Mini Implant vs Dental Implant – What Is The Difference?

A mini implant is a term used to describe one of many different kinds of dental implants. The mini dental implant gets its name from the size difference in relation to other standard-sized implants.

Regardless of the size, all dental implants are considered cosmetic dental surgery. What this means is that an implant of this kind is intended to improve the appearance of your smile by replacing a tooth or a number of teeth.

The Different Types of Dental Implants

There are various dental implants to choose from. They include endosseous implants which are the screw or cylinder style that is placed within the jawbone. This is the most popular style of implant but may not work for every patient. In order for these implants to be successful, they require enough bone to be present for a solid fit.

Subperiosteal implants are a metal frame design that is under the gum line but is placed on top of the jawbone. For patients without enough bone material for an endosseous implant, this is the most logical alternative. The transosteal implant is designed to go through the jawbone and gum tissue into the mouth. These implants are made of either a small U-shaped frame or a metal pin.

The final option is the mini implant. As the name implies, mini dental implants are much smaller in size but are effective as they can be used when other options are not suitable. For example, a mini implant can be used for small teeth, pre-molars, teeth located in narrow areas, where bone density is minimal, and for front teeth. Mini dental implants are also commonly used as an affordable alternative to traditional implants.

The Benefits of Mini Implants

The comparable differences between traditional implants and mini implants can also be considered benefits.

The difference in size comes from the diameter of the screw inserted into the bone. As mini dental implants use screws measuring 3 millimeters or less, they can be used in areas where a normal implant screw of up to 5 millimeters is too large. Unfortunately, this also means the smaller implants are not as strong as the traditional implant.

On the other hand, the smaller implant is not as difficult to insert so the procedure is shorter in time and the mini implants are much cheaper in cost than full-size ones.

The Average Cost of Dental Implants

The average cost of dental implants varies quite a lot and can be because of many factors. Essentially the main variables are related to the type of work required and the complexity of the procedure; not to mention where you may be located in the world, the experience and skill of your Dentist or Oral Surgeon, and the quality of the implant itself.

There are different types of dental implants, eg. mini implants for example range from $1,500 – $3,000 each, for the surgery and insertion of the implant only. In addition to this, you then have the cost of the replacement artificial tooth such as the crown or porcelain tooth which will be an additional $2,500 – $4,000.

A traditional dental implant that may be required to replace a molar, a large gap in your teeth or a more complex case could cost between $3,500 – $6,000 for the implant only, and again about $2,500 for the dental crown or replacement tooth. This is per implant.

Often if you have many teeth that need replacing or are considered fully edentulous, all-on-4 dental implants may be the best option and will cost between $20,000 and $35,000, which can be a huge saving if you have a number of teeth that need replacing.

As mentioned above, the average cost of dental implants can vary on many factors, but as a guide, see the table below…

The Dental Implant Procedure

Keeping in mind that the actual procedure will be determined by the size, number, and type of implants to be installed, an average visit to a dental surgeon would likely follow this pattern. The first examination would identify the location(s) of the implant(s). If a broken tooth is to be replaced, it will be removed. If there is no tooth the gum will be cut open in a slit, folded back, and held in place to allow access to the jawbone.

The bone is drilled to accept the implant screw which then is left in place to allow the bone to fuse to the implant. The term used to describe fusing is osseointegrated. This process takes between three and nine months to complete and once the implant is osseointegrated enough another procedure is required to reveal the top of the implant. A crown or bridge will be made after this and will be installed in another operation.

Are You A Candidate for Dental Implants?

Your dentist or dental specialist can best answer this question but there are some factors that will narrow it down for you.

Whether or not you opt for mini implants, you will have to be a non-smoker. If you do smoke, depending on your medical history and physical health, you may get away with having to stop smoking only during the healing phase.

You also must not have gum disease known as periodontal disease. This will severely restrict the success of an implant if you have this condition.

Also, your jawbone requires enough tissue density in order for the screws or pins to be attached.

Mini Implant vs Dental Implant

Those who are candidates for this form of cosmetic dental surgery have different options to choose from. Provided they have enough bone in their jaw, there are different types of implants available including mini dental implants. Depending on budget, and the number of teeth being replaced, your dentist or oral surgeon will advise on the best type for your personal circumstances.

Dental implants are used for a variety of reasons, including replacing damaged teeth resulting from accidents and other injuries. They help to ensure eating, speaking, and social factors do not impact patients, to improve their quality of life. In fact, for many, traditional or mini implants have actually enhanced their lives.