Which is Best for My Smile? Hybrid Dentures vs. Implant-Supported Dentures

Missing multiple teeth or an entire arch can have a number of lasting health, cosmetic, and functional consequences. While dentures and partials offer a temporary solution for replacing multiple missing teeth, the long-term consequences of these treatments often do more harm than good to a smile. As a result, dental implant-supported restorations have become the ideal solution for improving overall dental health.

Versatile, life-like, and permanent, dental implants can be used to support a range of full arch restorations. For patients seeking to replace entire arches of teeth, both hybrid dentures and implant-supported dentures offer an ideal solution. While similar, there are unique differences between these treatments, making each ideal for different patients.

Implant-Supported Dentures

Implant-supported dentures consist of a full denture supported by a series of strategically placed dental implants. While commonly worn on the bottom arch, implant-supported dentures can also be used to stabilize dentures on the upper arch.

Implant-supported dentures are often a more effective method for patients missing the majority of their teeth in an arch, than traditional restorations. As this treatment relies on implants to support the overdenture, patients do not risk bone resorption or deterioration that often comes with traditional non-implant restorations, thus eliminating the need for extensive jaw restoration in the future. For patients with existing dentures, adaptations can be made to the prosthetic for simple treatment transition.

Fixed Hybrid Dentures

Unlike implant-supported dentures, hybrid dentures are fixed restorations supported by four to six implants. Whereas implant-supported dentures consist of a complete denture, including acrylic gum replacement, hybrid dentures consist of prosthetic teeth only.

The shape of hybrid dentures provides patients with a number of advantages. As this restoration does not include acrylic gum tissue, hybrid dentures do not look or feel bulky. With hybrid dentures, the palate is left unobstructed, allowing patients to enjoy their food. As the replacement teeth are fixed to implants, patients do not have to worry about bits of food becoming trapped between the gums and prosthetic and are able to bite and chew with the stability of natural teeth.

Restore Your Smile Today

With offices conveniently located in Lorton and Springfield, Lorton-Springfield Dental Implants & Oral Surgery makes it easy to regain confidence in your smile following multiple tooth loss. At our state-of-the-art oral surgery practice in Northern Virginia, our team will help you determine which implant-supported restoration will most efficiently address your dental health and function needs. For more information about implant options available at our practice, contact our oral surgery team today.