A hybrid denture is a type of implant retained denture designed to stay in the mouth and not move. These dentures sit on top of the gums, but unlike conventional dentures, they are secured through 5-6 dental implants that were previously placed. While other dentures can become dislodged or loose, hybrid dentures will not. Unlike snap-ons or conventional dentures, hybrid dentures do not cover the roof of your mouth. Hybrid dentures come at a more significant cost than snap-ons but can restore the mouth back to near full function.
For daily maintenance, the patient must brush, floss underneath them, use a waterpik, and maintain regular dental visits and cleanings every 6 months. These will never be removed unless there is an implant or prosthetic complication down the road (for example, an implant getting infected or a tooth fractures).
A hybrid denture is made after the surgeon has cleared the patient from implant healing. It takes 4 visits to complete and the total turnaround time from start to finish is, on average, 3 months. In the first visit, posts will be placed on the implants and an “impression” (mold) of these will be made. X-rays will be taken at this step as well to ensure everything is well connected to the implants below the gums.
In the second visit, a bite will be taken and color of teeth selected. The doctor will also try a piece previously made by the lab to ensure the impression that was taken at the last visit matches what it is in the model they made. If this piece does not fit the same in the mouth, a new impression will be needed and this step will need to be repeated.
If everything fits well, we can move on to the 3rd visit which entails seeing the teeth and trying the bite. Any necessary bite adjustments will be made at this visit.
The 4th and last visit is to deliver the permanent hybrid denture. Tiny screws are used to secure it into the implants and then the openings of the denture itself are closed with composite resin material. Remember, it is normal to collect food underneath these type of prostheses, as it is not recommended for them to touch the gums entirely as this will affect the implants later on. If the patient cannot clean around the implants, the implants will start losing support around the bone.