Faculty of Odontology, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), Madrid, Spain; and Adjunct Faculty Member, Department of Research Analytics, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, India.
Abstract:
Complete arch intraoral scans for implant-supported prostheses may be affected by cumulative stitching distortion because of limited geometric continuity between scan bodies. Various splinting and auxiliary approaches have been proposed to improve scanning accuracy; however, many require resin fixation, implant-specific components, or additional framework fabrication. This article describes a technique for using a universal, non-calibrated auxiliary geometric device (ScanClamp), inspired by a dental dam clamp design, to augment intraoral scan bodies during complete arch scanning for implant-supported prostheses. The device is fabricated from polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and mechanically retained to individual scan bodies through elastic deformation. Adjustable wing extensions may be oriented to establish continuous surface geometry across the arch. The technique is intended to enhance surface continuity within standard intraoral scanning workflows while remaining modular and implant system-independent.
