Intraoral scanning provides highly accurate soft-tissue and crown-surface information, while CBCT captures bone structure and root morphology. Combining the two datasets creates a complete three-dimensional digital model of the oral cavity, enabling precise diagnosis, planning, and treatment across multiple specialties.
Main Fusion Methods
Point-Based Registration on Natural Teeth (Most Common)
Both the intraoral scan model and the CBCT reconstruction contain the natural tooth crowns.
Manually select 3–5 common anatomical landmarks (cusp tips, fossae, etc.) for initial alignment.
The software then performs automatic surface refinement using the Iterative Closest Point (ICP) algorithm.
Suitable for cases with a sufficient number of natural teeth.
Typical accuracy: 0.1–0.3 mm - adequate for implant planning.
Radiopaque Marker Guide (Edentulous or Partially Edentulous Cases)
Fabricate a customized guide containing radiopaque markers (barium sulfate or gutta-percha points).
Patient wears the guide during CBCT acquisition.
Intraorally scan the mucosal surface without the guide and the intaglio surface of the guide itself.
Match the datasets using the markers and guide geometry.
Preferred method for fully edentulous implant cases.
Photogrammetry (High-Precision Solution)
Use dedicated photogrammetry systems (e.g., Shining 3D IPG, pilotDENT, or similar) to capture implant scan bodies.
Achieves accuracy of 5–10 μm - significantly higher than CBCT alone.
Fused with CBCT data primarily for verification of implant positions in edentulous arches.
Direct Marker Registration
Place barium sulfate-containing markers (e.g., composite resin points) on the dentition.
Markers are visible in both the intraoral scan and CBCT.
Less frequently used due to added chairside steps.
Key Clinical Applications
Implant treatment planning (most common and highest-value application)
Impacted tooth extraction planning
Endodontic assessment (root–bone relationships)
Orthognathic surgery planning
Periodontal bone defect evaluation
Temporomandibular joint assessment
Factors Affecting Fusion Accuracy
Number and morphological complexity of teeth in the registration area (more distinct cusps improve precision)
CBCT resolution and presence of metal artifacts
Quality of the intraoral scan data
Operator precision in landmark selection
Edentulous cases show significantly lower accuracy than dentate cases; radiopaque guides or photogrammetry are strongly recommended
Supporting Accurate Scan–CBCT Fusion with Aident Technology
Aident's AI-30 intraoral scanner delivers powder-free, true-color scanning with ≤10 μm accuracy and excellent depth of field, producing clean, high-quality surface data ideal for reliable registration with CBCT. Open STL/PLY/OBJ export ensures seamless compatibility with major implant planning and surgical guide software. When combined with Aident 3D printers, clinics and laboratories can efficiently produce radiopaque guides and surgical templates within a fully digital workflow.
Achieve more predictable implant and surgical outcomes with high-quality digital data fusion.
Contact Aident Technology for product specifications, clinical workflow consultation, or a customized quotation:
https://www.aident3d.com/inquiry
