It's hard to live a full life if you're not happy with your smile, since you may be embarrassed to talk or laugh in front of other people. So it's no surprise that many people look for ways to improve their smiles.
One way people restore confidence in their smiles is with mini dental implants. Traditional dental implants use metal posts and screws anchored into the jawbone, but mini implants are smaller and more affordable.
What’s the difference between standard dental implants and mini dental implants?
Mini implants can be a good option for people who don't want to undergo surgery. They can also be helpful for people with small jawbones since they allow the dentist to place implants closer together.
However, mini dental implants do have a limited lifespan. While traditional full-size dental implants can last a lifetime, mini dental implants have a limited lifespan because their smaller size means they don't provide as much stability as full-size dental implants.
How are mini dental implants installed?
One of the main benefits of mini dental implants is their simpler installation process. Mini dental implants are much smaller than traditional implants, making them easier to install and remove.
Additionally, the installation process for a mini dental implant typically involves less invasive drilling into the jawbone than a full-sized implant would require. The smaller size makes these implants more comfortable for patients with limited space in their jaw area.
Although the approach to installing mini dental implants may vary due to the patient’s needs and the dentist’s preferences, mini dental implants are typically installed over two visits at a dentist’s office.
The first visit will typically involve taking impressions and x-rays and making an incision behind your last molar, where a small titanium screw will be inserted into your jawbone using computerized guidance from digital images.
Temporary crowns are placed over the anchors for about 4–6 weeks to allow time for healing. They’ll then be removed, and custom-made, natural-looking, permanent replacement teeth will be placed.
What are the advantages of mini dental implants?
Full-size dental implants are the standard, but they require a longer healing time and more invasive surgery than mini dental implants.
Additionally, mini dental implants are less expensive. A full-sized implant can cost anywhere from $500 to $1,000 per tooth. On average, mini dental implants cost about half that.
After being implanted, standard dental implants require an extended healing process to allow them adequate time to fuse with the jawbone. Mini dental implants, however, are installed by simply placing a screw into the jawbone. This process is less invasive than a full-size implant and reduces patients' pain, discomfort, and expense.
The longevity of mini dental implants varies by brand, but they are typically expected to last between five and ten years before needing replacement or repair.
What are the disadvantages of mini dental implants?
The disadvantage of mini dental implants is that they may not last as long as their full-size counterparts. But they do offer many of the same benefits—improved speech and chewing ability, fewer complications with crowns and bridges, greater comfort than other dental restorations, and natural-looking results.
Transform Your Smile with Mini Dental Implants
If you have missing teeth and are considering mini dental implants, it's essential to understand that they won't last as long as traditional dental implants. However, they do offer many of the same benefits at a lower cost and with less time in the dentist's chair.
If you-re interested in learning more about mini dental implants or would like to find out if they’re right for you, Dr. R.R. Williams, DDS, and the entire team are here to help you. Contact us today at 817-281-4801 or request an appointment online.