Mini Implants vs. Traditional Implants: What's the Difference?

If you are dealing with missing teeth, you have lots of great options that can give you back a beautiful and healthy smile.

One of the most popular tooth replacements out there is dental implants. But did you know there are 2 different types? While you may be more familiar with traditional dental implants, mini dental implants are becoming more and more common.

Keep on reading to understand the difference between them, and to find out which one might be better for you.

What Are Traditional Dental Implants?

Dental implants are artificial teeth made from 3 components:

• Metal post
• Abutment
• Dental crown

The metal post gets inserted into the jaw to replace the missing tooth. After a 6-month or so healing process called osseointegration, the post is ready to receive the abutment, and the dental crown, effectively completing the procedure.

Dental implants are very popular because they are a permanent replacement that looks exactly like a natural tooth. Moreover, the metal post helps stimulate the jaw and prevent bone loss, a common side-effect of missing teeth.

So What Are Mini Implants?

Mini implants work the same as traditional implants, except the metal post is significantly smaller with mini implants.

Mini dental implants are around half the size of a traditional metal post implant, and are commonly used as anchors for implant-supported dentures. Because of their smaller size, they are a far less invasive procedure.

Which One Is Better?

The best way to know for sure whether you need traditional or mini implants is to see Dr. Amanda Hurley for a consultation. Based on a thorough assessment of your oral health, our Baltimore dentist will make the proper treatment recommendation that will restore your oral health.

But until then, here are some differences between traditional and mini dental implants, which could help you understand which ones may be more beneficial to you:

• Durability - Traditional implants tend to outlast mini implants. The bigger metal posts make for a stronger foundation that can support the rest of the implant;
• Cost - Mini implants are cheaper than traditional implants, but it does depend on how many implants a patient requires;
• Type of restoration - Mini implants are commonly used for bigger oral restorations, such as for full or partial implant-supported dentures. Implants are singular tooth reconstruction; 
• Required bone mass - Traditional implants need more jaw bone mass to be effectively implanted, so patients with bone loss may not be eligible for the surgery. In contrast, mini implants require less jaw bone mass.

Get a Happy and Healthy Smile at Be More Dental

Dr. Amanda Hurley is here to help you access the most optimal path toward healthy and stunning teeth.

Find out if traditional or mini implants are right for you by scheduling your first visit at Be More Dental online!

For more information, feel free to call us at (410) 276-4455 today!

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