Dentures, Partials, Bridges, Overdentures,
Hybrid implant dentures
Having one or more missing teeth is not simply a matter of appearances – although this is a serious concern that can have emotional and psychological consequences. But even one missing tooth can affect your oral and
The neighboring teeth can shift and cause your bite to become misaligned, you may experience bone loss in the surrounding area, and develop or worsen gum disease. And all of these can even lead to more tooth loss. Therefore, the need to replace missing teeth is not luxury, but rather a necessity.
Thankfully, Dr. Dahl and Dr. Willison have some options for replacement of teeth.
Dentures and Immediate Dentures
A traditional denture is an oral prosthesis that restores your smile if you’ve lost all of your teeth in the upper arch, lower arch or both. Acrylic teeth are set into an acrylic base made to look like natural gum tissue, dentures are held in place by suction and adhesive paste onto the gums.
Immediate dentures are complete or partial dentures that are pre-made ahead of teeth removal, then inserted on the same day, immediately following the surgery. This way you leave the office with nice, new teeth.
Dr. Dahl, Dr. Willison, and our team begin the preparation for this procedure before your teeth are extracted by taking molds of the current mouth in whatever condition it is in. We involve you in selecting the color and shape of your new teeth and the color of your gums. Dr. Dahl then works his magic to create the dentures to have ready for the surgery day.
This means you will have your new teeth straight away instead of waiting for your gums to heal, and then having your dentures made.
As your mouth heals the gums and bone support under the denture change and shrink. Within 3-6 months, the denture will most likely become somewhat loose. A denture reline will be necessary to correct this, but in time a replacement denture may be necessary.
Partial Dentures and Bridges
For patients who have a few missing teeth, we will design a removable or fixed partial denture. A removable partial denture has acrylic teeth built on a metal, acrylic, or nylon framework and attach to surrounding teeth with clasps or brackets. A fixed partial, more commonly referred to as a bridge, is cemented or bonded into place. It is called a bridge because it bridges the gap left by missing teeth, this tooth replacement can be affixed to natural teeth or to dental implants.
Implant Overdentures
For those who desire more stability of their traditional denture, 2-6 dental implants can be placed in the jaw and then prosthetic attachments can be added into the denture to "snap on" to the implants.
The denture is still considered a "removable" prosthesis, since it needs to be removed and cleaned by the patient, however, patients report more confidence and security in wearing them.
How a Hybrid Denture differs from a removable denture?
Unlike a removable denture that often is bulky, uncomfortable, and requires adhesive to keep it stable, a hybrid denture is firmly attached to four or more implants in the jaw. Following the healing of the implants in the jaw bone, the implants are connected to abutments that are screwed into a metal or ceramic zirconia framework. The hybrid denture is fixed and does not need to be taken out every day like regular dentures, making it a much more convenient option for replacing missing teeth. This stability also prevents any soreness from developing, which is common when removable dentures are worn and especially when small pieces of food become trapped under the dentures. Since the upper palate (roof of the mouth) is left open, these dentures make it easier to feel, taste and enjoy the flavors of foods. The patient cannot remove this type of denture themselves. It requires a skilled dental professional with just the right tools to remove it. This should be done on a yearly basis to thoroughly clean around the implants and the underside of the prosthesis. The screws may also need to be changed out periodically.
Who is a good candidate for Hybrid Dentures?
In order to find out if you’re a good candidate for hybrid dentures, you will need to undergo an examination by Dr. Dahl and/or Dr. Willison. A variety of digital X-rays will be taken to determine if you have the bone structure needed to support implants and a proper bite alignment. Other factors which are taken into consideration when determining if you make a good candidate for hybrid dentures include:
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Any existing health conditions you may have such as diabetes, respiratory disease or heart disease
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Your lifestyle habits like tobacco usage
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Your general health and strength of your immune system
Hybrid dental implants and dentures now come in several varieties, and the choices may be confusing.
Though all hybrid dental implants (also called hybrid dentures or hybrid overdentures) function in much the same way, there are significant differences.
Titanium and acrylic hybrid denture
The first type is made of traditional acrylic, such as that used in traditional dentures, but affixed to a titanium substructure. The titanium frame is designed to be permanently affixed to the dental implants that are surgically inserted into the jawbone. The titanium frame then facilitates the permanent attachment of acrylic dentures.
The titanium and acrylic hybrid dental implant reduces biting and chewing pressure so it is not transferred to the implants themselves, therefore it brings a greater measure of comfort to the wearer.
They are also easily repaired should they become damaged. Though they may stain over time, they can be easily cleaned and polished. The denture is made of a cured acrylic base. Because of this, in rare circumstances, individual prosthetic teeth can become dislodged or the base may crack. This can happen when a patient has a very strong bite or grinds/clenches their teeth (YES, you can still grind your teeth even though you don’t have any natural teeth). If this were to happen, they can be easily repaired.
Acrylic dentures are cheaper and lighter, but not as long lasting as zirconia dentures. Acrylic dentures have been around the longest, and though they may chip, they are easily repaired. They also wear down faster than natural teeth but will not wear down any natural teeth remaining in the opposite jaw.
Smart Composite hybrid denture
Smart Composite hybrids are a combination of milled composite materials that have benefits over both acrylic and zirconia hybrids but also come with downsides. They are strong and composed of rigid metal bonded to the resilient hybrid composite. They are also easily polished and can be repaired. They are less likely to chip than acrylic and are more lightweight than zirconia. Though they are very durable, they may not last as long as full zirconia hybrid dental implants.
Full zirconia hybrid denture
Hybrid zirconia hybrid dentures are one of the most attractive and durable dental restorations possible and possess remarkable strength, rivaling or even surpassing the biting and chewing ability of natural teeth. They are milled from a single block of monolithic zirconia, which offers highly translucent, and therefore natural esthetics. They are perhaps the best combination of strength and aesthetic features, and many patients feel that this option is closest in feel to that of their natural teeth. Zirconia is the most durable option and least likely to chip.
For more information about full dentures, partial dentures, bridges, or hybrid implant dentures, please schedule a consultation appointment. Call our Dallas, TX, office. Our office is conveniently located at Medical City Hospital Complex, and we serve patients from North Dallas, Far North Dallas, Richardson, Garland, and the entire metroplex. We are eager to help you once again enjoy the ability to smile, chew and talk with confidence!
A hybrid denture is a permanent set of artificial teeth that look, feel, and function as close as possible to natural teeth. Essentially, this type of denture is stabilized in the jaw bone and is a cross between a traditional denture and a fixed bridge. This tooth replacement option is often the best solution for people who have or will lose all of their teeth in an arch and cannot tolerate full removable dentures. Multiple dental implants are strategically placed throughout the arch to support the denture.