Passivity Plus™ is a self-adjusting titanium base designed for use with multi-unit abutments in full-arch implant restorations. It features a pivotable self-adjusting cap interface that compensates for minor misfits during prosthesis seating, helping achieve a passive, tension-free fit.  The system consists of four integrated components:

• the base body

• self-adjusting cap

• specialized screw

• patented washer

They all work together in a compact design to eliminate stress-related complications.

Passivity Plus™ addresses the persistent challenge of achieving passive fit in full-arch restorations. When prostheses don't seat passively, stress is transferred to implants, which can lead to screw loosening, prosthesis fracture, and bone loss.

The self-adjusting mechanism compensates for minor misfits that accumulate from digital stacking, milling, and sintering, digital and analog impression capture, model fabrication, and ongoing machine calibration impossibilities

The phrase 'self-adjustable cap' replaces instead of the more common 'Ti-base' terminology for strategic reasons:

• Versatility: Indicates the component works in both digital and non-digital (manual)workflows
• Differentiation: Distinguishes Passivity Plus™ from conventional Ti-base products
• Function: The prosthesis is cemented onto the cap extra-orally, without the use of a traditional model, then connected to the MUA

The preferred terminology is 'pivotable, self-adjusting cap' as it most accurately describes the component's function.

Premium Grade 5 Titanium (Ti-6AL-4V-ELI). This is the same biocompatible alloy used in medical implants.

Four pieces in a compact, integrated design:

1. Base body: Connects to multi-unit abutment; contains 5° internal taper
2. Pivotable adjustable cap:  Receives prosthesis cement; self-adjusts, then locks when torqued
3. Screw: One piece; 5° body taper; smooth surface; creates cold weld
4. Washer: Flexible element around screw head; key patent innovation

The inventor notes this was a significant engineering achievement: 'I worked very hard on it... to make all this mechanism, four pieces sitting in such a small part. The unique, and difficult development was the base’ resistance to sideways shift as the screw is tightened. The stress is centered due to the screw threading and the floating washer mechanism.’

Each Passivity Plus™ has a pivotable self-adjusting cap that allows micro-adjustment during screw tightening. The adjustment range is less than 2 degrees per base, operating at the micron scale — far less than depicted in educational animations.

When screws are partially engaged (not fully torqued), the caps can pivot freely to compensate for minor misfits between the prosthesis and implant positions. Once seated correctly, final torque locks the adjusted position.

The Passivity Plus™ features a conical screw design that creates a 'cold welding' effect:

• Taper angle: 5 degrees per side (10 degrees total)
• Mechanism: Conical screw engages matching internal taper under torque
• Result: Friction-locked connection that virtually eliminates screw loosening

This is comparable to the cold-welding principle used in other dental and non-dental applications: it occurs between the screw body and the internal base walls rather than at the implant-abutment interface.

Cold welding refers to the mechanical joining of two precisely matched conical titanium surfaces (5° per side) pressed together under proper torque, creating an extremely tight, friction-locked connection.

This metal-to-metal engagement distributes load throughout the structure and prevents micromovement that leads to screw loosening.

It is NOT a permanent metallurgical bond — the screw releases normally when unscrewed, allowing the self-adjusting mechanism to reset and be engaged again.

The Passivity Plus™ cold welding is internal to the prosthetic component, allowing the self-adjusting mechanism to remain functional until final torque.

The washer around the screw head is described by the inventor as 'the most important creative thing in all the patent' and 'the big game.'

The Problem: When any screw is tightened, the thread geometry naturally centers everything. Without intervention, these centering forces would negate the compensating adjustment achieved by the pivotable cap.

The Solution: The flexible washer allows the screw head to remain off-center (tilted) even when fully torqued. This means the adjusted/compensated position is maintained without stress transfer.

Visual confirmation: After full torque, the screw head may appear slightly tilted rather than perfectly centered - this is normal and indicates that the washer is functioning correctly.

The patented washer design is the key to achieving passive fit:

1. During seating: The pivotable cap adjusts to compensate for minor misfits
2. During torque: The flexible washer absorbs centering forces from screw threads and cold welding
3. After torque: The adjusted position is locked without transferring stress to surrounding components

Result: No stress on the body or surrounding structures — the prosthesis maintains its compensated position.

• New full-arch implant prostheses on multi-unit abutments
• Cases where minor passive fit discrepancies are anticipated
• Replacement of existing prostheses with minor fit issues
• Cases using titanium bar substructures
• Upgrades from conventional Ti-base systems
• Switching from direct-to-MUA

Passivity Plus™ compensates for minor misfits - not major errors.

Do NOT use when:

• Scan quality is poor: Visible shadows, artifacts, overlapping scan bodies, and significant data gaps
• Prosthesis fit is grossly off: Excessive rocking/wobbling, misfit beyond minor range, 'crazy errors.'
• Model accuracy is significantly compromised: Major impression errors, gross implant position discrepancies

As the inventor stated: 'We can fix for sure normal errors, not crazy errors.'

In many cases, yes. Passivity Plus™ compensates for minor misfits that would otherwise require verification and correction. However, it is not a substitute for correcting major impression/model errors.

Verification jigs remain valuable for confirming implant positions in complex cases or when scan quality is questionable.

Yes. Passivity Plus™ is specifically intended for repairing minor discrepancies without needing to start over. This makes it valuable for salvaging cases that might otherwise require complete remake.

No.  Existing Ti-base copings have a different geometry. To use Passivity Plus™, capture new records, and the case will be fabricated with Passivity Plus™ components.

This is not a simple swap of components, yet it can use an existing prosthesis in many cases to fabricate the new prosthesis.

Yes, provided the framework allows for proper seating and torque. Real-world cases with titanium bars have been completed successfully with excellent results.

1. Initial engagement: Hand-start each screw with 2-3 turns - just enough to engage threads
2. Do not fully torque yet: Leave all screws partially engaged to allow free movement
3. Allow self-adjustment: Give the pivotable caps time to find their compensated positions
4. Progressive tightening: Use a cross-pattern to gradually tighten all screws
5. Final torque: Torque each screw to 25 N·cm in an alternating pattern to activate cold weld

Critical: Do not torque individual screws to 25 N·cm before all screws are partially engaged. The self-adjusting mechanism needs freedom to compensate before it is locked.

No. The micro-movements are too small to affect occlusion. Each base moves only microns (less than 2 degrees). Even with 4-6 bases each making micro-adjustments, the cumulative effect does not raise the prosthesis.

Important: The Passivity Plus animation shows exaggerated movement for educational clarity. Clinical reality involves barely perceptible adjustments.

Official guidance: The screw is indicated for single-use per standard regulatory requirements.

Practical considerations: The screw design can withstand multiple uses (5-10 times) without structural damage. The cold welding mechanism distributes torque stress to the screw body rather than the threads, providing durability, and resets with each loosening.

Recommendations:

• Use professional judgment and inspect screws before any reuse
• Look for: bending, scratches, thread damage, or any visible wear
• When in doubt, use a new screw

No. Screw removal is straightforward:

• Use a standard screwdriver to loosen
• Initial resistance is ~15-20% higher than a conventional screw (cold weld release)
• Once past the cold weld zone, the screw backs out easily
• Screw may remain attached to screwdriver tip — this is normal

The 'cold welding' is a mechanical friction lock, not a permanent bond. It releases predictably when loosened.

Yes. Passivity Plus™ offers universal digital compatibility.

Passivity Plus™ works with virtually any input method for full-arch case records:

Record capture (any method) → software → Exocad → Design prosthesis → Bond Passivity Plus™ components

Supported input methods:

• Any full-arch scan body system 
• Photogrammetry output
• Grammetry output
• Stone models
• Fit verification jigs

Follow standard CAD software (exocad) framework design rules. Passivity Plus™ does not require special thickness considerations beyond normal prosthetic design parameters.

The adjustable cap shell is designed to integrate with standard zirconia framework thickness protocols.

Passivity Plus™ is compatible with most major MUA systems. Note: SRL - Could not find a US catalog online. Might be the same as JD implants, but couldn't verify MUA compatibility.

Yes. Passivity Plus™ is FDA 510(k) cleared as a Class II dental prosthetic component under the name Nikolas Base.

The product has maintained FDA listing, with reference numbers currently being updated through the standard Letter to File process.

No significant risks are anticipated based on the product design:

• The adjustable interface involves micro-scale movements (microns, <2°) - far less than in educational animations
• Components press tightly together when torqued, minimizing any potential gap
• All connection surfaces are polished titanium
• The assembly seats against tissue with compression

Formal testing is planned to document safety. Clinical cases to date have not shown contamination issues.

No special protocols required.  Treat Passivity Plus™ restorations the same as conventional implant-supported prostheses:

• Routine cleaning: Standard prosthesis hygiene protocols
• Professional maintenance: Per clinician's standard recall schedule
• Between-component cleaning: Not required
• Special instruments needed: None

The tight-fitting, polished titanium interface does not require additional cleaning procedures.

No special protocols required.  Treat Passivity Plus™ restorations the same as conventional implant-supported prostheses:

• Routine cleaning: Standard prosthesis hygiene protocols
• Professional maintenance: Per clinician's standard recall schedule
• Between-component cleaning: Not required
• Special instruments needed: None

The tight-fitting, polished titanium interface does not require additional cleaning procedures.