What is Hybrid Dental Implant?
An excellent treatment option for patients who are missing all of their teeth on the upper and/or lower jaws are hybrid dental implants. Another term for hybrid dental implants is hybrid overdentures. This treatment is a more permanent solution than traditional dentures but is also more affordable than individual dental implants.
Hybrid Dental Implants
A hybrid dental implant or overdenture is a full denture which contains prosthetic teeth and natural looking gums. The prosthetic works by completely covering the upper or lower jaw. The dentures are securely anchored by dental implants into the jawbone. The dental implants are strategically placed to ensure they provide adequate support for the overdentures. The implants are surgically placed in the jawbone. During the natural healing process, they actually fuse to the jawbone through a process called osseointegration. Once the restoration is complete and the mouth has healed, it is a permanent part of the patient’s mouth and functions just like the natural teeth.
Lifespan and Durability
When patients practice good oral hygiene and properly care for the overdentures, they can last for a lifetime. Traditional dentures which are removable typically need to be replaced or require maintenance about every five to seven years. Hybrid dental implants are made from a system of titanium rods which are secured to the denture, allowing it to be permanently affixed in the mouth. Unlike traditional dentures, hybrid dental implants do not slip out of place or move during routine use. Because dental implants serve as the foundation for the restoration, patients can consume the foods they love without limitations. The dental implants ensure the extreme forces from chewing are evenly distributed.
Restore Function
Hybrid dental implants accommodate denture plates which are quite a bit smaller than traditional dentures. When hybrid dental implants are used in the upper jaw, they do not cover the palate containing taste buds which allows patients to enjoy and taste their food. The hybrid dental implants also feel much more natural in the mouth compared to traditional dentures which can be bulky and uncomfortable. Another benefit of using implants to support the restoration is that the jawbone is stimulated which helps prevent bone loss. Because traditional dentures rest on top of the gums, bone loss is common.
Cost-effective Treatment
Hybrid dental implant restorations are far less expensive compared to individual dental implants. While the hybrid dental implants are initially a bit more expensive than traditional dentures, they can last a lifetime without requiring replacement or modifications. When evaluating the durability, strength, and lifespan of hybrid dental implants, they are actually more cost-effective compared to traditional removable dentures at the end of the day.
The hybrid dental implants are considered more permanent, which means that the initial cost will be higher, but should not require additional maintenance and replacement costs. When individual dental implants are used to replace missing teeth, they can cost $1,500 to $3,000 per tooth. Patients who are replacing an entire arch of teeth with individual implants can spend upwards of $30,000 or more.
Hybrid Dental Implant Candidates
Patients who have significant tooth loss in the upper or lower jaw are typically good candidates for hybrid dental implants. Patients should contact the office today to discuss if they may be a good candidate for hybrid dental implants. The office can schedule a consultation with the dentist to discuss the treatment process and review any questions the patient may have for an initial consultation.