06/23/2025
Why Horizontal Scan Bodies Are Gaining Popularity
Horizontal scan bodies are becoming increasingly common in full-arch cases because they provide more predictable scan accuracy compared to conventional vertical scan bodies.
Their results are comparable to photogrammetry, but the key advantage is that they are compatible with standard intraoral scanners (IOS), making the workflow more accessible and streamlined.
What Makes Them So Effective?
The complex geometry of horizontal scan bodies helps the IOS capture more accurate and distinct reference points, which improves the precision of the scan—especially important in full-arch restorations.
In This Case
We are testing the Scanladder system (Scan Ladder) developed by Dr. Adam Nutly, which is compatible with the Medit SmartX and can be uploaded into the Exocad scan body library.
The Challenge
Due to the close proximity of the implant positions, not all scan bodies could be captured in a single scan.
Two Possible Workarounds:
Import the scan body library into Medit and let the AI automatically recognize and align them.
Scan the majority of scan bodies first, then mask them so they are not altered during a second scan. After masking, scan the missing ones next to the masked areas.
This approach takes advantage of the fact that neither the scanner nor the design software uses a collision model, allowing for the accurate alignment of multiple scan segments. A practical example of adapting digital workflows to get reliable and precise full-arch outcomes.
