Losing teeth can be a distressing experience for patients of all types. Health experts agree it negatively affects oral health, self-esteem, and overall quality of life. If you’re frustrated by missing teeth or loose and uncomfortable dentures, various solutions are available. Perhaps you’ve heard about dental implants replacing missing teeth or stabilizing dentures, but which type of implant is right for you? In the choice between traditional implants vs. mini implants, it’s important to understand the facts so you can make an informed decision.
What Are Dental Implants?
The term dental implant covers any type of prosthetic post that sits in your jawbone and supports artificial teeth. They come in two main varieties: traditional dental implants and mini dental implants. Both types of implants are titanium screws that share the same purpose: to help replace missing teeth or stabilize loose dentures in a more secure, functional manner. After we place them into the jawbone, they both need some time to fuse with the bone, a process known as osseointegration, before we can load their final custom restorations.
Both sizes of implants can support various dental restorations, from crowns for a single tooth to bridges for multiple teeth and dentures for a full set of teeth. If you’ve struggled with loose and sliding dentures, both implants can stabilize them permanently. However, that’s where the similarities between implant types end. When comparing traditional implants vs. mini implants, you should consider every aspect, from size to placement procedure to healing time and cost.
Comparing Traditional Implants vs. Mini Implants
Despite being two different means to achieve the same end, there are plenty of differences to understand when deciding which implant is right for you.
Improved Design
Compared to traditional implants, mini dental implants are about half the diameter, making them suitable for narrower jawbones. Their smaller size makes the placement procedure less invasive, faster, and more comfortable. This makes mini implants a great choice for patients with less bone density or those who are nervous about long and intrusive dental procedures.
Mini implants have a simpler one-piece structure, which is easier to place and keep healthy. The two-piece design of traditional implants allows for bacteria to grow in the micro space between the screw and abutment, increasing the risk for the disease known as periimplantitis.
Minimally Invasive Procedure
Traditional implant procedures involve multiple visits and a longer treatment timeline. With mini dental implants, we can place the implants much more quickly, though we’ll never rush or compromise quality for the sake of speed. The minimally invasive procedure required for mini implants means less pain and discomfort compared to traditional implants. We only need to create a tiny pilot hole and won’t need incisions or stitches.
Mini implants also don’t require bone grafting, as traditional implants almost always do, reducing the healing time and total cost.
Faster Recovery, Impressive Durability
Because of their size and multi-piece design, traditional implants require six months or more to osseointegrate with your jawbone. This long waiting time is both inconvenient and frustrating, as you won’t be able to enjoy your new teeth until the process is complete. Mini implants have a much shorter healing time. They take about two months to fuse with the jaw, allowing you to enjoy your new smile much sooner.
Despite their small size, mini implants’ titanium design offers a durable and long-lasting solution for tooth loss. The porcelain or zirconia teeth replicate the strength of your natural teeth, allowing you to eat your favorite foods once again.
Mini Implants: The Cost-Effective Choice
One significant advantage of mini dental implants is their affordability. Traditional implant procedures can be costly, involving multiple surgical steps and a more extended treatment timeline. In contrast, mini dental implants provide a less expensive solution without compromising quality, making them a budget-friendly choice.
Financing Options for Your Dental Care
Cost is a major factor when comparing traditional implants vs. mini implants. Although mini implants are more affordable, we understand that finances will remain a concern. At your free consultation, our experienced staff will work with your insurance company to ensure you’re maximizing your benefits. We also offer affordable monthly financing through our lending partners, making mini implants a viable option for your budget.
Compare Mini Implants vs. Traditional Implants at Your Free Consultation
Missing teeth and loose dentures can take a toll on your daily life, affecting your eating habits, social interactions, and self-confidence. With mini dental implants, you can restore the integrity of your teeth and regain your smile. Don’t let tooth loss affect your quality of life any longer. Schedule a free consultation with Dr. David Ney, the Dental Guy, today!
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