The Full-Arch Digital Workflow

The landscape of full-arch restorations has changed dramatically with the introduction of digital workflows. What was once a time-consuming, multi-appointment, analog process can now be streamlined into a highly accurate, efficient, and patient-friendly experience—all thanks to digital dentistry.

A full-arch digital workflow combines intraoral scanning, 3D printing, photogrammetry, CAD/CAM design, and in-office milling to deliver faster turnaround times, more predictable outcomes, and improved comfort for patients needing full-arch prosthetics. Whether it’s an all-on-X implant case or a complete denture, the digital approach offers benefits to both clinicians and patients alike.

What Is the Full-Arch Digital Workflow?

The full-arch digital workflow refers to the end-to-end digital process used in restoring a patient’s entire dental arch. It replaces traditional methods like physical impressions and stone models with digital tools that allow for better planning, design, and fabrication of prosthetics.

Key Steps in the Full-Arch Digital Workflow:

1. Initial Diagnosis and Planning

2. Digital Intraoral Scanning

3. Photogrammetry (for implant cases)

4. Digital Smile Design and CAD

5. 3D Printing or In-Office Milling

6. Try-In and Final Delivery

Each step is digitized to enhance precision, reduce time, and improve patient satisfaction.

Step-by-Step Breakdown

1. Diagnosis and Treatment Planning

• The digital workflow begins with CBCT imaging and facial scans to evaluate bone, soft tissue, and esthetics.

• Virtual planning tools allow the clinician to visualize implant placement and restorative design simultaneously.

2. Intraoral Scanning

• High-resolution intraoral scanners (like 3Shape TRIOS, Medit, or Shining 3D Aoralscan Elite) capture a digital impression of the edentulous arch or remaining dentition.

• Digital scans eliminate the need for traditional impressions, improving accuracy and patient comfort.

3. Photogrammetry (for implants)

• For full-arch implant cases, photogrammetry is used to record the exact spatial position of multiple implants with sub-micron accuracy.

• Systems like iCam4D, Tupel, or Shining 3D Aoralscan Elite with IPG make this step highly efficient and accurate.

• This step is crucial for multi-implant restorations, ensuring a perfect passive fit of the prosthesis.

4. Digital Design (CAD)

• The scan and photogrammetry data are imported into CAD software (e.g., exocad, 3Shape Dental System).

• A virtual setup is created for the prosthesis—this includes tooth arrangement, gingival contours, and occlusion.

• Digital Smile Design can be incorporated to visualize esthetics before fabrication.

5. Fabrication: Milling or 3D Printing

• 3D printers like SprintRay Pro 2, LuxCreo iLux Pro, or Asiga Max 2 are used to print prototypes, try-ins, or final prosthetics.

• In-office milling units (from Roland, vhf, or imes icore) fabricate the final zirconia or PMMA restoration for long-term durability.

• This step can be done in-house or sent to a lab, depending on your practice’s capabilities.

6. Try-In and Delivery

• A digitally printed or milled try-in ensures fit, function, and esthetics before the final prosthetic is delivered.

• Adjustments can be made digitally, avoiding multiple physical remakes.

• The final restoration is delivered with minimal chairside adjustment—thanks to the accuracy of the digital workflow.

Benefits of a Full-Arch Digital Workflow

Unmatched Accuracy

• Digital impressions and photogrammetry offer precise data capture, ensuring that implants and restorations fit perfectly.

Faster Turnaround Times

• What used to take weeks can now be completed in days or even same-day, especially with in-house fabrication.

Patient Comfort

• No more messy impressions or multiple visits—patients get a better experience from start to finish.

Predictable Results

• Digital planning allows clinicians to simulate the final outcome before treatment even begins, reducing surprises and remakes.

Improved Communication

• Digital files can be shared instantly with labs, specialists, or patients, improving collaboration and transparency.

Who Benefits from the Full-Arch Digital Workflow?

• Implant dentists and oral surgeons seeking precise full-arch restorations

• Prosthodontists who manage complex edentulous cases

• General dentists integrating implant solutions into their practice

• Patients who want faster, more comfortable, and more esthetic outcomes

The Future of Full-Arch Digital Dentistry

As technology continues to evolve, expect even more integration across scanning, design, and fabrication platforms. Artificial intelligence is already playing a role in treatment planning and automation, and cloud-based systems are making remote collaboration seamless.

With tools like:

• Photogrammetry for passive fit

• Direct-print prosthetics

• AI-driven design automation

• Chairside milling with same-day delivery

…full-arch digital workflows are no longer just for high-tech labs—they’re becoming accessible for practices of all sizes.

Where to get Full ARch Implant Training

Now that you know the basics, you may be wondering where you can get hands-on and try this for yourself.

Fortunately, we wrote down our personal favorite organizations doing a stellar job at teaching doctors the full arch workflow, including the latest digital tech to help you get there even faster!

Check out the full article: Top Implant & Full Arch Training Courses. 

Conclusion

The full-arch digital workflow is reshaping restorative dentistry by combining precision, speed, and patient-centered care. By leveraging technologies like intraoral scanning, photogrammetry, CAD/CAM, 3D printing, and in-office milling, dentists can deliver superior full-arch restorations with fewer appointments, better outcomes, and higher patient satisfaction.

Whether you're just starting to integrate digital tools or already running a tech-forward practice, the full-arch digital workflow is the key to offering modern, efficient, and life-changing full-arch treatment.

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We’ve worked with thousands of dentists across the US. We know what it takes to get up and running quickly, especially with new technology. That’s why we back all of our products with a comprehensive warranty, 24/7 product support, installation, and perhaps, most importantly, online and on-site training to help get you and your staff started with your new technology as quickly as possible.

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