When you mention the word “implants” most people automatically think of breast, or probably the now widely popular “butt” implant. Add the word “mini” to it and your mind might take you to Snow White’s companions, or have you visualizing a size B breast augmentation procedure.
If that’s your guess, well, you’re a little off. The mini-implants we are discussing today are found at a cosmetic dentistry office near you. By now, most of you have heard of dental implants, implants used as tooth roots in the jawbone to support a prosthetic such a crown, bridge, or dentures. While this cosmetic procedure is wildly popular today, it’s not always the most practical one for the patient. For one, not everyone is a candidate for dental implants. Bone loss and thin or worn out bones can sometimes make it impossible for the implant to fuse to the bone. Second, because this is a surgical procedure, the healing process can take anywhere from 2-6 months, sometimes longer. There’s a wide range in time for the healing process because each patient’s recovery depends on how long the implants bonds with the bone. Last, but not least, dental implants aren’t in everyone’s budget. Single tooth implant can cost anywhere from $1000-2500 on average, depending on where you live.
The factors discussed above in what it takes and what is involved in getting dental implants are the reason that the popularity of mini-implants is increasing. The size of the mini implant is about half that of the normal dental implant in diameter (see above pic)s. Also, mini-implants don’t require surgery, so the prosthetic tooth can be placed within hours. This reduces the healing process to days, instead of months that is needed for dental implants, since there’s little no cutting or bleeding involved. This minimal invasiveness allows the patient to use over the counter medication to control the pain because of the low disturbance of the bone. Moreover, mini-implants are great for fortifying and realigning dentures to greatly improve comfort and stability.
When you consider all that is involved in getting mini-implants, you won’t be surprised to hear that the cost is significantly less than traditional dental implants. You’ll typically save 50%-60% or more, again, depending on where you live and the dentists in your area.
So are mini-implants right for you? We can help you figure that out by recommending a dentist in your area for a consultation. Start by clicking on the contact us now link to get started!
