Simplifying the Path to Full-Arch Success

A fixed full-arch dental restoration can be life-changing, and for many patients, it represents a return to comfort and confidence. But any dentist offering this therapy knows its inherent complexity can make treatment challenging if not outright stressful. Every full-arch case is different, and it’s not uncommon to encounter the unexpected. In turn, most implant systems require many different components to cover all possible indications, making the journey to a final prosthesis time-consuming, costly, and confusing.

Implant Direct’s new DIRECTarch system, however, aims to take the stress and ambiguity out of the immediate fixed full-arch workflow, delivering a streamlined solution that brings greater simplicity and predictability to every procedure.

Designed for Simplicity

Every abutment needs an implant to connect with, and the preferred implant for the DIRECTarch abutment is Simply Iconic. That’s because of its SimplePlatform, which allows clinicians to treat the majority of their implant cases with a single platform. It’s an implant that prosthodontist Xavier E. Saab, DDS, MS, has enjoyed using in his Houston, TX, practice since it launched. 

“When you’re done placing these implants, because you only have to work with 1 platform, it’s a much simpler clinical scenario,” Dr. Saab said. “You only need restorative components for 1 platform instead of 2 or 3.”

Efficiency and Ergonomics Equal Time and Cost Savings

In Dr. Saab’s experience, this directly translates to time and cost savings for practices. “It’s practical in terms of both efficiency and economics because you don’t have to order and organize as many pieces or parts.”

Additionally, Simply Iconic’s built-in, machined platform shift provides a friendly environment for the biologic width, while a proven aggressive thread design plus conical hex connection enable primary stability and elevated esthetics with the ability to place subcrestally. 

Dr. Saab noted, “Newer academic reports show that this conical connection may help preserve more bone around the implant vs the classic internal hex.”

New Product, Familiar Solution

Dr. Saab recently began using the DIRECTarch universal multiunit abutment (MUA) in tandem with the Simply Iconic implant. An innovative solution that brings together implant, abutment, tooling, planning, and local clinical support, DIRECTarch is designed to streamline the immediate fixed full-arch workflow.

“The beauty of DIRECTarch is that we can utilize a familiar implant body we’ve been working with for over a decade, but now place an entire arch with unified platforms,” Dr. Saab reported. “And there are several really interesting practical and biologic benefits to that.”

Designed to Minimize Full-Arch Surprises

DIRECTarch was designed to minimize surprises in the fixed full-arch workflow and deliver more predictable, esthetic outcomes with each procedure. To help maintain surgical and restorative ease and flexibility, the system features a final cylinder with an angulated screw channel and angled carrier that engages the screw and keeps it from falling out during placement.

DIRECTarch also features a less bulky MUA that enhances tissue adherence, as well as a gold anodized final cylinder with a straight wall chimney for a stronger bond with the prosthesis and a natural blend with gingiva and restorative materials.

Build a Scalable Digital Implant Practice

As an open solution, DIRECTarch unlocks the door to a range of digital capabilities and a scalable implant practice.

 “Most digital workflows used by dental laboratories involved in the fabrication of final prostheses are built around the universal MUA used in this system.” Dr. Saab explained. “So, the introduction of DIRECTarch is an excellent response to the need for a universal platform at the multiunit level. It gives clinicians much greater access to labs and the ability to utilize digital workflows.”

In addition to bringing together implant, abutment, tooling, and planning, DIRECTarch also ensures local clinical support from Implant Direct’s team of full-arch experts. “I’ve been fortunate to have an amazing rep who will sit with me through my surgeries,” Dr. Saab shared. “He’s right there to answer any questions and keep things flowing efficiently—it’s always good to have him in the office.”

An Implant Partner That Evolves with the Times

Ultimately, Dr. Saab is happy to report that innovations like DIRECTarch help “rejuvenate” his implant practice.

“After using Implant Direct solutions for nearly 15 years, it’s refreshing to see the company evolve with the times,” he said. “They continue to listen to our suggestions and come up with new products in response to actual requests from clinicians and surgeons.”