As we get older suddenly we realised many things we didn't appreciate about being young - being fit, having smooth skin and having all your own teeth. As our loose teeth (and bridges) struggle to deal with chewier food we start eating bland mush and, there is no easy way to say this, OLD PEOPLE FOOD. I'm determined not to let that happen to me and I'm doing everything I can to keep my own teeth as long as possible, and when that's not possible to get the best possible teeth replacement. If you are like me and want to keep on eating whatever you want, I think you'll like my site. It's all about dental health and teeth replacement & maintenance.
Keeping your teeth young
Do Mini Dental Implants Suit All Types of Teeth?
Mabel Hicks
Mini dental implants work in much the same way as regular dental implants but come with some advantages that may make them more appealing to some patients. According to Dental Guide Australia, these smaller implants typically require less treatment time and heal faster, making them potentially less invasive than conventional implants. A mini implant also typically costs around half as much as a regular implant, making it a lower cost solution for patients concerned about the cost of replacing missing teeth.
However, mini implants may not be the best way to replace all types of teeth. They may work well on smaller teeth but may not be the best solution for patients looking to fill larger gaps.
When to Consider Mini Implants
According to Dental Guide Australia, the fixing screws used in mini implants usually have a diameter of less than 3mm, making them smaller than regular implant screws which typically measure between 4-5mm.
This works to the patient's advantage in certain circumstances. For example, dentists may be able to use mini implants to replace gaps left by front teeth, incisors or pre-molars; they may also recommend mini implants as a way of anchoring loose dentures into place. The smaller size of mini implants may also make them suitable solutions in situations where regular sized implants might not work so well, including times when dentists need to:
- Fill gaps that are smaller than the norm.
- Compensate for bone density that isn't high enough to support a full-sized implant.
Times When Mini Implants May Not Work
Mini implants don't necessarily suit all gaps in the mouth. Although their smaller size comes with some advantages, it may also prevent the implant from working as well on the gaps left by larger teeth. The reduced size of these implants may also reduce their strength, making them a less suitable support for larger molars which use a greater chewing force than other teeth. This may exert too much pressure on the implant, causing it to fail. Before choosing which kind of implant to go for, it's therefore important to talk through your options with your dentist.
Note: Patients with a very low bone density may not be immediately suitable candidates for any kind of implant. If your bone density is not high enough to support an implant, you may need to talk to your dentist about building up the bone through grafts. Alternatively, you can consider alternative solutions to implants such as dentures, bridges or crowns.
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