Describing something as “mini” usually implies it’s a smaller or lesser version. Mini golf isn’t as complex as the PGA Tour, and the course is much smaller. A mini fridge can’t hold as much as a real fridge, and a miniseries on TV has a limit to the number of episodes or seasons. But when it comes to mini dentures, we’re talking about full-size, completely functional dentures secured by mini dental implants. Not only do you get all the benefits of replacing your teeth with implant dentures, but also the benefits of using mini implants rather than larger traditional implants.
Understanding Mini Dentures
Mini dentures are another name for implant dentures—a complete tooth replacement solution secured by dental implants. Implant dentures are a step up from conventional removable dentures in every way. They’re less bulky, more stable and functional, and promote better oral health than old-fashioned dentures. This is due to the dental implants we insert directly into your jawbone to hold the denture in place. Connecting the prosthetic right to the bone makes it much more secure and feels more like your natural teeth.
In addition to stabilizing your denture, the implants improve your oral health. They replace the missing tooth roots, stimulating the jawbone and preventing the resorption that comes with missing teeth. With traditional dentures, your jawbone will deteriorate over time. This changes the shape of your face and affects the fit of your dentures. Eventually, your teeth will slide around your mouth or even fall out, making eating and speaking much more difficult. Implant dentures will prevent all these problems, providing peace of mind, restored confidence, and a higher quality of life.
Using Mini Dental Implants
Dental implants have been a tooth replacement option for over half a century, but a more modern evolution has been gaining popularity. Mini dental implants provide all the benefits of traditional implants in a much smaller, more efficient, affordable package.
The Advantages of Mini Implants
- Minimally invasive: Mini implants don’t require incisions, stitches, or bone grafts. We only need to create a tiny pilot hole to place them, creating less discomfort.
- Faster recovery: The procedure for mini implants is less invasive, allowing most patients to recover within a day or two. The implant will be fully fused with the jawbone in about three to six weeks rather than three to six months.
- More versatile: Their small size makes mini dental implants an excellent choice for patients with limited jaw spaces. We can also place more mini implants in a given space, creating added stability and redundancy in the unlikely event an implant fails.
- Affordability: Placing mini implants is more cost-effective than traditional methods, thanks partly to their ease of placement and fewer required appointments.
Types of Dentures Supported by Mini Implants
We offer several options for implant dentures, each with its own level of removability and functionality.
- Snap-on dentures: These acrylic prosthetics snap onto 4-8 mini implants during the day for stability and functionality and are removable at night for cleaning. They eliminate the bulky palate section of traditional dentures, allowing you to taste food more naturally.
- Fix-on-Six®: These zirconia teeth come as a roundhouse bridge, which still replaces all teeth on top or bottom. They completely eliminate the pink plastic base, creating a more natural look and feel. We attach them to 6-10 mini implants; only an implant dentist like Dr. Zirakian will remove them for professional cleaning.
- Permanent dentures: This non-removable zirconia roundhouse bridge is the ultimate in stability and functionality. We cement the denture to 10-12 mini implants, which is the closest option to getting your natural teeth back.
Learn More About Mini Dentures Today
If you’re considering mini implant dentures and all the benefits they offer, why wait? Start by scheduling a complimentary consultation at East Longmeadow Family Dental Center. Discover how mini dental implants can provide a secure and comfortable base for your dentures, transforming your smile and oral health.
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