Fixed hybrid dental attachment assembly and methods of use

A dental assembly configured to be converted from a patient-removable state to a first non-patient-removable state, the dental assembly comprising:

• a dental appliance comprising a first recess and a second recess;
• a first cap configured to be secured in the first recess;
• a second cap configured to be secured in the second recess;
• a first abutment member configured to attach to a first tooth root, implant, or adjacent tooth;
• a second abutment member configured to attach to a second tooth root, implant, or adjacent tooth;
• a first non-patient-removable retention member configured to engage with the first cap, the first non-patient-removable retention member comprising a first end and a continuous, unbroken skirt extending from the first end defining an inner surface, the first non-patient-removable retention member configured to couple to the first abutment member to form a first non-patient-removable engagement over an outer locating surface of the first abutment member based on a retentive force of 10 to 75 pounds to convert the dental assembly to a first non-patient-removable state;
• a second non-patient-removable retention member configured to engage with the second cap, the second non-patient-removable retention member comprising a second end and a continuous, unbroken skirt extending from the second end defining an inner surface, the second non-patient-removable retention member configured to couple to the second abutment member to form a second non-patient-removable engagement over an outer locating surface of the second abutment member, the first and second non-patient-removable retention members each comprising a rigid material configured to provide a retentive force of about 10 to 75 pounds when each corresponding first or second non-patient-removable engagement forms to convert the dental assembly to a non-patient-removable state, wherein the rigid material is polyetheretherketone (PEEK);
• an implant, comprising:
• (i) a first end portion having a top and a bottom, the first end portion comprises:
• (1) an external projection extending from the top of the first end portion for releasable engagement with the first abutment member, wherein the first abutment member has a lower portion;
• and
• (2) an annular cuff portion defining an annular seat, and wherein the lower portion of the first abutment member contacts and seats on the annular seat to form a line of connection when the first abutment member is releasably engaged with the external projection, wherein the line of connection is located below a patient's gum line when the implant is secured in the mouth of the patient;
• and
• (ii) a threaded post which extends from the bottom of the first end portion for direct engagement into the patient's bone or tissue;
• wherein the second abutment member comprises a first end shaped to attach to the second tooth root, implant or adjacent tooth, and a second end with the outer locating surface of the second abutment member, wherein the outer locating surface of the second abutment member is configured to be positioned to project above a tissue level when the second abutment member is secured in the second tooth root, implant or adjacent tooth, and wherein the second cap comprises a rounded, concave inner surface defining a cavity to receive the second non-patient-removable retention member;
• and
• wherein the second abutment member comprises an engaging portion configured to engage a patient-removable replacement retention member to form a patient-removable attachment to the patient-removable replacement retention member to convert the dental assembly to a patient-removable state based on a retentive force of less than 10 pounds, wherein the patient-removable replacement retention member comprises:
• a resilient material more resilient than the rigid material to provide the retentive force of less than 10 pounds when the patient-removable attachment forms to convert the dental assembly to the patient-removable state,
• a first end, and
• a continuous, unbroken skirt extending from the first end configured for patient removable engagement over the outer locating surface of the second abutment member when the second abutment member is engaged with the patient-removable replacement retention member, in place of the second non-patient-removable retention member.