Successfully delivering all-on-x restorations often comes down to the smallest details—those moments where careful planning, implant placement and accurate data all come together. These are the instances that can define the success—or failure—of a full arch prosthetic delivery. Any clinician who has meticulously followed best practices in executing analog impression methods understand that an all-on-x prosthesis may still fail to achieve chairside passivity. At minimum, analog impressions unnecessarily waste chairside time. Reimagining all-on-x with photogrammetry is a game changer.
Why Photogrammetry Improves Full Arch Implant Accuracy
Photogrammetry may sound like high-tech jargon, but its purpose is very simple—it captures the exact 3D position of dental implants with a level of precision that’s nearly impossible to match with traditional full arch impression taking methods. In all-on-x cases, even the slightest deviation in capturing the implant positions can lead to a poor prosthetic fit, frustrating adjustments and lost time.
“A friend of mine convinced me to use a traditional analog jig to save money on my lab expenses,” said Dr. Jonathan Ouellette, Dream Dental Services, Altamonte Springs, Florida. “My records were perfect, but the lab tech couldn’t figure it out. I ended up doing the conversion myself, and it cost me a lot of time. At that moment I vowed never to do another jig again.”
Analog impressions or even conventional intraoral scanners can struggle to maintain accuracy over the longer spans that are common to full arch. This is where photogrammetry proves invaluable. Photogrammetry systems like MicronMapper are purpose-built to record implant positions quickly and reliably—without distortion. This makes them especially useful when working with multi-unit abutments and long-span restorations like all-on-x cases.
Using MicronMapper for Accurate All-on-X Digital Impressions
Within the realm of photogrammetry technology, clinicians recognize MicronMapper for its balance of simplicity and precision.. Designed specifically for full arch implant workflows, this chairside device eliminates the guesswork often associated with long-span digital scans.
One of the most appreciated features is how seamlessly MicronMapper integrates with leading CAD/CAM systems. The data it produces is clean and reliable, which translates to better-fitting prosthetics and fewer lab adjustments. For practices offering full arch implant services, this tool fits naturally into an efficient, fully digital workflow.
“An increased level of accuracy was the main reason I decided to adopt a photogrammetry protocol,” said Dr. Ouellette. “With MicronMapper we can achieve levels of accuracy that are within 5-microns. This allows me to predictably attain complete passivity with each case.”
With this level of precision, labs receive more accurate data, reducing the need for remakes or chairside modifications. For clinicians and patients alike, it means smoother delivery appointments, more predictable results and a higher standard of care.
Join Us in Phoenix for Live Photogrammetry and Full Arch Implant Training
Full arch implant dentistry remains one of the fastest growing sectors in all of dentistry. Simply put, there is a large patient demand. More than 36 million adults in the U.S. are fully edentulous, and even more are partially edentulous with just a few remaining ailing-failing natural teeth.
Some of these patients are likely in your practice. They are in every dental practice and deserve the best of care that full arch implant dentistry can offer. Join us in Phoenix, Arizona on November 7-8, 2025 to learn the latest advancements and digital techniques in full arch implant dentistry.
Dr. Shaun Young, OMS of Tampa, Florida will share the surgical techniques that has allowed him to achieve exceptional surgical predictability across more than 1,000 all-on-x cases. Instrumentation, ridge reduction, A/P spread, L-PRF membranes and complications will be discussed throughout his presentation and in the live patient demonstration. You’ll learn from his discussion on why he is such a believer in photogrammetry technology and how he uses it.
Dr. Andrew Ferrier, prosthodontist, Lafayette, California will share his vast full arch restorative experiences acquired over more than a decade that includes working for a national dental implant center and private practice. Best practices in all-on-x restorations including smile line esthetics, VDO, final full-arch prosthetic design and photogrammetry will be discussed.
Attendees will experience the ease and simplicity of the MicronMapper digital technology through hands-on training. Marcus Hines, founder of Marketing Implant Consulting, and Stacy Feffer-Farley, founder of Full Arch Sales Experts will present proven strategies that will help you attract and consistently close more full arch dental implant procedures.
Register today for the Phoenix full arch implant course with live MicronMapper photogrammetry training. Courses sell out fast!
Join Us in Phoenix for Live Photogrammetry and Full Arch Implant Training
As technology continues to evolve, tools like MicronMapper are helping clinicians take full arch implant dentistry to the next level. By improving accuracy, reducing chairtime, and simplifying the prosthetic workflow, photogrammetry is no longer just a futuristic concept. Photogrammetry is a practical solution that is available today.
The opportunity to implement this level of precision into your practice is here, and the November TeethXpress course in Phoenix is the perfect place to start.
FAQs on Photogrammetry and MicronMapper
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What is photogrammetry in full arch implant dentistry?
Photogrammetry is a digital imaging technique used to precisely capture the 3D position of dental implants—especially helpful in full arch cases like All-on-X. Instead of stitching multiple intraoral scans or relying on analog impressions, photogrammetry uses specialized cameras to instantly map implant locations with micrometer-level accuracy. This results in better-fitting prosthetics, fewer adjustments, and more predictable outcomes. -
Why is MicronMapper better than a traditional scan body workflow?
MicronMapper eliminates the need for scan bodies and lengthy intraoral scans. With just a few quick captures, it records the exact spatial relationship between multi-unit abutments. Unlike traditional methods, which can introduce errors over long spans, MicronMapper delivers distortion-free data that integrates directly with CAD/CAM systems. The result: greater accuracy, less chairside time, and more consistent passivity. -
How does photogrammetry improve passivity in All-on-X prosthetics?
Passivity means that the final prosthesis fits over implants without tension—critical for long-term success. Photogrammetry improves passivity by delivering a highly accurate digital record of implant positions, minimizing discrepancies that often occur with analog jigs or conventional scanning. With more precise data, the prosthetic is fabricated to fit perfectly the first time, reducing stress on implants and components. -
Where can I get hands-on MicronMapper training?
Clinicians can experience MicronMapper live during the TeethXpress Digital Workflow and Live Surgery Course in Phoenix, Arizona on November 7–8, 2025. This hands-on course includes a real patient surgery, photogrammetry training, and step-by-step guidance on integrating digital workflows into All-on-X treatment. Register now to secure your spot.
