IMPLANT SUPPORTED BRIDGE
with F I X E D / D E T A C H A B L E ( HYBRID ) COMPONENTS
Fixed/detachable hybrids are fixed restorations supported by 4-6 implants with cantilevered metal attached to the implants and pink acrylic with denture teeth cured to it on top of that. This restoration is removable by your dentist.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What material is in an Implant Supported Bridge with Fixed/Detachable (Hybrid) Components?
Bridges are usually made of four types of materials:
1. Porcelain
2. Gold Alloy (commonly gold, platinum, palladium)
3. Porcelain fused to an inner core of gold alloy
4. Zirconia metal oxide
* Implants are made of titanium. The tooth and gum portion of the appliance has a base material that is made of acrylic. The teeth can be plastic or porcelain.
2. What are the benefits of an Implant Supported Bridge with Fixed/Detachable (Hybrid) Components?
• Bridges build back your smile and help you to speak and chew properly by restoring the natural size, shape and color of your teeth. They help maintain tooth, bite and jaw alignment by preventing remaining teeth from shifting out of position.
• There is no need to drill down existing teeth in order to replace the missing teeth as occurs with conventional tooth supported bridges.
• Long gaps where multiple teeth are missing can be treated effectively with implant supported bridges whereas long span natural tooth supported bridges have many negative consequences.
• As the appliance is partially constructed from a removable acrylic base with denture teeth attached, making and repairing it is easier and more cost effective than other implant supported options.
3. What are the risks of an Implant Supported Bridge with Fixed/Detachable (Hybrid) Components?
• Due to the materials used for the restoration, treatment cost is relatively inexpensive compared to many other implant supported options.
• Possible complications may be such things as food entrapment and challenges in matching adjacent tooth aesthetics.
• There is a minimal risk of an implant not adhering to the jawbone and thus requiring
removal and replacement.
• Worn acrylic and plastic teeth or loose implant screws may require maintenance procedures, repair or replacement.
4. What are the alternatives to an Implant Supported Bridge with Fixed/Detachable (Hybrid)
Components?
• Replace the missing teeth with another type of implant supported restoration
• Replace the missing teeth with a conventional tooth supported bridge
• Replace the missing teeth with a removable partial denture
• Leave the space as is
5. How can an existing bite affect an Implant Supported Bridge with Fixed/Detachable (Hybrid) Components?
• Excessive or uneven bite forces may cause porcelain chipping, metal wear, implant screw loosening, or even gum and bone loss around the implant
• Severe bite issues such as habitual tooth grinding may cause premature failure of the dental prosthesis
6. Are there any post-treatment limitations once I have an Implant Supported Bridge with Fixed/Detachable (Hybrid) Components?
• Food may become lodged around the implant supported bridge; gum recession or minor bone loss around the top of the implant over time may make food impaction unavoidable, even with the most ideal bridge contour
• Gum recession may also lead to unsightly metallic implant margins becoming visible
• A bridge may chip or break if used for abnormal activities (e.g., biting fishing line, sewing thread or finger nails, opening bottles)
