Hybrid Prosthesis: Frequently Asked Questions

Smiles Peru video showing the 2nd phase of a dental implant rehabilitation with hybrid prosthesis.

A hybrid prosthesis is a type of prosthesis that is supported by dental implants, that is, an implant-supported prosthesis. The implant-supported prosthesis consists of a prosthetic structure anchored by implants that have been previously placed inside the maxillary bones, in order to recover function and aesthetics as much as possible.

Unlike an overdenture, it is screwed to the abutments and cannot be removed by the patient. An overdenture is removable and the patient can take it off by himself.

Please see our full mouth implants with hybrid prosthesis case studies.

• Improved masticatory function: Unlike a complete or removable conventional prosthesis, the hybrid prosthesis can reach up to 90% of the natural masticatory efficiency.
• Improves phonetics: As restorations over implants are more stable, there is no alteration of the masticatory muscles or of those that intervene in facial expression, eliminating any possibility of alteration in phonetics.
• Improves aesthetics: They look and feel like natural teeth, with implant-supported prostheses it is possible to achieve optimal morphology and an optimal facial appearance in all anatomical planes.
• Preservation of bone tissue: Since they are supported by implants, these replace the tooth roots, helping to maintain the bone tissue, avoiding the deterioration and resorption that occurs after the loss of a tooth.
• Durability: they can last for many years with a good maintenance.
• Improves confidence: With implant-supported prostheses, a person can feel fully confident that their teeth will not move. You can do any regular activity without any fear.
• Greater comfort: As conventional prostheses have the mucosa and bone as the main support; these can cause injuries during the adaptation process. With a hybrid prosthesis there is no risk of lacerations and does not require the use of adhesion creams.

Like all treatments, hybrid prostheses have disadvantages when compared to other treatments such as overdentures.

• Unlike an overdenture, hybrid prostheses cannot be removed by the patient, so the patient will need more skills and ability to clean it.
• It needs up to 5 to 6 implants, unlike the overdenture that can be done with a minimum of 2 implants, so its cost is higher.

The hybrid prosthesis is a highly cosmetic, lightweight yet durable rehabilitation option for “all-on” dental implant techniques.

The hybrid prosthesis is recommended for edentulous patients, that is, patients with a total loss of teeth and in cases where the patient has generalized bone loss. As mentioned above, the main support and retention in a conventional prosthesis is the mucosa and bone, in case the patient has lost thickness and height of both, the retention of a conventional prosthesis is poor so the hybrid prosthesis would be the best option. It is also used in cases in which the patient does not want a removable prosthesis, and wants a fixed option that looks and feels more like natural teeth.

The hybrid prosthesis consists of a cast metal framework that is screwed to the abutments over the dental implants; this metal framework is covered with acrylic which supports the fixed artificial teeth.  Smiles Peru uses CAD CAM technology to perform the treatment in a shorter time and with greater precision. The first step is choosing the abutments for the implants, followed by implant level impression with which a model cast is obtained. Then with the CAD CAM system we will proceed to scan the model cast for the elaboration of the metal framework. The framework is made in a 3Shape software which guarantees the correct seating of the framework to the abutments. Once the metal framework has been tested in the mouth, the artificial teeth will be placed on the metal framework with the subsequent denture processing.

• Waterpick or electric irrigator: an oral health device designed for dental care at home. It works by means of a stream of water that goes below the dental prosthesis and removes the plaque, food particles and bacteria in an effective and simple way
• SuperFloss type dental floss: has a rigid part that will be introduced under the hybrid prosthesis. In conjuction with the spongy part it removes all traces of retained food
• Interdental brushes: these brushes have a small head and can be introduced under the prosthesis and between the abutments themselves to remove retained food
• Visits to the dentist every 6 months: It is recommended that the patient visits their specialist dentist every 6 months, so that the dentist can completely remove the prosthesis and perform a thorough cleaning of the abutments and prosthesis.