Welcome to CNS Dental, where Dr. Cara Schantz and her dedicated team are transforming smiles and lives with the magic of Hybrid Implant Dentures right here in Arlington, VA. If you’ve been dreaming of a day when you can smile without hesitation, “Teeth in a Day” might just be your fairy-tale ending.
“Teeth in a Day” Make it Easy to Smile Again
Fixed hybrid dentures – also often called “teeth in a day,” implant dentures, or fixed implant dentures – are one of the newest and most innovative tooth replacement options that dental practitioners use for full mouth implant restorations.
These implants will reshape your face, boost your confidence, and allow you the comfort you need to flash that gorgeous smile to the world. Whether you’re preparing for a procedure or doing research, we answer the most frequently asked questions regarding dental implants.
What Is a Fixed Hybrid Denture?
Imagine walking into our office with concerns and leaving the very same day with a full, radiant smile. That’s the reality with our “Teeth in a Day” service, offering a swift and satisfying transformation and great solution to your dental woes.
What Does Getting Hybrid Implant Dentures Involve?
The journey to your new smile begins with a detailed consultation with Dr. Schantz, followed by precise implant placement surgery. A titanium bar supports your new denture teeth, ensuring a durable and stable denture foundation that feels just like your own teeth.
Benefits of Hybrid Dentures
- Stability and Comfort: One of the most appreciated advantages of hybrid dentures is their exceptional stability. Thanks to being anchored directly to the jawbone through dental implants, these dentures stay firmly in place. This eliminates the common concerns and embarrassments associated with slipping or shifting dentures during speech or while eating. The secure fit not only boosts confidence but also contributes to a comfortable wearing experience, as there’s no need for adhesives or worry about dentures coming loose at inopportune moments.
- Natural Appearance: Hybrid dentures are meticulously crafted to mimic the look and feel of natural teeth. From the color matching process to the detailed shaping of each tooth, every aspect is tailored to ensure your new teeth blend seamlessly with any remaining natural teeth, enhancing your overall smile. This attention to detail in the aesthetic design allows for a more youthful and vibrant appearance, helping patients feel good about their smiles again.
- Improved Function: The robust anchoring of hybrid dentures to the jaw through implants significantly enhances chewing efficiency and strength. This level of function restores the ability to enjoy a wide variety of foods, including those that are typically challenging to eat with traditional dentures, such as crunchy vegetables, steaks, and nuts. Patients can once again enjoy their favorite meals without the need for extensive preparation or concern about their dentures’ ability to handle the task.
- Long-Term Solution: Hybrid dentures are designed as a long-term solution to tooth loss. The materials used, including high-quality dental implants and durable prosthetic teeth, are selected for their longevity and ability to withstand the rigors of daily use. While the initial investment may be higher than traditional dentures, the extended lifespan and minimal need for replacements or adjustments translate into significant cost savings over time. Additionally, the preservation of jawbone integrity provided by the implants helps maintain facial structure, preventing the sunken look often associated with long-term denture use.
Hybrid dentures offer a comprehensive solution for individuals looking to replace missing teeth. The combination of stability, natural appearance, improved function, and longevity makes them an attractive choice for those seeking to enhance their quality of life and regain confidence in their smiles. By addressing the common drawbacks of traditional dentures, hybrid dentures stand out as a preferred option for full-arch restoration.
What Are the Disadvantages of Hybrid Dentures?
While hybrid dentures offer numerous benefits, including improved stability, function, and aesthetics, it’s important to consider their potential disadvantages to make an informed decision. Here are some of the common drawbacks associated with hybrid dentures:
- Initial Cost: One of the main disadvantages is the initial cost. Hybrid dentures, especially those supported by implants, tend to be more expensive upfront compared to traditional dentures due to the complexity of the procedure, materials used, and the need for surgical implant placement.
- Surgical Procedure Required: Getting hybrid implant dentures involves a surgical procedure to place the implants into the jaw bone. This can be a deterrent for some individuals, particularly those who are anxious about surgeries or have medical conditions that may complicate surgical procedures.
- Healing Time: After implant surgery, there’s a period of healing required for osseointegration, where the implants fuse with the jaw bone. This process can take several months, during which patients may need to follow specific dietary restrictions and care instructions.
- Maintenance and Repairs: While hybrid dentures are designed to be durable, they can still require maintenance and repairs over time. The acrylic base and the denture teeth may wear down or become damaged, necessitating visits to the dentist for adjustments or replacement of components.
- Oral Hygiene Demands: Good oral hygiene is crucial for the longevity of hybrid dentures and the health of the surrounding gums and implants. Patients need to commit to meticulous cleaning routines and regular dental check-ups to prevent issues such as gum disease or implant failure.
- Bone Loss Considerations: Patients with significant bone loss in the jaw may require additional procedures, such as bone grafting, before they can be candidates for hybrid dentures, increasing the complexity, cost, and duration of the treatment process.
While hybrid dentures offer a transformative solution for many patients, it’s essential to weigh these disadvantages against the advantages and discuss them thoroughly with a dental professional, like Dr. Cara Schantz, to determine the best course of action for your specific dental needs and lifestyle.
Who is a Good Candidate for Hybrid Implant Dentures?
These implants are right for you if you lost a full set of teeth for any reason, don’t have the bone density to support remaining teeth with a single implant restoration, or if you have teeth that cannot be restored. Because fixed hybrid dentures are permanent, they are ideal for those who want a more comfortable, convenient, and natural-looking alternative to dentures.
What’s Better About Implant Dentures?
Traditional dentures are custom-made to fit over missing teeth or gums and stay in place with suction or dental adhesive. They must be removed for cleaning and refitted/replaced about every five years. Fixed hybrid dentures are fixed in place and mimic your natural teeth in function, comfort, and appearance. No loose teeth slipping out of place during that work presentation or family function!
Fixed Hybrid Dentures vs. Regular Denture Implants
Patients who don’t want dentures traditionally have a full set of teeth replaced via a combination of single-tooth implants and implant-supported bridges. With a single implant, the dentist inserts a small titanium screw inside the jawbone to replace the root-part of a missing tooth. Once that implant is in place, a crown is attached to result in a functional prosthetic tooth. Dental bridges usually require 8-10 implants per jaw bone to replace all teeth.
With an implant supported hybrid denture procedure, teeth aren’t replaced individually. Your dentist inserts four titanium posts into the jawbone that serve as the main anchors for a permanent denture inserted in those quadrants, creating a seamless look. While both procedures involve drilling sockets into the jaw bone, getting fixed hybrid dentures requires fewer implants, making the process more comfortable, quicker, and less expensive for the patient.
Do Patients Ever Experience Dental Implant Problems?
While it’s rare, people do sometimes experience problems with their implants. Most commonly, people report issues with spitting or hissing while speaking. However, we find that after an adjustment period this ultimately dissipates as the patient gets more comfortable with their new smile. Additionally, if one implant fails, many patients also can experience issues with the entire jaw. Although it’s important to be aware of these potential problems, they are unlikely when the procedure is performed by highly trained dental professionals, like CNS Dental.
Do Fixed Hybrid Dental Implants Hurt? What is the Recovery Time?
One of the major benefits of implant dentures is they can be implanted and fitted in a day. Traditional implant procedures can take three to eight months to complete and recover from. Conversely, implant dentures fuse to the jawbone more easily which promotes more stability and faster recovery. Patients typically will experience some swelling, bleeding, and bruising in the days post-surgery but discomfort is relatively low compared to other dental implants.
How Do I Care for My New Permanent Dentures?
Before getting your new implants, your dental team will review specific oral hygiene instructions, which typically involve cleaning the site post-surgery by gently rinsing with salt water. After that, it’s business as usual – brush and floss daily, get regular cleanings, and be sure to schedule regular dental checkups.
How Long Do Fixed Hybrid Dentures Last?
Implant dentures are designed as a permanent mouth restoration option and can last over 20 years with proper care.
What Do Fixed Hybrid Dentures Cost?
Since permanent dentures require fewer implants in the jaw than traditional methods, the procedure costs less than a full set of dental implants. Total cost will depend upon the implant material chosen, the number of teeth needed, and whether you have dental coverage. Acrylic or composite implants can range in price from $20,000 to $30,000, while porcelain implants can range $25,000 to $35,000. At CNS, we offer numerous ways to help you pay for your procedure including insurance & financing options.
Where Can I Get Hybrid Implant Dentures in Arlington, VA?
If you’re considering fixed hybrid dentures, our team at CNS Dental can make the entire treatment experience as smooth as possible. Contact CNS Dental at (703) 304-3881 to schedule a consultation and see if these permanent dentures are right for you!