ioConnect Review: Elevating Implant Scanning Workflows

In the ever-evolving landscape of dental technology, ioConnect is making waves as a versatile solution for implant scanning and soft tissue management. Here's a comprehensive review based on a recent video breakdown of the ioConnect system, highlighting its features, workflow, and the user experience from a professional's perspective.

What is ioConnect?

The ioConnect system is a streamlined implant scanning solution designed to work seamlessly with existing intraoral scanners (IOS). It features a unique set of components, including:

• Small, Medium, and Large Scan Flags for capturing accurate implant positions.
• A specialized screwdriver for easy handling.
• THS Caps (Tissue Healing Caps), which allow for precise soft tissue compression and easy scanning.

The standout feature of ioConnect is its compatibility with various IOS devices, enabling dental professionals to achieve accurate scans without the need for costly photogrammetry equipment.

Why THS Caps Matter

A critical challenge in implant scanning is managing the soft tissue, especially when patients have irregular tissue profiles. Traditional systems often provide only one size of healing abutment, making it difficult to capture a clear scan, particularly when there’s bleeding or uneven soft tissue.

The THS Caps from ioConnect address this issue by offering multiple cuff heights, allowing the clinician to:

• Compress the tissue effectively.
• Capture a precise soft tissue scan with minimal interference.
• Use the caps with any existing intraoral scanner, eliminating the need for additional, expensive equipment.

Workflow: A Case Study

The video demonstrates a typical use case of ioConnect in a clinical scenario involving a lower arch restoration. Here’s the step-by-step process:

1. Initial Scanning and Temporary Fabrication:

   • The clinician starts by placing the implants and then fabricates a temporary restoration chairside.
   • Using the THS Caps, a quick soft tissue scan is performed with a Trios scanner, capturing accurate soft tissue details in under a minute.
   • Tips for success include keeping the scanner tips clean and calibrated to avoid rescans.

2. Upper Arch Scanning:

   • The upper arch is scanned, even though no immediate treatment is planned for it. This helps align the bite registration later in the process.

3. Bite Registration:

   • The clinician ensures that the THS Caps are visible during the bite scan, setting up a perfect alignment for occlusion.

4. ioConnect Scan Bodies:

   • The ioConnect system uses its own scan bodies, starting with the large size in the posterior region and moving to medium and small sizes as needed.
   • The entire scan, including all hexagons on the scan bodies, is captured quickly and efficiently, minimizing the time required for the process.

5. Comparison with Photogrammetry:

   • The clinician compares the ioConnect scans with photogrammetry scans and other intraoral scans (Trios and Shining 3D). The results show that the ioConnect scans are highly accurate, with nearly perfect alignment across all comparisons.

Advantages of ioConnect

The ioConnect system offers several notable benefits:

• Efficiency: The entire scan process, from soft tissue to implant scan, can be completed in a matter of minutes.
• Compatibility: Works with any existing intraoral scanner, such as the Trios, without requiring additional equipment.
• Multiple Cuff Heights: Unique to ioConnect, the THS Caps allow for individualized tissue management, improving scan accuracy.
• Cost-Effective: Priced significantly lower than full photogrammetry systems, making it a more accessible choice for many practices.

Choosing the Right System: A Practical Guide

For dentists wondering whether to invest in ioConnect, photogrammetry, or stick with their current scanner, the decision boils down to practice needs and patient complexity.

• If You Already Have a Trios Scanner:

  • If you are satisfied with your current workflow and experience no issues, there’s no urgent need to change.
  • However, if you occasionally face difficult cases with challenging soft tissue, adding ioConnect can be a valuable upgrade for only about $3,000.

• For New Users Without a Scanner:

  • The Shining 3D system is an entry-level option that includes intraoral photogrammetry capabilities but may lack the high precision of the Trios in soft tissue scanning.
  • ioConnect provides a mid-range solution, offering high accuracy without the hefty price tag of traditional photogrammetry equipment.

• Advanced Practices:

  • Practices with a diverse range of scanners (e.g., Trios, Shining, photogrammetry) may find that ioConnect integrates well as an additional tool, providing flexibility and enhancing the overall workflow.

Final Thoughts

ioConnect has proven itself as a reliable and efficient tool for implant scanning. It bridges the gap between standard intraoral scanning and high-cost photogrammetry, offering a practical middle ground with enhanced capabilities for soft tissue management.

Pros:

• Fast, accurate scans with a streamlined workflow.
• Cost-effective solution compared to full photogrammetry systems.
• Flexible use of multiple cuff heights for optimal tissue management.

Cons:

• The scan bodies could benefit from clearer differentiation between sizes (small, medium, large).
• Minor challenges may arise when integrating with some scanner software modules.

Conclusion

The ioConnect system is an excellent choice for dental professionals looking to enhance their implant scanning capabilities without breaking the bank. Its user-friendly design, compatibility with existing scanners, and innovative THS Caps make it a standout option in the market.

For practices looking to elevate their game, ioConnect offers a practical solution that’s accurate, efficient, and easy to integrate. Whether you’re a seasoned implant specialist or just entering the digital workflow, ioConnect provides the tools you need to deliver precise, high-quality restorations.

If you’re considering adding ioConnect to your practice, it’s a worthwhile investment that can streamline your workflow and deliver excellent results for your patients.