There are several available treatment options for patients with missing teeth. While placing traditional crowns and bridges on multiple dental implants is among the most popular and natural-looking treatments, a more involved procedure, such as a hybrid denture, is required when multiple teeth are missing.
Hybrid implant dentures are an alternative treatment for patients who lack the bone in an arch to replace the roots of every tooth without undergoing extensive bone augmentation surgery—or simply cannot afford the cost of replacing every single tooth. Let’s explore their benefits in more detail.
What is a Fixed Hybrid Denture?
A hybrid denture is a type of dental prosthesis designed for people with missing natural teeth. It combines a removable denture with a set of dental implants, offering patients a comfortable but reliable dental restoration for years to come.
These dentures are called “hybrid” because they are both fixed and removable. Because they are affixed to several implants, you can eat and converse without worrying about them shifting or falling. However, they can be extracted by a dentist if needed.
Typically, four or six dental implants per jaw hold hybrid dentures in place. They are also known as All-on-4® or All-on-6® dentures as a result.
Benefits of Hybrid Dentures
Unlike conventional dentures or single-tooth implants, hybrid dentures offer unique benefits, such as:
- Acting as a permanent solution.
- Eliminate soreness or pain commonly caused by removable dentures.
- Stay in place when eating or talking.
- May still be taken out by your dentist for cleaning or other purposes.
- Avoid covering your entire mouth so you can taste food more normally by leaving the roof of your mouth and some of your gums exposed.
- Prevent bone loss that can occur with regular dentures by stimulating your jawbone.
Understanding the Difference Between Complete and Hybrid Dentures
Traditional complete dentures may also be an option if your mouth is at or close to being edentulous—close to lacking teeth.
Compared to hybrid dentures, complete or full dentures occupy a larger portion of your mouth. They typically cover the hard portion of your palate because they require support from the roof of your mouth in the absence of implants.
Therefore, complete dentures can be more bulky and uncomfortable, unlike hybrid dentures. Dentures are less dependable as a long-term solution because they must also be replaced and adjusted periodically and are more prone to damage.
Moreover, they don’t stimulate your jawbone, leading to jawbone degradation, thus fostering tooth loss of any remaining teeth you have.
However, conventional dentures are less expensive than hybrid dentures and don’t require implant surgery, so many patients still opt for them. Whatever your case, it’s important to consult your dentist and have a professional assess it.
Experience the Benefits of a Hybrid Denture
Upgrading your denture to a fixed hybrid can considerably improve your quality of life. A fixed hybrid offers the comfort and beauty that a removable appliance cannot. While the process can be long and involve surgery, the results are often worth it.
If you’re interested in learning more about hybrid dentures and whether or not they’re an option, Nashville Dental Implants can help you. Reach out, and let us know how we can help you!
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