While traditional dentures may replace your teeth, they come with some major drawbacks. These dentures replace the crowns but not the tooth roots, meaning they don’t adequately stimulate your jawbone when you bite and chew. Lack of stimulation causes bone loss, leading to significant changes in your face and jaw. Unfortunately, dentures rely on the gums and jaw for support, so when the jawbone shrinks from lack of stimulation, the dentures become loose. An ill-fitting denture can cause irritation and discomfort, not to mention embarrassment if the denture slips out of place. While a reline can improve the denture’s fit, it’s a temporary solution that can become costly over time. Overall, traditional dentures can negatively affect your quality of life, introducing new challenges and stressors. Mini implant dentures are a better solution that offers exceptional denture security and comfort!
The Types of Mini Implant Dentures
Mini implants provide a more stable solution by firmly anchoring full-arch prosthetics. Because the implants are embedded in the jaw, they also provide the necessary stimulation to keep your bone healthy.
At St. Apollonia Dental, we offer three kinds of mini implant dentures. Mini dental implants are small titanium posts less than 3 millimeters in diameter. We insert a series of these implants through the gums and into the bone to create a secure foundation for the following denture options:
Snap-On Dentures
Snap-on dentures easily “snap” on and off mini implants, offering a secure alternative to traditional dentures. This option is the most like regular dentures, but mini implants add stability, so there is no need for suction or messy denture glue. Unlike traditional dentures, implant dentures don’t rely on your gums and bone. Instead, the mini implants keep the prosthetic in place and give you a beautiful and comfortable smile without the need for constant relines. If you’re looking for better denture stability with the option to remove your prosthetic, a snap-on denture may be right for you.
In addition to providing you with a new snap-on denture, we may be able to secure an existing denture with mini implants. If your denture is in good condition and meets certain specifications, we can convert it to a snap-on denture, saving you time and money.
Semi-Removable Roundhouse Bridges
A semi-removable roundhouse bridge is a mini implant denture you never need to remove yourself! It will only need to come out at your routine appointments for cleaning and maintenance. We anchor this full-arch restoration using additional mini dental implants, which eliminates the need for a gum base.
At St. Apollonia Dental, we use the Fix-on-Six® method, which relies on 6-10 mini implants in your jawbone to distribute your bite forces evenly. By spreading the force of your bite across multiple implants, there’s less strain on each one, reducing the risk of complications. With this stable and attractive restoration, your smile will look as good as new!
Fixed Roundhouse Bridges
A fixed roundhouse is a permanently cemented implant denture that never has to come out! With its seamless, natural look and exceptional durability, it’s the closest you can get to having your natural teeth back. Unlike traditional dentures, a fixed roundhouse provides a strong, reliable bite and unmatched stability. We place 10-12 mini implants in your jawbone to create a secure denture foundation, eliminating the need for adhesives or a bulky gum base. If you’re seeking a reliable and well-loved denture alternative that offers unmatched stability and comfort, the fixed roundhouse bridge could be the perfect solution!
The Benefits of Mini Implant Dentures
We can use either conventional dental implants or mini implants to stabilize dentures, but in many cases, mini implants are the preferred option. Here’s why:
- Size: Mini implants are less than 3 millimeters in diameter, making them much smaller than traditional implants, which are approximately 5 millimeters wide. Since they require a smaller hole, mini implants are a great option for patients with jawbone loss who might not qualify for traditional implants. Their sleek design also facilitates a minimally invasive procedure.
- Procedure: Conventional implants require an incision in the gums to expose the bone and a larger hole for the implant. This invasiveness prolongs the healing time and extends the treatment process. In contrast, mini implants don’t require incisions or stitches, and we can often place them in a single visit! We’ll simply make a small pilot hole through the gums and then screw the implant into the bone.
- Healing time: Traditional implants take 4-6 months to heal and require multiple surgical appointments. Alternatively, we can place mini implants in one visit, and they take just a few weeks to heal. This makes mini implants a gentler and more efficient choice.
- Cost: Conventional implants can be expensive because they require multiple appointments, long healing periods, and several components. Mini implants, however, are typically more affordable due to their simpler placement, fewer appointments, and quicker healing time.
At your free consultation, we’ll discuss your needs and goals to help you determine which type of implant is right for you.
Schedule a Free Consultation at St. Apollonia Dental Today!
Are you looking for a better denture experience? While traditional options are common, they might not be the best fit for everyone. Mini implant dentures provide a secure, natural-looking alternative that stays in place. At St. Apollonia Dental, we’re dedicated to helping you find the right solution, starting with a free consultation. Contact us today to schedule your visit and explore your implant denture options with our experienced team!
