Accuracy of a smartphone app and photogrammetry algorithm in complete arch digital implant capture: An in vivo comparative study

Following two previous studies on PIC app, one analyzing the smartphone-based photogrammetry workflow and another conducting the first in vitro study with PIC app, a new milestone has been reached with the first in vivo analysis, published in the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. This achievement is particularly noteworthy given that PIC app was launched only seven months ago and has already captured the attention of both the clinical community and research groups.

This new peer-reviewed in vivo study aimed to compare the accuracy of complete arch implant capture using two different extraoral photogrammetry systems, the dedicated format PIC system and the smartphone app PIC app.

The in vivo results align with the previous in vitro study, indicating that PIC app provides sufficient accuracy for recording implant positions in complete-arch prostheses.

Study design for comparing recordings made with a dedicated conventional photogrammetry device (PIC system) and a smartphone-based photogrammetry system (PIC app)

The mean ±standard deviation absolute difference between PIC system and PIC app was 21 ±16 μm and 0.20 ±0.17 degrees. The interimplant distance did not signifficantly affect linear trueness (P>.05) or angular trueness (P>.05). The arch type did affect linear trueness P<.001, but did not affect angular truness (P=.310).

Screenshot of the STL file generated by PIC app and table with the linear and angular Euclidean measurements obtained in same file

The in vivo study was conducted with eight participants (10 edentulous arches: 8 maxillary, 2 mandibular, each restored with six multiunit implant abutments), aged 62–82 years. For each arch, five recordings were made using PIC app and one capture using PIC system as the gold standard reference extraoral photogrammetry device. The resulting STL files were analyzed for linear and angular Euclidean distances, and trueness and precision were assessed using mixed-effects models and Levene tests.

PIC transfers screwed onto implant abutments and recording of the scan bodies with an iPhone smartphone with PIC app

The research group concludes that:

• PIC app is sufficiently accurate for complete arch implant recordings (with 6 abutments in this study).
• Implant distance does not affect accuracy.
• PIC app offers a cost-effective, accessible alternative to conventionally bulky and costly extraoral and intraoral photogrammetry systems without compromising accuracy.

By paving the way for additional clinical studies, this in vivo study validates the accuracy of PIC app under real clinical conditions and demonstrates the clinical viability of smartphone-based photogrammetry compared to PIC system's gold standard, opening the door to broader adoption of accessible digital workflows.

This publication backs the contribution of PIC dental in developing the most accurate dedicated photogrammetry systems, as validated by over 49 scientific publications since its initial release in 2010, and contributes to advancing evidence-based practices with PIC app and expanding the possibilities for affordable, high-precision solutions in complete arch implant rehabilitation.

For practices starting their full-arch journey or looking for an affordable entry point into photogrammetry, PIC app offers clinical-grade precision without the complexity or upfront investment of traditional systems. Meanwhile, high-volume practices can rely on the dedicated solutions (PIC system, PIC system Gravity, and PIC system Station), which continue to set the gold standard for accuracy, backed by more than a decade of research.

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SOURCE

• Santamaría-Laorden, A., Castillo-Oyagüe, R., Martínez-Marugán, A., Quirós Sánchez, J.L., Andreu-Vázquez, C. & Orejas-Pérez, J. (2025) Accuracy of a smartphone app and photogrammetry algorithm in complete arch digital implant capture: An in vivo comparative study. The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry, Volume 161, 2025, 105969, ISSN 0300-5712 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdent.2025.105969