Nexus iOS: A complete digital solution for full-arch rehabilitation

The search for an accurate method of full-arch implant capture has been a continual point of debate amongst implant dentistry professionals, particularly in relation to Intraoral scanning (IOS)¹. New technologies adapted to the dentistry field, such as photogrammetry, have sought to solve these challenges; however, they often carry significant investment and offer just one part of the puzzle.

Nexus iOS utilises existing IOS technology with a new tool, one that at first glance shares similarities with conventional scan bodies yet is significantly more sophisticated. These are known as Scan Gauges.

How does Nexus iOS work?

To understand how Nexus iOS works, first, we need to understand why conventional scan bodies and IOS have not rendered consistent results when performing full-arch scans. IOS works by 3-D mapping a patient's tissue and dentition via image capture and software algorithms that stitch image data into a three-dimensional model.

The function of translating 2-D images into 3-D models is where IOS has the potential to introduce inaccuracies². This is, in part, due to the mouth being an ever-changing environment — soft tissue movement, saliva and other changing features make the “stitching” of scanner data difficult as there are limited consistent landmarks for the algorithms in IO scanners to use as points of reference. This is made significantly worse when patients have no dentition at all, only implants, often spread evenly across the arch, leaving large gaps of soft tissue to scan.

Conventional Scan Bodies offer some consistencies; however, they do not cover the span of the arch, with artificial software stitching still encountering tissue-only scanning surfaces.

One of the ways Nexus iOS overcomes this issue is by using Scan Gauges that “bridge” the gaps between implant sites, offering IO scanners consistent landmarks when scanning across the arch, limiting tissue-stitching and thereby increasing the likelihood of true scan data.

What is the outcome of using Nexus iOS?

Using an intraoral scanner and a Nexus Scan Gauge Kit, a series of scans and patient headshots are performed to attain digital references of the patient's implant positions, bite and esthetic considerations. This data is uploaded to the Nexus online cloud platform, and a titanium bar-retained prosthesis is ordered. Design considerations including tooth shade, gingiva colouring, distal cantilever and more are all taken into account during order.

A digital design is created, and the clinician receives back a 3-D approval of the tooth setup. Using the online portal, all design changes are made until the clinician is happy with the setup. A 3-D printed try-in is available prior to going to final manufacture of the permanent appliance, ensuring accurate and esthetic outcomes for the patient.

Nexus iOS’ was developed by industry-leading implant prosthetic manufacturer, Osteon Medical, a Keystone Dental Group Company, headquartered in Melbourne, Australia with a North American production facility located in Irvine, Calif.

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