In 2019, slightly more than 41 million Americans used dentures. Many circumstances can lead to the loss of your teeth, and more than ever, you have options as to how to replace them.
At Santa Monica Bay Dental in Santa Monica, California, our team of experts can help you decide which tooth-replacement method is best for you, and we find that for many patients, hybrid dentures are an ideal solution. You may think of hybrid dentures as a combination of implants and dentures, giving you the best of both worlds.
The difference
Traditional dentures offer you the ability to speak, eat, and smile comfortably, but they have some drawbacks. For example, they must be removed and cleaned regularly, and you may need adhesive, which can be messy.
You may also find traditional dentures uncomfortable. They certainly don’t have the same feeling as your natural teeth!
Hybrid dentures are fixed in place, which is the major difference between the two types. They can only be removed by your dentist. Therefore, they feel more natural, and aren’t going to slip. You’ll never need to worry about your teeth while you’re eating, and you clean them just as you clean your natural teeth.
How hybrid dentures work
You may be wondering how it’s possible for dentures to be permanently fixed in your mouth. Hybrid dentures work similarly to dental implants. Your dentist places four posts in your gums, which fuse with your jawbone. The posts help your jaw bone stay healthy by stimulating it the way your natural tooth roots would.
Replacing each tooth with an individual dental implant can be prohibitively expensive. Two of the advantages of hybrid dentures is that all four posts can be placed at the same time, and it’s far less costly than individual implants.
Once the posts are affixed, your dentist uses them to support a row of prosthetic teeth — dentures. The dentures are secured to the posts, and you can return to your normal life.
Maintaining your hybrid dentures
You’ll need to see your dentist regularly after your hybrid dentures are in place. Only your dentist can remove and clean your dentures. There is one drawback to hybrid dentures: If food gets caught between them and your gums, you’re at risk for infection. Regular checkups and cleanings can help prevent that.
Ready to learn more?
If you have questions about hybrid dentures, or you’d like to find out if you’re a good candidate, book an appointment at Santa Monica Bay Dental today. Our staff is happy to answer your questions, and our dentists can offer more detailed information based on your specific situation.
You can request an appointment online, or you’re welcome to call us at 424-279-7624 to schedule. We look forward to improving your smile!
