Fixed hybrid dental attachment assembly and methods of use

A dental attachment assembly, comprising:

• an abutment member for attachment to a tooth root, implant, or adjacent tooth, the abutment member having an upper end, and an outer locating surface portion projecting downwardly from the upper end, the outer locating surface portion being positioned to project above a tissue level when the abutment member is secured in a tooth root, implant, or adjacent tooth;
• a first retention member for fixed, non-patient removable, attachment to the abutment member, the first retention member having an upper end configured for engagement within a cap in a recess in a dental appliance, and a continuous skirt projecting from the upper end of the first retention member for fixed, non-patient removable engagement over the outer locating surface of the abutment member, the skirt having a rounded, convex outer surface, the retention member being constructed from a rigid material such that it provides a retentive force of about 10 to 75 pounds, such that upon engagement over the outer locating surface portion of the abutment member, the first retention member is non-patient removable from the abutment member;
• the abutment member and the first retention member having mateable snap-engaging formations for snap engagement when the first retention member is attached to the abutment member;
• and
• wherein the abutment member is sized and dimensioned for engagement with a replacement retention member more resilient than the first retention member and configured for patient removable engagement over the outer locating surface of the abutment member, in place of the first retention member.