Affordable Mini Dental Implants in Cincinnati, OH

Many of our patients use dentures in their everyday lives. Unfortunately, some patients experience a chronic loose or uncomfortable feeling. When this happens, our Twin Dental team may recommend stabilizing your dentures with mini-implants. In this solution, the denture is held in place via narrow implants placed into the jaw. The denture snaps onto the implants, keeping the denture locked in throughout the day, but allowing you to remove it when necessary.
 
Mini-implants have several advantages. With their aid, our patients can chew and talk more easily. Typically, only one or two appointments are necessary. The dentures are completely removable, allowing for simple cleaning and checkups. With proper home care and regular dentist appointments, your dentures, in combination with mini-implants, can provide a durable and natural-looking smile.

Candidates for Mini Implants

Mini-implants are often used in patients who do not have enough jawbone for conventional implants or who need to secure a denture, while conventional dental implants heal temporarily. Although each case will be unique, placing a mini-implant generally involves similar steps. First, we confirm your denture is compatible with mini-implants. Next, we completely numb the area to eliminate any discomfort. At that point, we make a shallow channel in the jaw to host each implant. We then guide the implants through these channels into the jawbone and modify your denture to accommodate the implant. This occurs by adding attachments for the perfect fit. Last, we snap the denture into place, double-checking the fit and bite. Your denture is now ready for excellent improvements!

The Benefits of Mini Implants

Dental implants are a great solution for patients who are missing one or more teeth. There are many types of dental implants, one of which is the small-diameter implant, also called the mini implant. A mini implant is a great option for patients that have a complete lower denture that is painful and moves around on them. Unlike most traditional implants, mini implants can be placed in one appointment and actually stabilize your existing denture immediately.

Benefits

Regular dental implants can involve several visits to the dentist and take weeks to months to become stable enough for proper support. When stabilizing a lower denture, the mini implant can support the denture as soon as they are placed. In many cases the mini implants can be retrofitted into your existing denture. Therefore, a new denture may not be requested. This obviously cuts down on dental visits and costs. Mini implant parts are much more affordable to manufacture and buy. Because of these factors, the mini implant is very affordable.
Mini implants can be placed even if there is very little bone present. With traditional full-size implants, bone grafts and sinus lifts are sometimes needed for the proper placement of the implant. With the mini implant, there is usually no need for bone grafts. The overall surgery for these implants is simple, and patients tend to experience very few complications.
 
Many denture wearers struggle with simple tasks such as eating and talking because their dentures slip and slide, causing pain. Mini implants can help support denture stability to avoid any discomfort and unwanted movement.
 
Just like regular implants, mini implants can also help reduce the look of a sunken face. When you lose a tooth, the empty space left in your mouth can cause your cheekbones to sag and give your face a gaunt appearance. Mini implants can stabilize a denture, which helps to fight this sunken look.

Cons of Mini Implants

If you are looking for a single tooth replacement (which is often when a regular implant would be used) mini implants are not recommended. They are more useful in supporting multiple teeth replacements like bridges and dentures.
Mini implants are also not suitable for individuals that grind their teeth. Teeth grinding with implants can wear down your teeth. Mini implants are not as strong as regular implants, and may not be able to handle the pressure that grinding places on them.

Mini Implants vs. Regular Implants

Although mini implants and regular implants are both methods used when an individual is missing teeth, some patients are not eligible for regular-sized implants. When teeth are lost, the jawbone beneath begins to deteriorate. The more deterioration and the less jawbone available, the less likely a patient is to be eligible for a full dental implant. Because mini implants are smaller and require less jawbone for stabilization, they can be used on individuals who suffer from a receding jawbone. Your dentist will need to evaluate any jawbone atrophy to identify if you are a good candidate for either type of implant. Every dental situation is different.
 
If you are missing one or more teeth and are interested in learning more about dental implants, give our office a call today. Together, we will decide the best plan of action for you!