Background: To capture the correct implant position using a digital impression it is necessary to
use a specific transfer post called an intra-oral scan body (ISB). Many factors will determine the
accuracy of digital impression, one of these factors is the material and the angulation of the intra-
oral scan body.
Objectives: Will using different materials and angulations for intra-oral scan body affect the
accuracy of the digital impression.
Materials and methods: The majority of ISB commercially available are made of one of two
different materials, polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and titanium, but the body of the scan body
may also contain aluminum alloy and various resins. Other materials were also examined from
studies in the literature, such as ceramics, metal (inox), a non-specified polymer, titanium alloy,
hybrids containing both titanium and PEEK, or PEEK and metal.
Comparing angulated implants with axial implants and the effect of such angulation when using
ISB on the accuracy of digital impressions.
Results: PEEK was the most accurate material, followed by titanium and hybrid PEEK with
titanium. Implant angulation doesn’t have an influence on the accuracy of digital impression
when using ISB, considering the depth of the installed implants would affect the visibility of the
scan body which will greatly affect the accuracy of digital impression.
Conclusion: The design and material of ISBs may influence the accuracy of digital impressions.
Implant angulation seems to have no effect on the accuracy of the digital impressions. On the
other hand, implant depth may affect the accuracy of the procedure.
