Hybrid Dentures: Analyzing the Options

Hybrid dentures are essentially dental implants that offer an entire row of teeth. They function just like old-school dentures but instead of falling out of your mouth every time you sneeze, they are affixed to titanium implants that fuse to your jaw bone. The dentures themselves screw into the implants and voila—you have a sparkling new set of teeth that looks as good (if not better) than the one you were born with.

While the vast majority of dentures are titanium bases with acrylic dentures, there are some other options available to you. In this article, we’ll discuss three of the most popular materials for hybrid dentures and help you decide which one is right for you.

To be sure, all of the materials are quite good at restoring teeth. But some have slight advantages over others.

Acrylic Dentures

Acrylic was the first, is still the most popular, and is likely to be the cheapest option available. Acrylic is good because, unlike harder materials, it absorbs energy. Harder materials used for teeth will transfer energy to the abutment, gums, and jaw. Acrylic is generally considered the most comfortable option.

On the other hand, acrylic is more likely to chip than other options. The chips are easily repaired, but the cheaper material may cost more in upkeep. On the other hand, it tends to be more comfortable than harder options.

Composite Dentures

So, we’ve established a baseline for the pros and cons. The pros of acrylic are that it’s comfortable and cheap. The cons are that the material is weaker and more likely to chip. Composite minerals occupy the middle ground between zirconia and acrylic. They are stronger than acrylic but more likely to chip than zirconia. They are more cost-effective than zirconia.

Zirconia Dentures

Zirconia dentures are made of the strongest material and therefore, last the longest. In terms of comfort, the majority of folks who choose this option say that they are pretty indistinguishable from natural teeth. The zirconia material is actually harder and more durable than your natural tooth enamel. The aesthetics of zirconia are highly sought after as well. The only downside to zirconia is that it costs more. On the other hand, they tend to last longer too.

Porcelain Dental Implants

From a purely aesthetic standpoint, most folks prefer porcelain implants. The porcelain is harder than your grandma’s teacups but not as durable as other options. They are also the most expensive because they are considered to be aesthetically superior.

Which Is Right for Me?

All dental implants are quite durable and should last for a decade or longer without the need to repair. Unless you’re a hockey player, boxer, or eat rocks, you probably don’t need to worry too much about chipping. As far as aesthetics go, all dental implants look more or less real. Unless someone brought an electron microscope, they probably won’t be able to tell the difference. Hence, the choice is solely up to you. The costs are related to the material and not the overall quality of the dentures. Acrylic will always be cheaper because it’s more available.

Talk to a Flagstaff, AZ Dentist Today

Interest in discussing hybrid dentures? Call Peak Family Dental Care today. We can provide full arch installations that meet your individual needs.