The decision between a stackable guide and a single guide should be based on case complexity, bone quality, and the consequences of implant misplacement.
When to Use a Stackable Guide
- Full arch immediate load cases where implant position is critical
- Cases with tilted implants requiring precise angulation (All-on-4)
- Limited bone volume where every millimeter of implant position matters
- Anterior zone where esthetic consequences of misplacement are high
When a Single Guide Is Sufficient
- Single implant sites with adequate bone volume
- Posterior sites where minor deviations have less esthetic impact
- Cases with experienced surgeons who maintain axis control
For most full arch cases, we recommend stackable guides. The marginal cost is small relative to the cost of implant repositioning or prosthetic complications.