Implant supported dentures are ideal for those experiencing problems with existing conventional dentures, particularly those with low bone density. Fixed hybrids or removable overdentures are the next steps to a loose denture. Someone with traditional dentures may stay away from chewy or hard foods for fear of dislodging the denture, someone with an implant-secured prosthesis can maintain their ability to adhere to their regular diet, fully chew their food, and absorb vital nutrition.
All-on-4 is the name of an effective and efficient technique normally using 4 dental implants in the upper or lower jaw to secure a permanent set of natural looking, replacement teeth. These fixed in dentures are commonly known as fixed hybrids. You do not have to worry about taking them out every day as they are fixed in your mouth.
Another way to have a set of natural looking teeth are removable snapped on dentures called overdenture. This appliance allows you to snap them on and use them on your daily activities without the worry of them falling out. At night you remove them and gently clean them for the next day. Overdentures typically require less implants compare to their fixed hybrid counterparts.
What is a Fixed Hybrid (All on 4)?
- Dentures screwed into the implants that are by designed to stay in your mouth permanently. Do not have to remove when you sleep. Only a dental professional can remove it for you.
- Dentures completed along with the surgery of implants placement by the oral surgeon where you will leave from day 1 with a full set of teeth fixed in your mouth.
- A permanent prosthesis is then made for you a few months later once your tissue and implants are healed. They are typically made from titanium or zirconia.
What is an Overdenture?
- Dentures held in by implants but can be removed when it is time to sleep or to clean it.
- Typically the overdenture is made for the bottom teeth, since traditional dentures remain less stable on the lower than the upper due to the lower’s bone density, tongue movement, and other factors.