Fixed Hybrid Dentures

Dentures are prosthetic devices that are used for patients that are missing all of their natural teeth.

Fixed Implant Retained Hybrid Dentures (hybrid dentures) are held in place by bone integrated implants and is most comparable to a patient's natural teeth. This type of prosthetic is fixed in the mouth and is unable to be removed by the patient. All hybrid dentures are made with an internal metal framework. Depending on the patients situation, hybrid dentures can be made of various different materials.

Hybrid Dentures are most like patients natural teeth and are in most cases the best option for patients who are needing to replace their teeth.

At Pearl Denture we are committed to ensuring patients are well educated and informed as they may seek the best treatment that fits with their lives. Below we can include all of our treatment information so patients can better understand the procedure before making a decision. Pearl Denture’s experienced staff offers this option at competitive rates (with flexible payment plans) with unparalleled service. Read more, or call to get more information about this option today!

Implant candidacy

Patients that are interested in having implant supported dentures must be implant candidates. Patients will have an oral exam with x-rays with a dentist/oral surgeon to determine if they are suitable candidates to receive implants. Consulting with a dentist/oral surgeon is necessary to assess a patient's health, hygiene, bone levels and other factors that could affect treatment or prevent successful treatment from being accomplished.

Denturists must work with other dental professionals to do the surgery aspect of treatment. Your denturist is responsible for the prosthetic fabrication and together both practitioners will coordinate your treatment.

AppointmentS

After being assessed and approved for implant placement by your dentist/oral surgeon, you will see your denturist for the next step of your treatment.

Hybrid dentures are completed in two phases.

Phase one is complete when the patient has no more existing natural teeth, has had all of their implants placed and they are successfully integrated. After implant integration, the phase two dentures can be fabricated and then inserted.

Phase one:

Depending on your case, phase one of treatment will be discussed and implemented so that the natural teeth have been extracted and the implants have been placed/integrated. If you are needing surgical dentures, it will look like the following initial appointments* for phase one:

1. Consultation, Exam, Preliminary Impressions, Bite Records

2. Final impressions/ Bite record (if required)

3. Pick up dentures before extraction appt with dentist/oral surgeon

*This is an estimated appointment timeline that can lead to fewer, or more appointments as needed.

At this point, treatment may vary from patient to patient. In many cases we will try to immediately load the implants and convert the surgical dentures to a temporary fixed hybrid dentures. If your implants do not integrate well enough into the bone, there is a possibility that we will have you wear the surgical denture as a denture until you heal for a minimum of three months. We will do tissue conditioner treatment during this time as you heal after surgery.

If the denture has successfully been converted into a temporary fixed hybrid denture, we want to inform patients of some issues that can happen in this time as they heal. The temporary hybrid dentures do not have a metal framework therefore they are a weaker prosthetic. They are at high risk of fracturing, breaking, and needing repairs. We encourage patients to be careful during this transitional time of their treatment with their temporary hybrid dentures.

Phase two:

After the implants have healed, integrated, and been checked by your dentist (typically 3-6 months after surgery),  your denturist can begin phase two. Your final prosthetic will take a couple of months to fabricate. In order for dentures to be fabricated, it takes 6-9 record taking appointments*:

1. Re-Consultation, Exam, Preliminary Impressions (if needed)

2. Final Impressions Using a Custom Tray

3. Bite Records, Custom Jig Verification, Tooth selection

4. Second Bite Record Appt / Wax Try-in

5. Second Wax Try-in (if needed)

6. Titanium Bar Try-in

7. Final Wax Try-in with the Titanium Bar

8. Insert Prosthetic & Mouth Guard

9. Adjustment

*This is an estimated appointment timeline that can lead to fewer, or more appointments as needed.

After the dentures are inserted you may need adjustment appointments as you get use to your new teeth. We also recommend that our patients start by eating softer foods, practice talking and smiling in a mirror at home to allow your body to adjust to the new prosthetic.

Denture Maintenance

All denture prosthetic’s need regular maintenance and is required to maintain your oral health.

Hybrid dentures are worn 24/7 by patients and endure a lot more wear than conventional denture wearers. This means that the teeth will become flatter quicker. To prevent this, it is necessary for all hybrid denture wearers to have a mouth guard/night guard worn every night to protect their teeth and reduce the wear of their artificial teeth.

Hybrid dentures are prosthetic’s most similar to natural teeth therefore patients biting forces are at their strongest. After 3.5 - 5 years (depending on patient's lifestyle/diet), all fixed implant retained dentures will need to have their teeth replaced due to them wearing out over the years. The metal framework, and implant components are reused (unless worn out) and new teeth are placed. A tell tale sign that the teeth need to be replaced is when teeth are knocked out, the teeth become flat or other repairs are needed in its final years.

Over the years, we reuse your metal components. Some of the screws or abutments may become worn and will have to be replaced.

In the unlikely event that one of your implants fail, your titanium bar will have to be remade. Within the first five years your bar will have a warranty for this occurrence.

Patients are responsible for the cost of all denture maintenance.

Aging Dentures

Over the years, your denture teeth will eventually become dull and develop a space between your gums and denture.   As your dentures wear down, your nose and your chin will come closer together which will put stress on your TMJ (jaw joint). Certain foods will take longer to chew and enjoy due to teeth becoming dull, they may break due to the teeth wearing out. Even though implants drastically slow the rate of bone shrinkage, it will still naturally occur as you age causing changes to your dentures.  Pearl Denture recommends that you replace the teeth on your hybrid dentures after 3.5-5 years to keep your smile brilliant and your dentures comfortable.