Mini dental implants, or small-diameter implants, differ from traditional ones in their size. Although they are less invasive and cheaper, they can hardly be considered a budget alternative to conventional implants. This is because such artificial roots usually cannot withstand chewing loads and will not last long.
However, they are still used in dentistry.
What Are Mini Implants
Mini implants are smaller versions of traditional dental implants. As a rule, a mini implant has about half the width (from 1.8 mm to 3 mm) of a conventional one. Mini implants consist of a tiny titanium post that is placed into the jawbone.
Traditional dental implant screws consist of two parts and have a diameter from 3.25 to 5 mm.
Why Mini Dental Implants Are Not Suitable for Long-Term Prosthetics
Traditional implants can last a lifetime. Mini implants, however, have a limited lifespan. They are not a reliable support for permanent crowns, bridges, or removable dentures.
Therefore, they are very rarely used in prosthetics. This may only be considered in situations where the patient has a severe lack of bone tissue and there is no possibility to augment it.
In situations where there are no contraindications for classical implantation, it is necessary to choose full-size implants.
How Mini Implants Are Used in Dentistry
Orthodontic Micro-Implants
Mini implants, also called micro-implants, are used in orthodontics to accelerate teeth alignment with braces and to correct bite problems faster.
The implant is fixed in the gum and performs a supporting function, providing additional anchorage for the braces system. Mini implants are removed together with braces after treatment is completed.
Temporary Prosthetics
In practice, mini implants are often used for installing removable and fixed temporary prostheses.
They are usually used when it is necessary to mask a missing tooth and prevent adjacent teeth from shifting before placement of a permanent implant. In this case, a temporary crown is placed on the mini implant. Later, this construction is replaced with a traditional one.
For a short period of time, mini implants can hold prostheses, but only until a permanent structure with implantation of a full artificial root, its osseointegration, and further placement of a permanent prosthesis is completed.
Mini implants can also help patients who have complete tooth loss. Small implants help to fix removable dentures and serve as support. This approach improves quality of life: a person feels more confident and is not afraid that the denture will fall out.
Restoration of Individual Teeth in Certain Areas
A mini implant with a diameter of 2.9 mm is ideal for restoration of one incisor or canine. It is used in narrow interdental spaces, mainly in the anterior region (incisors, canines), where there is not enough width for a standard implant and the load on the jaw is lower.
Dental implantation is an important step that can change your life. It can improve your health, not only oral health, and help you get the smile of your dreams. Trust professionals — book an appointment with YAREMA DENTAL specialists who will recommend the best tooth restoration method specifically for you.
This article does not replace a medical consultation. For complete and personalized information, please consult your dentist.