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Are Mini Implants as Good as Regular Implants?
Many patients wonder if they should get mini dental implants instead of traditional implants. After all, both use the same process of integrating metal or non-metal posts with bone and then attaching new teeth after healing. However, they differ in a few very important ways.
Mini Dental Implants vs. Traditional Implants
Mini dental implants are a smaller, less expensive alternative to regular implants. They have basically the same structure as a regular implant, but instead of two parts, they consist of one titanium rod the size of a toothpick (1.8 to 3 millimeters in width) with a small ball on the end. An elastic O-ring then attaches the new tooth to the ball. Mini implants can be installed in one visit without the invasive surgery of traditional implants.
Traditional dental implants are made of two parts: a metal or non-metal post, or screw, that replaces the root of a missing tooth and an abutment. An artificial tooth is then attached to the abutment, or extension, of the post. Regular dental implants have a diameter of 3.25-5 millimeters.
Though both options are similar, at Mile High Dental & Implant Centers, we always recommend traditional implants over mini implants to our patients.
Disadvantages of Mini Dental Implants
More Implants Required
Because mini implants are smaller, two implants are needed in one spot instead of just one traditional implant. This can put more stress on the jaw, leading to longer healing times. Plus, mini implants don’t preserve bone tissue as well as traditional implants.
Short-Term Solution
Mini implants have poor weight distribution because of their size and the fact that they need two implants at once to function. They can’t take the same amount of pressure when biting down as traditional implants, which wears them out faster. Remember, if the mini implant needs replacing, the entire procedure will have to be repeated as the implant is one piece.
Though gum disease and dental implants can still work together, it’s better to avoid periodontal disease altogether. While you may not recognize the signs and symptoms of gum issues, your dentist will. That’s why regular checkups are necessary to make sure you have a happy and healthy mouth.
The good news is that even if you have advanced-stage gum disease, you can still enjoy the benefits of dental implants. Their benefits outweigh any preliminary steps you might have to take before their implantation like bone or tissue grafts.
Unnatural Look
Traditional implants are placed in the strongest section of bone. If an implant has to be placed at an angle to get there, the abutment can still be made to correct the angle. This cannot be done with mini implants as they are just one piece. The end result will be a structurally weaker and possibly unnatural bite.
Advantages of Traditional Dental Implants
High Success Rate
Usually, traditional implants are a one-time investment. Once the implant is fully healed and integrated, the chances of it breaking are very slim, especially if done by a dental implant specialist.
Prevent Bone Loss
The thick structure of traditional implants encourages bone growth and stability. Jawbone loss results in the face looking sunken and older.
Strong and Resilient
Regular dental implants are just as strong or stronger than natural teeth. This means that patients don’t have to worry about how hard they bite down when chewing.
Overall, mini dental implants are just not as strong and reliable as regular ones. Think of it this way: our sturdy, natural teeth are used every day to chew all kinds of delicious food. Don’t replace them with an unreliable and weaker alternative. Instead, choose traditional implants that function better than real teeth and will last a lifetime.
Schedule a Free Consultation to learn how our Mile High dental implant specialists can improve your smile!