3D Facial Scanning in Full-Arch Implant Prosthodontics: Time Efficiency and Patient Satisfaction

This study compares two ways of planning the bite (jaw-relation) stage of full-arch, implant-supported dental prosthesis treatment: a standard digital approach, and the same approach with the addition of 3D facial scanning, which lets the dental team plan the new teeth against a scan of the patient's own face. The study measured how patients felt about their treatment using a validated questionnaire, and also tracked how many clinic visits and adjustments each approach needed. Twenty-two patients took part, randomly assigned to one of the two approaches.

Inclusion Criteria: * Adults (≥18 years) indicated for full-arch maxillary implant-supported fixed prosthetic rehabilitation * Completion of the surgical phase with stable implant osseointegration * Presence of healthy peri-implant soft tissues * Adequate oral hygiene status * Sufficient bone and soft-tissue conditions compatible with full-arch prosthetic rehabilitation * Ability to comply with all scheduled follow-up visits * Capacity to maintain natural head position during facial scanning procedures * Absence of significant gag reflex interfering with scanning/impression procedures * Ability to communicate effectively and complete questionnaires * Provision of written informed consent * Physically and psychologically fit for the planned treatment Exclusion Criteria: * Severe skeletal or orthognathic discrepancies * History of significant facial trauma or surgery affecting facial symmetry * Prior maxillofacial pathology affecting the surgical/prosthetic site * Uncontrolled systemic diseases affecting healing or treatment tolerance * Use of medications that alter osseointegration or facial soft tissues * Active oral or peri-implant infection * Neuromuscular disorders or temporomandibular joint dysfunction affecting jaw positioning * Conditions affecting the ability to maintain stable head position for scanning * Severe psychomotor limitations * Known hypersensitivity to materials used in bite registration or prosthesis fabrication * Inability or unwillingness to provide informed consent * Pregnancy or lactation, if deemed a contraindication by the supervising clinician * Poor compliance or demonstrated unreliability in past dental or medical care