All You Need to Know About Hybrid Dental Implant Prosthesis

For patients who don’t want dentures that come out, you can choose hybrid dental implants that provide improved comfort, function, and aesthetics.

Tooth loss brings about several setbacks. Some of the issues associated with a tooth loss include deterioration of the jawbone, difficulties chewing, and smile imperfections. Do you have multiple teeth lost on your jawbone? To replace the teeth, you can choose dental implants, bridges, or dentures.

However, dentures can have some disadvantages since they are easy to fall out of. You don’t have to worry anymore. With a hybrid dental implant prosthesis, you can get the perfect solution to replace your lost teeth. The hybrid dental implants can be in forms such as all-on-4, all-on-5, all-on-6, and all-on-8s. The number of implants depends on the condition of your jaw.

Also, the hybrid implants come in different types according to the material they are made of:

Types of Hybrid Dental Implants

There are four different categories of dental implant restorations available. They include:

Titanium and Acrylic

This type of dental implant is made of acrylic and affixed to a titanium screw. Your dentist inserts the biocompatible titanium into the jawbone surgically and attaches it to the acrylic denture.

Titanium and acrylic dental implants reduce chewing and biting pressure, thus preventing transmission to the implant. Therefore, the implants provide comfort for the patient. The dental implants can be subject to stain but are easy to clean and polish. Also, when damaged, the implants are easy to repair.

Smart Composite

Smart composite hybrid implants are a combination of milled composite material and metal. The metal mixed with the hybrid composite material provides strength and durability.

Full Zirconia Hybrid implants

Zirconia implants are the most durable and aesthetic hybrid implants available. The strength that zirconia implants rival the biting and chewing ability of your natural teeth. Therefore, zirconia hybrids are a good choice for full-arch permanent dental implants.

Porcelain Fused to Metal Hybrids

Porcelain fused to metal hybrid implants resemble your natural teeth. However, the porcelain in the dental implants can be subject to chipping. Despite being prone to cracking and chipping, the implants can last for decades, before the need for a replacement.

How Do They Work?

The hybrids provide full support of the hybrid prosthesis, thus doesn’t require any from the gum tissue. The prosthesis has no flanges that extend to your gums and cheeks, making them comfortable and aesthetic.

Biocompatible titanium poles support a framework made of zirconia or titanium, which in turn supports teeth made of zirconia, composite materials, acrylic, porcelain fused with metal. The prosthesis is not removable since it is attached to the implants.

Hybrid Implant Prosthesis Procedure

The implant placement procedure involves several steps. The first step entails taking a preoperative CBT scan to identify the potential positions of the dental implants. The CBT Scan also aims to check if you have enough bone for the procedure. If you have bone loss, Dr. Mitchell A. Josephs DDS would recommend a bone graft.

Next, the dentist will complete the clinical evaluation and take impressions of your mouth to help create custom hybrid implants. The dentist will also assess your bite and aesthetic requirements. Your dentist will then use a temporary denture to check the fit and bite.

After evaluating your bite and fit, the dentist will use a 3D computer-assisted device to locate the precise positions of your dental implants and place the dental implants with optimal precision and accuracy. After placing the implants, your dentist can place a temporary removable denture and schedule the next appointment.

After three to four months, your dentist will place the permanent hybrid prosthesis. During this step, the dentist will check the bite, fit, comfort, and aesthetics that the hybrid prosthesis provides.

Care and Maintenance

Depending on how you take care of the implants, they can last for decades. To maintain the results of the dental implants, our dentist in Palm Beach, FL, recommends the following:

• Since the prosthesis is not removable, should brush it just like your natural teeth twice a day
• Floss the prosthesis at least once a day
• To prevent staining due to the accumulation of plaque, you can go for regular dental cleanings
• Avoid biting on hard objects
• Regular dental exams to check the conditions of your implants
• Avoid smoking or using tobacco products since they are agents of staining
• When playing contact sports, you can wear a protective mouthguard