Full-Arch Implants and the Technical Minefield: What Dentists Need to Know

When it comes to full-arch implant dentistry, accuracy, efficiency, and long-term reliability are essential. Selecting the right photogrammetry system to capture implant positions can mean the difference between a seamless workflow and costly adjustments.
After comparing multiple systems—including ICam from Imetric,, PIC Dental, MicronMapper, Tupel, Shining 3D Aoralscan Elite, and intraoral scanner-based methods—it’s clear that not all solutions offer the same level of precision and usability. In this guide, we’ll break down the pros and cons of each system to help you make the best investment for your practice.

Why ICam from Imetric is the Best Choice for Full-Arch Dentists

Calibration for Long-Term Accuracy
One of the key advantages of ICam from Imetric is its ability to calibrate the system over time, ensuring long-term precision.
Other systems, such as PIC, MicronMapper, and Tupel, do not offer calibration, meaning accuracy may degrade over time, potentially affecting full-arch restorations.
Titanium Scan Bodies for Superior Stability
Scan body materials play a crucial role in ensuring accurate implant positioning. ICam’s titanium scan bodies outperform plastic or PEEK (used in other systems) for the following reasons:
- No deformation when torqued
- No expansion in body temperature
- No distortion after autoclave sterilization
- Radiographically verifiable for added accuracy
  Many competing systems, such as PIC Dental, use proprietary plastic scan bodies, which can deform under torque, expand in the mouth, and lack radiographic visibility.
More Scan Body Targets for Maximum Redundancy
ICam features multiple scan body targets, which improves scan accuracy, especially in full-arch and complex cases. Systems like PIC have fewer targets, leading to greater potential for misalignment errors.
Vertical Scan Body Design for Improved Accuracy
Traditional horizontal scan bodies introduce more potential errors in implant positioning. ICam utilizes a vertical scan body design, reducing misalignment and increasing passive fit precision.
Captures Mandibular Flexure for Better Prosthetic Fit
Mandibular flexure—jaw movement during function—can impact the accuracy of full-arch restorations. ICam is one of the few systems that effectively accounts for mandibular flexure, reducing prosthetic misfits.
High Operator Independence
ICam offers a predictable and repeatable scanning process, allowing assistants to accurately capture implant positions. This significantly reduces the doctor’s chair time and increases efficiency.
Seamless Digital Workflow & Open System
Unlike closed systems such as PIC Dental, ICam offers full integration with Exocad, 3Shape, and other CAD/CAM software, giving dentists full control over their workflow.
Better Customer Support & No Subscription Fees
ICam provides strong customer support and does not require ongoing subscription fees, unlike PIC Dental, which operates on a subscription-based model that increases long-term costs.

Why Other Systems Fall Short

PIC Dental
- No calibration: Long-term accuracy can degrade.
- Fewer scan body targets: Lower accuracy in full-arch cases.
- Uses proprietary plastic scan bodies: Prone to deformation and temperature expansion.
- Closed system: Limited integration with CAD software.
- Subscription-based model: Higher costs over time.
MicronMapper
- No calibration: Accuracy may degrade.
- Limited scan body validation: Fewer real-world success cases.
- Fewer scan body targets: Less redundancy, increasing errors.
Tupel
- No calibration: Accuracy cannot be maintained long-term.
- Early market failures: Risky investment.
- Limited operator independence: Requires more skill to use effectively.
Shining 3D Aoralscan Elite
- Not a true photogrammetry system: Uses structured light scanning, which is less accurate.
- Reports of early market failures: Unreliable for full-arch cases.
- Not optimized for passive fit: More adjustments required.
Intraoral Scanner-Based Methods (ScanBridge, ScanDar, etc.)
- Prone to stitching errors: Lower accuracy than photogrammetry.
- Cannot capture mandibular flexure: Leads to misaligned prosthetics.
- Longer scan and processing time: More technique-sensitive.
- Poor patient comfort: Requires longer chair time.

Conclusion: ICam from Imetric is the Best Investment for Full-Arch Dentists

When considering long-term accuracy, scan body stability, patient comfort, operator efficiency, and ease of handling complex cases, ICam from Imetric is the clear winner. Its calibrated titanium scan bodies, open digital workflow, and ability to account for mandibular flexure make it the best photogrammetry system for full-arch implant restorations.
If you’re serious about growing your dental practice and reducing chair time while increasing precision, ICam is the most reliable and future-proof option.
Ready to upgrade your workflow? Contact us today to learn more about integrating ICam into your practice.

Full-Arch Implants and the Technical Minefield: What Dentists Need to Know

Why ICam from Imetric is the Best Choice for Full-Arch Dentists

Why Other Systems Fall Short

Conclusion: ICam from Imetric is the Best Investment for Full-Arch Dentists

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