Fixed Dentures

(Hybrid Denture)

A hybrid denture prosthesis is the most functional way to replace a full arch of missing teeth. This method utilizes a full arch prosthetic that is attached permanently and can only be removed by the dentist. With a hybrid prosthetic, four or more implants are placed in bone in the upper or lower jaw and a denture with a screw retained attachment is inserted over the implants and is fixed tightly into place.

The reason for a hybrid solution weighs on the individual and their dental and financial needs. A hybrid treatment is the optimal treatment for replacing an entire arch of teeth. It is the most functional choice and performs most like your natural teeth. Biting into foods like steak, an apple or corn on the cob is completely possible with the hybrid denture, making it well worth the extra cost.

The most common and recommended hybrid treatment is to have four or more implants placed in the arch of the jaw. This allows for equal forces to be balanced on the implants and the function of the denture and implants provide optimal results for the individual. Implants in the jaw bone help to maintain bone level and avoid atrophy or loss of the facial structure, while providing a stable base for chewing food and speaking naturally.

The procedure for a hybrid denture begins with a series of records taken at our office and a pre-surgical visit. The pre-surgical visit includes a thorough review of the patients medical history, treatment needs are discussed and tailored to the patient, surgery instructions are presented, consent forms and payment may be exchanged at this time as well. The next visit is usually when the surgery takes place and you’ll walk out with your new smile!

At surgery, any remaining teeth will be extracted and the placement of bone augmentation and implants will take place. Usually, a temporary prosthetic is placed the day of surgery, it may or may not be removable. This prosthetic denture looks just like real teeth! Many of our “after” photos with our patients are actually in their temporaries. The specifics of your treatment will depend on each patient and the doctor working in the best interest of the patient. After implants and the denture prosthetic are placed, the healing phase begins.

The healing phase ranges from 3-6 months in most cases. The healing time will depend on the procedures completed and the individual’s overall health and compliance with the doctor’s recommendations for post-surgery care. The doctor will see the patient for some post-operative visit to monitor the patient’s healing progress. When the doctor feels the implants are stable and integrated completely the final prosthetic process will begin.

The prosthetic process is the final phase in which the patient’s final denture is custom designed and fitted for attachment. A series of aesthetic try ins will be constructed and the patient will try them in until they approve of the overall look and fit before processing. Once approved by the patient and the final prosthetic is complete, the patient will return to the office for an uncovering of the implants and attachment of the finalized prosthetic denture.

Full Arch Dental Implants (Semi-Removable Prosthetics)

The semi removable prosthetics are popular for patients because they provide the benefits of having the aesthetic appearance you want, with a lower cost compared to full implants. Semi removable prosthetics are not removable by the patients, allowing them to function like traditional teeth. The number of implants needed by patients varies, but it is typically around 6 implants to support the dentures. Biting does increase the pressure on the teeth, which causes implants to fail if there is too much pressure. The semi removable options are designed to shift this pressure around the mouth to aid in preventing failure of the implants. Porcelain will withstand more pressure, which is why they are the preferred material choice used for implants.

Semi removable options are common when patients have a lot of bone loss and there are large areas of the gum that need teeth replacement. Contact our dental implant office for more information about full arch dental implants.

 

 

Full Arch Dental Implants (Non-Removable)

Dental implants are a great option for patients wanting a traditional smile once again. A non-removable full arch dental implant will offer the best solution for patients without adequate bone support. The dental implants are used as anchors to hold the prosthetics in place, and can be removed if needed. Bruxism and bone loss are some of the common problems that can be an issue with dental implants. We will discuss your oral health to determine what is the best treatment plan.