Hybrid Dentures (“All-on-4 Treatment”)

If you have lost all or most of your natural teeth on the upper or lower arch, your options are a traditional complete overdenture, a snap-on denture supported by mini implants, conventional implants with locator abutments so patients can remove and seat their dentures, or a hybrid denture that is retained on 4 or more dental implants. Many patients report the fixed nature of a hybrid denture is the most similar to having a full set of natural teeth. Dr. Toan Tran at Mangrove Bay Dental in Tampa, helps his patients achieve hybrid treatment through collaboration with a local implant surgeon.

Traditionally, a full denture is held in the mouth by resting over the gums and forming a seal with the gums. The denture is made of an acrylic plastic base that is colored to look like gum tissue, and it supports a full set of prosthetic teeth. This type of dental appliance is removed for cleaning and while asleep at night. It is often called a “full removable denture” or “overdenture.”

It is very common for a removable overdenture to slip out of place while eating and speaking. That is why Dr. Tran converses with his patients the alternative of a removable denture supported on mini dental implants or a fixed (not removable by the patient) hybrid denture that is retained on dental implants.

Why Patients Want Hybrid Dentures

There are several advantages of a hybrid denture. First, it is highly stable. It does not cover the soft palate of the mouth so eating is more enjoyable. Biting strength is nearly fully or fully 100% restored so you can eat all of your favorite foods. The denture never slips because it is firmly attached to your jawbone. And, because the dental implants stimulate bone growth, the jawbone maintains much its bone dentistry and shape, so your facial structure is maintained.

Hybrid dentures are called “All-on-4” because edentulous patients (patients without teeth) can have an upper or lower overdenture fixed on as few as four dental implants. Rarely do bone enhancement procedures need to be performed prior to All-on-4 implant placement. In fact, oftentimes, a precision-fit hybrid denture can be delivered in the same appointment as implant placement.

Hybrid dentures are worn 24 hours a day and are brushed and flossed much like natural teeth. When you visit us for your regular appointments at Mangrove Bay Dentistry, we will remove the denture for cleaning and examine your gum and bone tissue. If you have difficulty cleaning your denture, we will provide in-office cleaning on a more frequent basis until you become proficient at it. The good news is that a hybrid denture fixed on dental implants will last much longer (with proper care) than a removable denture.

Are You Interested in Alternatives to Removable Dentures?

If you are interested in implant alternatives to removable dentures, Dr. Tran will be happy to provide you with a complimentary (no fee) consultation. Please call our office to schedule your special time with Dr. Tran to learn about the options that are appropriate for your oral health circumstances. Simply call 813-891-9898.