In today’s world of digital dentistry, your scan body is the one piece that can make or break the entire workflow.
It’s a small part – light, unassuming – but if it fails to scan cleanly or fit with precision, the result can be disastrous: incorrect emergence profile, open margins, misaligned crowns, or worse… a full remake.
So what separates an okay scan body from a great one?
After using dozens of scan bodies from different suppliers – and finally settling on OEMDent – I can tell you exactly what to look for.
🧠 First, What Is a Scan Body?
If you’re new to the world of digital implants, let’s break it down simply:
A scan body is a temporary component that connects to the implant or abutment during the intraoral or model scan. It tells your CAD softwareexactly where the implant is positioned in the mouth – down to the micron.
Once the scan body is captured digitally, it’s removed and replaced with a custom abutment or titanium base, and your final restoration is fabricated.
That means your entire design is based on how well that scan body was captured.
🔍 The 5 Qualities of a Great Scan Body
After hundreds of digital implant cases, here’s what I’ve learned are the non-negotiables:
1. Perfect Fit on the Implant
This is number one, period.
The scan body must seat passively on the implant connection – no rocking, no pressure. If there’s even a slight misfit, your software will miscalculate the implant angle or depth, and your final crown won’t sit right.
OEMDent’s scan bodies fit smoothly and solidly. We’ve tested them on Zimmer®, MIS®, and conical internal hex platforms – and every single time, the fit has been tight, passive, and consistent.
2. Sharp, Clean Scannable Geometry
Ever struggled to get a good scan because your body couldn’t capture the angles?
Scan bodies must have well-defined edges and sharp surfaces so your intraoral or lab scanner can pick them up instantly – even in tough conditions (like wet fields or patient movement).
OEMDent’s scan bodies are made from PEEK (polyether ether ketone), a premium material that gives:
- High contrast for scanning
- No glare or light scatter
- Clear, structured surfaces
We’ve used them on both desktop and intraoral scanners – they scan beautifully in under 3 seconds.
3. Reusability Without Deformation
Some scan bodies wear out quickly – especially plastic ones. After 3 or 4 uses, they start to deform at the screw channel or indexing base, throwing off accuracy.
A great scan body should be:
- Reusable (within reason)
- Resistant to wear
- Still accurate after multiple autoclave cycles (if indicated)
In our lab, OEMDent’s scan bodies have lasted 10+ uses without warping, loosening, or losing accuracy. That’s rare in the sub-$40 range.
4. Easy Screw Access and Handling
Scan body screws are often an afterthought – until you drop one, or it strips mid-case.
OEMDent designed their screws with:
- Easy driver compatibility
- Deep internal threading
- Smooth tightening – no binding, no stripping
Also, the scan bodies themselves have flared bases for easier gripping with gloved hands – a small feature that makes a big difference.
5. Flawless Integration with CAD Libraries
Here’s where many scan bodies fail – not in the mouth, but on the screen.
If your scan body doesn’t match the digital library used by your software, even a perfect physical scan won’t help.
OEMDent provides CAD libraries for Exocad, 3Shape, and Dental Wings, with:
- All major platforms covered
- Indexed and non-indexed options
- Clear labeling for collar height and connection type
We’ve had zero library mismatch issues since switching to OEMDent.
➡️ Download OEMDent’s CAD Libraries Here (from gdentalt’s website – their parent company)
🧪 Case Study: How One Scan Body Saved an Entire Arch
We had a full-arch zirconia hybrid case on a MIS® multi-unit setup. The patient’s arch was scanned with a third party scan body from another vendor. But something felt off – the crowns weren’t seating, and the occlusion was off by almost 0.5mm.
We re-scanned using OEMDent’s scan bodies. Same scanner. Same software. Same technician.
Result?
- Margins aligned
- Occlusion corrected
- Crown seated passively
- Case delivered on time
It wasn’t the scanner. It wasn’t the design. It was the scan body – and OEMDent saved the day.
💬 Final Thoughts: Choose Smart, Choose Reliable
Your scan body may be small, but it’s the foundation of your entire digital implant case. When it fails, everything above it fails too.
OEMDent’s scan bodies deliver:
✅ Perfect fit
✅ Consistent results
✅ Sharp scan geometry
✅ Strong CAD support
✅ Incredible price point
If you’re tired of remakes, loose fits, or just want peace of mind, start with a better scan body.
👉 Browse OEMDent’s Scan Body Collection Now
You’ll feel the difference from the very first scan.
