Using ioConnect Scan Bodies with TRIOS: Placement, Workflow & Best Practices

Overview

Delivering accurate and predictable full‑arch restorations has traditionally challenged both clinics and labs - especially when it comes to capturing precise multi‑unit abutment (MUA) positions. To help dental professionals streamline this process, 3Shape is partnering with TruAbutment to bring the ioConnect™ system into the TRIOS‑based full‑arch workflow.

The ioConnect scan body system is designed specifically for digital full‑arch cases and provides a simplified, highly accurate method for determining the exact location of MUAs using your intraoral scanner and a dedicated software tool. Unlike traditional full‑arch scanning - where long arch scans can introduce stitching errors - the ioConnect approach reduces the scan area and uses strategically placed scan bodies to maintain accuracy from the very first frames. This means clinicians can complete guided full‑arch scans more efficiently, with more predictable results, and without any additional hardware beyond their TRIOS scanner.

The complete solution consists of three elements: TRIOS scanning, ioConnect software, and the ioConnect kit - available in six connection‑specific variants to match the most common implant platforms.

How to Place ioConnect Scan Bodies for Optimal Accuracy

Correct placement of the ioConnect scan bodies is essential for achieving a highly accurate full‑arch digital impression. Because the ioConnect system determines MUA positions based on the geometry of the hexagons, even small placement errors can affect the accuracy of the final prosthetic design. Follow the guidelines below to ensure consistent and predictable results.

     Step 1: Ensure Each Scan Body Is Fully Seated

     Before scanning, verify that every ioConnect scan body is:

• Fully seated on the multi‑unit abutment (MUA)
• Securely tightened
• A loose or partially seated scan body can introduce positional inaccuracies that may only become visible later in the workflow, potentially compromising the final restoration.

     Step 2: Position the Hexagons Close Together

For the highest scanning precision:

• Position the hexagonal surfaces as close together as the arch allows
• Aim to orient them toward the lingual side
• This reduces the scanning area and ensures that several hexes fall within the scanner’s initial field of view (FOV), which significantly minimizes stitching errors in full‑arch scans.

     Step 3: Avoid Overlapping or Touching Scan Bodies

 Scan bodies must never touch or overlap.
 Even slight physical contact can distort the captured geometry and lead to MUA position misalignment during processing. Proper spacing ensures a clean scan and reliable software detection.

     Step 4: Keep Scan Bodies Clustered, Not Spread Apart

 Although scan bodies can be placed freely, wider spacing increases:

• Scanning time
• Risk of stitching errors
• Data deviation along the arch
• Keep them clustered whenever possible to reduce the scan path and stabilize accuracy.

Workflow: How to Complete a TruAbutment ioConnect All‑on‑X Case Using TRIOS and ioConnect Software

The combined TRIOS + ioConnect workflow allows clinicians to capture full‑arch implant positions with high accuracy while keeping the process intuitive and efficient. Below is a step‑by‑step guide for completing an All‑on‑X case – starting with TRIOS scanning and finishing with MUA detection in the ioConnect software.

Part 1 – TRIOS Scanning Workflow

Step 1: Activate the All‑on‑X Workflow in TRIOS

Start by selecting a bridge with 4 or more implants to activate the dedicated All‑on‑X workflow.
Mark the implant sites, then assign pontics to all remaining teeth. 

(This ensures TRIOS adapts the workflow steps for a full‑arch implant case.)

 Step 2: Choose the “TruAbutment ioConnect” Workflow

 Select the TruAbutment ioConnect option to follow the dedicated protocol required for compatibility with the ioConnect system.

Step 3: Scan the Lower Provisional Restoration

Scan the temporary lower prosthesis following your standard TRIOS strategy.
Ensure you capture ample surrounding gingiva - this makes it easier to trim away the provisional during the HS cap step.

Step 4: Scan the Antagonist

Scan the opposing arch using the usual TRIOS protocol.

Step 5: Capture the Buccal Bite

With the provisional still in place, scan the buccal bite.
This helps TRIOS accurately articulate the arches.

Part 2 – Capturing HS Caps and ioConnect Scan Bodies

Step 6: Trim the Provisional and Scan HS Caps

In this step, TRIOS will automatically open the trim tool.

• Trim away the provisional restoration from the scan.
• Place the HS caps onto the MUAs.
• Scan the HS caps thoroughly, covering:
  • The full surface of each cap
  • Surrounding soft tissue
  • This data will later be merged with the ioConnect scan.

Step 7: Insert and Scan the ioConnect Scan Bodies

• Place the ioConnect scan bodies (flags) on each MUA and scan them carefully.
• Focus specifically on the hexagonal surfaces, as these are critical for MUA position detection.

• The TRIOS software will automatically remove soft‑tissue data to optimize surface capture.

Step 8: Complete Post‑Processing and Send Data

Once all scans are captured and processed, the TRIOS portion is complete.
You can now export the scan data and proceed to the ioConnect software.

Part 3 – Using the ioConnect Software

After scanning with TRIOS, processing the data in the ioConnect software will determine the exact MUA positions needed for CAD design.

The ioConnect software can be downloaded from here (Windows only).

    Step 9: Upload TRIOS Scan Data into ioConnect

• Open the TruSuite software (Windows only).
• Select the ioConnect application.
• Create a new case and enter patient information.
• Upload the ioConnect scan file (your TRIOS scan with ioConnect bodies).

    Step 10: Identify the Hexagons

• Click the center of each hexagon on the scan bodies.
• This allows the software to calculate the precise orientation and position of the MUAs.
• Choose:
  • The appropriate implant connection type, and
  • The desired export format (e.g., HS Cap, MUA Cone, Straumann, InstaRisa, etc.)

   Step 11: Generate and Export the MUA Position File

• Select Generate, then Export, to create the final .stl file containing the detected MUA locations.
• This file can be imported into 3Shape Dental System or any compatible CAD software to design temporary or final full‑arch prosthetics.

ioConnect Kit Maintenance & Reuse Guidelines

ioConnect Kit is recommended to be used up to 50 times and is provided non-sterile; therefore must be sterilized before use.

Sterilization:

• To correctly sterilize the products, use a steam sterilizer with a pre-vacuum process, at a temperature of steam sterilizer at 132°C (270℉) for 4 minutes, wrap and dry 20 minutes with a validated cycle according to the standard ISO 17665-1.

Storage and Maintenance:

• To prevent contamination and preserve their integrity, store the instruments in a dry, dark place, such as a closed cabinet or drawer, after cleaning & sterilization.