Hybridge® Full Arch Dental Implants in West Des Moines
A full set of fixed, natural-looking teeth on five or six implants, planned and placed by Dr. Brad right here in our office.
Tired of patching the same teeth over and over?
If you’re on your third crown or second root canal, your bridge keeps failing, or your denture slips when you eat, you’re not alone. Many of our full arch patients spent years and thousands of dollars on repairs before they learned there was another option.
Hybridge replaces a whole arch of failing or missing teeth with one strong bridge, fixed to five or six dental implants. No adhesive. No taking your teeth out at night. No plate covering the roof of your mouth.
Slim, light and out of the way. A denture needs a thick acrylic plate and gum flange to stay in place. A Hybridge bridge doesn’t. It’s held by the implants and built on a thin, strong metal core, so it takes up far less room in your mouth. There’s more space for your tongue, speaking feels natural, and it feels more like your own teeth. It’s also much thinner than a traditional denture.
And if your teeth can be saved, we’ll tell you. Full arch isn’t the answer for everyone, and your consultation is a conversation, not a commitment.
What is Hybridge?
- Up to 12 teeth per arch on 5 or 6 implants. Hybridge typically uses five implants in the lower jaw and six in the upper. The extra support spreads your bite across more implants.
- A bridge built in two layers: a milled chrome-cobalt metal framework for strength, lifelike milled teeth made from highly cross-linked acrylic (PMMA), and gum-colored acrylic that is injection-processed for a precise fit.
- Made in the USA by Hybridge’s specialty full-arch laboratory in Rochester, New York.
- Upper, lower or both. You can restore one arch or your whole smile.
Materials matched to you. Most patients do best with a metal core and milled acrylic teeth: natural-looking, comfortable and easy to repair. For heavy grinders or unusual bites, stronger zirconia (ceramic) options are available, and Dr. Brad will recommend one if it suits you better.
Is a full arch right for me?
Full arch dental implants often make sense if you:
- Have many failing teeth from decay, gum disease, cracks or old dental work
- Wear a denture or partial you’re tired of fighting with
- Have been told you don’t have enough bone for implants (a 3D scan will tell us; see the FAQ)
- Want a fixed, long-term solution instead of repairing tooth after tooth
Two paths, your choice. At your consultation, Dr. Brad will walk you through both:
- Full arch path: replace the arch with a Hybridge bridge.
- Conventional path: save what can be saved with crowns, single implants, bridges or partials.
You’ll leave with a written plan and cost for whichever makes sense.
Hybridge vs. dentures, snap-in dentures and All-on-4®
| Traditional denture | Snap-in (implant) denture | All-on-4® / “All-on-X” | Hybridge® full arch | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stays in or comes out | Removable | Removable for cleaning | Fixed | Fixed |
| Implants per arch | 0 | Usually 2–4 | 4 | 5–6 |
| Covers the roof of your mouth (upper) | Yes | Often | No | No |
| Adhesive | Often (especially lowers) | No | No | No |
| Chewing | Limited | Better | Close to natural teeth | Close to natural teeth |
| Ongoing care | Relines; replace over time | Change clips and attachments | Cleanings; repairs over time | Cleanings every 3–4 months; repairable teeth |
| Relative cost | Lowest | Middle | Higher | Higher |
All-on-4® is a Nobel Biocare trademark. Many practices use “All-on-X” for fixed bridges on four or more implants.
How Hybridge works at Apex: four steps
- Appointment 1: Records and planning. Dr. Brad reviews your teeth, bone and health with a 3D CT scan, photos and digital impressions. Then Hybridge’s lab spends about 4 weeks designing your new smile.
- Appointment 2: Surgery day. With IV sedation if you choose, Dr. Brad removes failing teeth and places your implants. You go home the same day with fixed provisional teeth, not a removable denture. You’ll eat soft foods while you heal.
- Appointment 3: Final digital scan (about 3 weeks later). We take a precise digital scan of your healed implants.
- Appointment 4: Your final teeth (about 3 weeks after that). Your final bridge is fitted and secured.
How long it takes: about 10 weeks from your first records appointment to your final teeth, and about 6 weeks from surgery to final. That’s just four main appointments. Bone grafting or infection can add time; we’ll tell you up front if that applies to you.
Why choose Apex for your full arch?
- Experience you can count on. Dr. Brad trained in the Hybridge protocol in 2019 and has completed more than 100 full arches since. He plans your case, does your surgery and fits your final teeth.
- Built to be maintained. Your bridge is screwed onto the implants, not cemented, so we can remove it for cleanings and adjustments. If a tooth ever chips, we can usually repair it right here in our office.
- IV sedation in our office. Dr. Brad is certified in IV sedation, so you can rest comfortably through surgery.
- Everything in one place. Records, CT scan, surgery and follow-ups happen in our West Des Moines office.
What does Hybridge cost?
Every case is different. Cost depends on how many teeth are left, your bone, and whether you’re doing one arch or both.
Dr. Brad gives you an exact, all-inclusive estimate at your consultation, covering everything from surgery through your final teeth. The consultation fee is credited toward your treatment if you move forward.
Insurance: most dental plans cover only a small part because of annual maximums. Medical insurance and Medicare usually don’t cover it. We’ll check your benefits for you.
Financing and paying for Hybridge
Most of our full arch patients spread the cost into monthly payments:
- Cherry: apply in minutes. Checking your options uses a soft credit check, so it won’t affect your credit score. Apply with Cherry
- CareCredit: healthcare credit card with promotional plans. Interest may be deferred, so read the terms.
- HSA / FSA funds: can generally be used for dental treatment that isn’t cosmetic, including replacing failing or missing teeth.
- Taxes: if you itemize deductions, medical and dental costs above 7.5% of your adjusted gross income may be deductible. Interest on a home equity loan used for dental care generally isn’t. Please check with your tax professional.
How long do Hybridge teeth last?
Think of Hybridge as two parts.
The implants fuse with your jawbone. With good care and regular checkups, implants can last for decades, and many last a lifetime. About 95% are still in place 10 years after placement.
The bridge has a chrome-cobalt core that’s extremely strong, with milled acrylic teeth bonded to it. Like natural teeth, those teeth wear over time, faster if you grind, clench, or chew ice and hard candy.
The good news: the bridge is built to be maintained, not thrown away. If a tooth ever chips or wears, we can usually repair it in our office. How long yours goes before that depends mostly on your habits and on keeping your cleanings.
Caring for your new teeth
- Professional cleanings every 3–4 months. The gums and bone around implants need care too.
- Daily at home: soft brush, non-abrasive toothpaste, and a water flosser or implant floss under the bridge.
- If you grind or clench: a night guard protects your teeth.
FAQs
Can any dentist offer Hybridge?
No. Hybridge is offered only by dentists who have trained on Hybridge’s full-arch protocol and work with Hybridge’s lab. Dr. Brad completed that training in 2019 and has done more than 100 full arches since.
I’ve been told I don’t have enough bone for implants. Am I a candidate?
Often, yes. The Hybridge approach is designed to use the bone you already have, and many patients who were told “no” elsewhere can be treated. Some need bone grafting. Your 3D scan shows us exactly what’s there.
How soon can I go back to work?
Most patients return to normal activities in 3–5 days. Some have bruising for several days, so plan a little cushion if you work with the public.
What foods should I avoid?
While you’re in your provisional teeth, stick to soft foods. With your final teeth, you can eat normally, including steak, apples and salads. Skip things that would crack natural teeth: ice, hard candy, popcorn kernels, bones and very hard nuts.
Does insurance cover it?
Usually only a small part, because of annual maximums. We’ll check your plan and show you the numbers.
Is financing available?
Yes. See “Financing and paying for Hybridge” above: Cherry, CareCredit, and HSA/FSA.
Will I ever go without teeth?
No. You’ll leave surgery with fixed provisional teeth and wear them for about six weeks, until your final bridge is placed. They aren’t a removable denture.
How long does treatment take?
About 10 weeks from your first records appointment to your final teeth, over four main appointments. That’s about 6 weeks from surgery to final. Bone grafting or infection can add time.
Is Hybridge only for people who already wear dentures?
No. It’s a fixed alternative to dentures, and also a long-term solution for people who still have teeth but keep fighting decay, cracks or gum disease. If your teeth have a poor long-term outlook, a full arch can end the cycle of repairs. Like any dental work, it needs regular maintenance.
Does age matter?
Less than you’d think. Your overall health and how well you heal matter more than your age. Smoking slows healing, so we’ll talk about that if it applies to you.
I grind my teeth. Will I wear down my new teeth?
Grinding wears any teeth, including these. Fixing a bad bite often reduces it, and a night guard helps. Worn teeth can be restored. For heavy grinders, Dr. Brad may recommend a stronger material.
I have gum disease. Will it affect my implants?
Removing failing teeth removes the disease around them. But the gums and bone around implants can still become inflamed (peri-implant disease) if plaque builds up. That’s why we recommend cleanings every 3–4 months and good home care.
Will I have to take my teeth out?
No. Your Hybridge teeth are fixed in place. Only your dentist removes them, for cleanings, repairs or adjustments when needed.
Will my new teeth set off airport security?
Dental implants and bridges don’t typically set off airport metal detectors.
Still have questions? Let’s talk.
Your consultation includes a 3D scan and a straight answer about your options, and the fee is credited toward treatment if you go ahead.
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Make your next appointment and experience dental care that puts YOU first.
725 S 51st St, West Des Moines, IA 50265
725 S. 51st Street, West Des Moines, IA 50265
515.224.1618
Mon–Thu: 8 AM–5 PM
Fri: 8 AM–noon (phone only)
