Removable dentures are not the only option for people who have lost many or all of their teeth to gum disease and tooth decay. Implants can help a person by supporting a stable and secure prosthetic replacement for teeth. Implant placement is an option for stabilizing dentures.
The dentist will need to study x-rays and models of your teeth and perform a thorough evaluation of your medical history. The information they gather will help them determine which procedure is best for you.
There is a special implant-supported prosthesis known as a hybrid denture. It’s called hybrid because it combines the benefits of a removable denture with those of a fixed replacement. This is suitable for people who have lost a significant amount of jawbone over time because of their missing teeth.
Hybrid dentures require the placement of several implants in your jaw. The number may vary depending on the size and shape of your jawbone. After the implants have healed, they are connected to connectors called abutments. These abutments are screwed into a metal frame. A hybrid denture is fixed and does not need to removed every day, like standard dentures, since they are screwed into the implants.
If you wear dentures and have always wanted fixed teeth, but are not prepared or a good candidate for individual implants, hybrid dentures may be the best choice for you.
Unlike standard removable dentures, hybrid dentures don’t feel bulky. For the upper part of the denture, a restorative dentist will be able to design a denture in a way that leaves the roof of your mouth open. This makes the denture feel more natural and allows you to taste your food better.
Hybrid dentures are also more stable, so they don’t shift against your jaw’s ridge. The denture is firmly anchored into the implant. This stability avoids the occasional soreness many standard denture wearers experiences when foods like seeds get trapped beneath the denture. This means a patient with hybrid dentures can enjoy a greater variety of food comfortably compared to those who wear the removable dentures.
As with any dental replacement, it’s important to practice good oral hygiene. This is crucial to the long-term success of your hybrid denture. The way a hybrid denture is designed, there is a space between the jawbone and denture that needs to be cleaned. The hybrid denture does not need to be removed to clean this area.
Twice a year, you should visit your dentist to have your denture unscrewed and professionally cleaned. Just like any part of your body, you hybrid denture is subject to constant wear and tear. That means that occasionally you may need to make adjustments or get new screws, components, or a denture base. It’s advisable to keep track of any suggested recall visits to the dentist in order to enjoy the full benefits of your denture.
