Elevating the Paradigm of Dental Restorations with SmartComposite Hybrids

mm Written by Andrew Sedler

Implant-supported restorations have emerged as the leading treatment method in dentistry, particularly for treating edentulous patients. These restorations serve to rehabilitate oral function and support the maintenance of healthy bone and soft tissues, delivering aesthetically pleasing and comfortable solutions for patients.

At Burbank Dental Lab, we are committed to advancing this field with the innovative SmartComposite Hybrid, a unique material designed for fixed dental restorations.

Here’s why the SmartComposite Hybrid stands out:

  • Material composition: The SmartComposite Hybrid combines a milled composite with a milled cobalt-chromium alloy. The alloy frame is free of beryllium and nickel, chemically inert, and resistant to corrosion.
  • Superior fit: Milled frames provide a better fit than cast frames, eliminating the inaccuracies often introduced during the casting process. This results in reduced biological and mechanical complications.
  • Custom design: The SmartComposite Hybrid restoration is meticulously designed and milled to fit the cobalt-chromium frame. After bonding the composite to the frame, a pink composite is used to imitate the look of the tissue, ultimately offering an aesthetically appealing and functionally effective restoration.

The SmartComposite Hybrid, with its distinct attributes, sets a new standard in fixed dental restorations.

What is The SmartComposite Hybrid?

Burbank Dental Lab’s SmartComposite combines milled (nickel and beryllium-free) Cobalt-Chromium (Co/Cr) and Milled Monolithic Composite.

The first step in the process is to set up the dentures. After the set-up is confirmed and approved, we fabricate the milled Co/Cr substructure and the milled hybrid composite overlay. Co/Cr substructures can be designed to connect directly to the implant/fixture or to multi-unit abutments.

Elevating the Paradigm of Dental Restorations with SmartComposite Hybrids - Burbank Dental Lab


After opaquing and etching the Co/Cr frame, the two components are bonded together. As the final step in creating a SmartComposite® Hybrid, the pink tissue composite is added and polished by hand.

Ideal Applications of the SmartComposite Hybrid

The SmartComposite Hybrid is optimally suited for full-arch restorations or large spans of missing dentition, where the interocclusal distance must be at least 13 millimeters, and the buccal to lingual distance should be a minimum of 9 millimeters. In addition, from the screw access channel, the buccal and lingual surfaces must be a minimum of 3mm thick.

Elevating the Paradigm of Dental Restorations with SmartComposite Hybrids - Burbank Dental Lab

When a patient’s treatment plan includes two screw-retained prosthetics, this restoration is an ideal option. When such a case arises, monolithic zirconia is often used on the maxillary and SmartComposite Hybrid on the mandible.

SmartComposite Hybrid builds desirable stress relief into the system because of its stress-absorbing properties.

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Distinctive Properties of SmartComposite Hybrid

The hybrid’s unique attributes make it an excellent choice for full-arch fixed implant cases, particularly where the masticatory system is nonadaptive. The SmartComposite Hybrid is easy to repair, wears similarly to natural dentition, and carries a compressive strength of over 480 MPa.

Additional notable properties include:

  1. Resistance to absorption of odor and fluids, thanks to its dense composition.
  2. Cost-effectiveness compared to other types of fixed bridge materials.
  3. Enhanced strength and durability from the cobalt-chromium frame.
  4. Lightweight nature, ensuring patient comfort.
  5. Superior aesthetics that mimic natural dentition.
  6. Wear rate comparable to natural teeth, reducing trauma to opposing dentition.
  7. Restoration can easily be repaired intraorally with composite.

When restoring both maxillary and mandibular arches, pairing monolithic zirconia restorations on the maxillary with a SmartComposite Hybrid on the mandibular provides stress relief throughout the mouth

Workflow for Successful SmartComposite Hybrid Cases
Elevating the Paradigm of Dental Restorations with SmartComposite Hybrids - Burbank Dental Lab

Successful SmartComposite Hybrid cases depend on careful planning. More planning can result in better-placed implants, leading to desirable results and patient satisfaction. Attention must be paid to any aesthetic issues caused by bone loss, vertical clearance, and the smile line.

Additionally, a comprehensive evaluation of the oral environment is necessary, utilizing bite blocks, wax set-ups, and photographs to help guide treatment planning, material selection, and aesthetic considerations. Burbank Dental Lab can assist in providing surgical guides from various workflows to ensure optimal implant placement.

Digital and traditional workflows are both viable and successful for these cases. Post-implantation, it is vital to collect information using a conversion denture for a postoperative bite and a Kois Analyzer to record the facial midline, horizontal plane, and condyle relationship.

The steps are as follows:

  1. Patient Evaluation and Consultation:
    – Conduct a comprehensive oral examination.
    – Assess the patient’s medical and dental history.
    – Discuss the patient’s expectations and aesthetic desires.
  2. Diagnostic Imaging and Analysis:
    – Obtain necessary radiographs (like CBCT scans) for detailed bone structure analysis.
    – Analyze the jawbone quality and volume to determine implant placement feasibility.
  3. Treatment Planning:
    – Develop a detailed treatment plan, considering the number of implants needed and their positions.
    – Plan for any prerequisite procedures, such as bone grafting, if necessary.
  4. Impression and Bite Registration:
    – Take detailed impressions of the upper and lower jaws.
    – Record the bite relationship using appropriate materials and techniques.
  5. Surgical Phase:
    – Perform the implant surgery by placing the implants in the pre-planned positions.
    – Ensure proper angulation and depth for optimal support of the prosthesis.
  6. Healing and Osseointegration:
    – Follow time for healing and osseointegration (integration of the implant with the bone).
    – Provide the patient with a temporary denture if needed during this period.
  7. Prosthesis Design and Fabrication:
    – Collaborate with the dental lab for prosthesis design.
    – Utilize CAD/CAM technology for designing and milling the framework.
    – Choose appropriate materials for the hybrid prosthesis (such as titanium for the framework and composite for the teeth).
  8. Try-In and Adjustment:
    – Conduct a try-in of the prosthesis framework and teeth set up.
    – Make necessary adjustments for fit, occlusion, phonetics, and aesthetics.
  9. Final Posthesis Placement:
    – Once the try-in is successful, proceed with the final placement of the hybrid prosthesis.
    – Ensure proper fit, function, and aesthetic integration.

This is a generalized workflow, and actual procedures can vary based on a variety of factors, including the specific requirements of the dentist and patient.

Elevating the Paradigm of Dental Restorations with SmartComposite Hybrids - Burbank Dental Lab

As we stride confidently towards digital dentistry, Burbank Dental Lab is at the forefront of restoring implant cases with fixed prostheses. Our implant team is among the most knowledgeable in the industry, providing extensive support when restoring these life-altering cases.

To elevate your restorative work and bring unparalleled satisfaction to your patients, consider SmartComposite Hybrid for your next implant-supported hybrid case.

Contact Burbank Dental Lab today to consult an implant team member and see how the SmartComposite Hybrid can best serve your patients. Together, we will redefine smiles, one patient at a time.

Voted Top 5 Dental Labs in America 2023 -- Source: Dental Country

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Fabrication
of the future
is here!

Burbank Dental Lab has three new state-of-the-art Carbon M2 printers. We are very excited about the options that these cutting-edge printers will allow us to offer our dental clients. Here are some of the advantages that these printers will begin to deliver to you and your dental practice.

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