Very Basically:
Hybrid Denture = Patient needs a dentist to remove the denture from the implant attachments in-office.
Overdenture = Patient Can take off the denture from Implant attachments at home.
What are Hybrid Dentures?
Hybrid dentures are fixed, non-removable teeth, but what does that mean?
Let’s break down the words hybrid, fixed, and non-removable.
“Hybrid” simply means these combine both features of traditional dentures and dental implant systems.
“Fixed” means the replacement denture teeth are attached to implants. So, these function and look like natural teeth.
“Non-removable” means the full denture can only be removed by a general dentist.
Just like traditional dentures these are a set of full arch teeth, except the implants make these are extremely stable.
Advantages of Hybrid Dentures
Here are some key features of hybrid denture systems.
Implant-Supported: Hybrid dentures are anchored to dental implants. The titanium implants are surgically placed into the jawbone. Most often 4-6 implants, sometimes called all on-4 implants, are used to secure the dentures in your mouth.
Fixed in Place: Unlike regular dentures, which stay in place using suction or glue, hybrid dentures are screwed onto the implants and remain “permanently” fixed in the mouth. Hybrid implant denture teeth must be removed by a dental professional.
Natural Appearance and Function: Both types of implant-fixed complete dentures give you the appearance and feel of natural teeth. Patients have better chewing function and aesthetics compared to traditional dentures.
Plus, implant dentures are better for your oral health because they help avoid bone loss.
Disadvantages of Hybrid Dentures
Higher Price: Compared to traditional dentures, implants are the most expensive treatment plan.
However, patients should think of this expense as an investment. In the long run, a set of conventional dentures can cause all kinds of health issues which cost lot more money to fix.
Surgery Required: The main reason fixed hybrid dentures are more money is because implant surgery is required. Correct implant placement means you need to see a dentist with a higher level of training and education.
Additional Treatments: Patients need healthy bone for implants to anchor into. Patient that have worn standard dentures for years or have prolonged time with tooth loss may have unstable bone.
Additional treatment options for patients with missing or unhealthy bone include bone grafting or sinus lifts. Once this is completed the success rate of implants is much higher.
What are Overdentures?
Overdentures is a term used by dental professionals to describe the full set of replacement teeth that attach “over” implants and are removable by the patient.
Where as a hybrid denture is only removable by a dentist, the overdentures can be snapped off by the average person using them.
So, overdentures are implant-supported dentures that replace your missing teeth and “snap on” to the implant posts.
Implant-supported removable dentures are normally placed on both the upper and lower jaw.
Advantages of Overdentures
Because implant overdentures can be removed by the person using them, they can be cleaned more often. Cleaning the dentures more often is healthier for the patient.
The implant-supported prosthesis looks and feels exactly like a permanent solution.
Another advantage is the cost. Removable options cost generally cost less, up to 60% less than permanent solutions.
Disadvantages of Overdentures
Some claim the removable, implant-anchored prosthetic teeth are not as strong as the permanent solutions.
Another disadvantage is that implant-supported overdentures are a modern solution and are not widely available.
Comparison Between Hybrid Dentures and Overdentures
Comparing these implant denture treatments really comes down to whether the patient can remove the denture or non-removable.
Stability and Comfort
Both hybrid and overdentures offer the stability and feel of natural teeth.
With either option, you can eat apples, ribs, and corn on the cob with no problem.
However, when using traditional dentures patients never know if the teeth will fall out when they eat these types of food.
Aesthetics and Appearance
Once again, implant attached dentures look just like natural teeth. You don’t have to worry about the teeth falling out when smile or being embarrassed when those teeth move during a conversion.
The long-term appearance issues of using unsupported dentures can be extreme.
When you use glue-on and suck down dentures, your jaw bone density starts to deteriorate.
Your gum tissue also starts to have issues. For example, the tissue on the roof of your mouth starts to pull away.
Cost Considerations
Hybrid “permanent” implant-attached dentures are usually the most expensive.
Overdentures are just as strong as permanent replacement teeth, and are about 60% less cost compared to hybrid permanent solutions.
Dr. Mancin, in Overland Park, offers both options, but the best option for patients is typically implant-supported overdentures.
The cheapest solution is standard glue-down dentures, but this option results in poor dental health for patients.
Maintenance and Care
By far, the best choice for maintenance and care is a removable overdenture with implants. The teeth can be removed by the patient for cleaning and snap back in once cleaned.
Appointment check-ups are still required every four to six months, but with proper at-home care these are usually quick.
You should not miss appointments for permanently attached hybrid dentures. Seeing the dentist more often is important because only they can remove the teeth for cleaning.
Permanent attachment systems, when not properly cared for, can result in other dental healthy issues. For example, food particles that get stuck under the denture can not be removed and could potentially cause infections.
Longevity and Durability
Permanent hybrid dentures are commonly known to last longer.
However, removable overdentures are relatively new, and longevity has not really been established yet since these can last as long as hybrid dentures.
Strength-wise, both are attached to implants, which makes them so strong. The dentures themselves in both types are made from materials meant to last 10-15 years.
Who Should Consider Hybrid Dentures?
Anyone suffering from significant loss of teeth is a candidate for implant-dentures. Especially those that are having trouble enjoying their life because of the troubles with their mouth.
Dr. Mancin is an implant specialist who helps residents in the Overland Park and St. Louis area change their lives using restorative dentistry. Our team offers helps with any type of denture you have, including dental bridges.
Conclusion
When it comes to hybrid dentures vs. overdentures the best option is to start with a FREE consultation at Overland Park Implant Dental.
Click here to start today with our 2-minute online patient acceptance application
References
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4570001/
- https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/dental-devices/dental-implants-what-you-should-know
