A fact of life is that try as we might to look after our teeth, circumstances outside of our control may just lead us to losing one or more.
It is only natural to then want to replace that tooth, to fill the gap, retain your smile and structure to your mouth.
The go to option is prosthetic (artificial) teeth, most notably dentures.
Our complete guide to false teeth goes into more detail, but ultimately they require regular replacement and are not always the best fit.
Therefore many turn to dental implants, which is really considered the gold standard for tooth replacement.
The major downside is that traditional dental implants involve quite a bit of surgery, healing time and are expensive. They are too, not suitable for all, particularly those who have limited bone structure.
This is where mini and midi implants come in.
What is a mini dental implant?
An implant is an artificial tooth root.
As the name implies, a mini implant, is a smaller version of the implants many of us are familiar with.
There is no exact classification of what makes an implant ‘mini’, the lines are a little blurred between the sizes.
However, typically a mini implant is considered to be around 1.8-3.3mm thick whereas a traditional implant is 4.3-6mm.
As a consequence of being smaller, the surgery required to fit these into a jawbone is not as invasive or as costly and is better suited to some patients, particularly the older generation with less bone density.
The following video, gives a quick explanation.
Mini Dental Implants, How They Work.
What is a midi implant?
A midi implant is the name give to implants that are approximately 3.30-4.30mm.
Larger than a mini implant, but smaller than a traditional implant, the more substantially sized post offers another option for dental professionals when offering options to patients.
Because of the slightly blurred lines between sizes, midi implants are not always referred to as such and more commonly implants are known by full size and mini, but sizes of implants range right through from 1.8-6mm.
Both mini and midi implants act in the same way and come in a variety of lengths to accommodate different patient needs.
What is a mini implant used for?
Acting as an alternative to the natural root of your tooth, a mini or midi implant can be used as an anchoring point for one or more artificial teeth.
Whilst it is perfectly possible to fit a crown (single artificial tooth) to a mini implant. It is uncommon to use a mini implant for a bridge (a row of 2-4 artificial teeth).
In the instances where used to replace a single tooth, these are normally front teeth or premolars that endure lower stress levels compared to molars (at the back) that chew food.
Mini implants may be used for small teeth, or for particularly small gaps where a regular implant will not fit.
Mini implants are most commonly used for supporting a denture, and this is when they have the highest success rate.
One of the biggest complaints about dentures is how they can slip, particularly when eating.
Using an implant to retain and essentially hold the denture in place allows those with implant retained dentures to eat and live life more confidently as they are less likely to move.
It is worth noting a mini implant may also be used as a temporary measure within orthodontics. They are referred to here often as TAD’s, which is short for Temporary Anchorage Devices and are used to help align teeth.
Who can have mini implants?
In practice, anyone over the age of 18 years old is a potential candidate for mini implants.
However, it is the older generation that most commonly take advantage of this option as they are the largest section of the population that wear dentures.
As bone strength and density can deteriorate with age too, these mini implants are better suited as a result. A mini implant requires less jawbone to work.
But, there are still a few factors to consider, as although mini implants generally work for more people than regular implants, they are still not for everyone.
Bone (your jaw)
One of the major benefits of mini implants compared to regular implants is that they require less bone structure. Indeed this is the very reason they exist.
However, there still needs to be a certain amount of bone for the implant to be fixed into.
The dental professional will make such assessments, but the mini implants do allow for more flexibility and often means those who would normally not be suitable for traditional implants will be for mini ones.
Genetics/health/you
You may well have lost teeth through no fault of your own, be that disease or an accident, but as part of assessing your suitability, your general health does need to be considered.
Although less bone is required, is there enough of it? Do you suffer from conditions such as Osteoporosis or haemophilia that could affect the treatment or healing?
Oral health
Although implants are artificial, they still require maintenance in order to function correctly over the years.
You still have to look after the implants and the artificial teeth that sit on top of them properly.
If your cause of tooth loss was poor oral hygiene, you may not be considered suitable as you have not shown sufficient care.
Your gums and bone need to remain as healthy as possible for the implants to remain fixed and keep any denture supported.
Lifestyle
Smoking and evidence of poor dental attendance may lead to the failure of an implant.
Are mini/midi implants suitable for everyone?
There are a few things that would mean you couldn’t have implants. For example, a fear of injections, medical conditions that affect your immune system or healing, or medications that cause bleeding. It is always worth getting a consultation to talk through any concerns you might have.
Dentures have been around for a long time and are the go to option for replacing missing teeth.
Stereotypical images are of bulky and uncomfortable false teeth, but they really a thing of the past.
Advances in materials, design, and technology allow now for much slimmer fitting and more comfortable options. Take a look at our guide to false teeth and their costs to see the options you have available, but it is never a one-size-fits-all
Over time your gums change and the denture does not fit as well.
The poor fitting can make eating and even speaking more difficult. Denture wearers may get a whistling sound when speaking, they may be uncomfortable and slip when eating particularly harder foods. This affects confidence and happiness with wearing such. In these instances, many turn to sealants to help get a good fit and prolong having to replace the denture.
Implants have been widely used since the 1980’s, but it is within the last couple of decades that mini implants have become more popular alternatives.
Mini implants are now considered by some as one of the best options to achieve a balance between a full set of implants and dentures.
Modifications made to a denture allow for it to clip onto implants and be retained in a way that suction and sealants cannot achieve, overcoming the common problems for denture wearers.
The bonding that comes from an implant with a denture gives a security worth paying.
Particularly popular in the older generation where dentures are most common, the more cost sensitive and gentle surgery when having mini implants compared to traditional implants is an option that is generally widely welcomed by those who desire the extra confidence implants bring.
Please note – Given that mini implants are best suited to use as a way of retaining a denture, the remainder of this article considers mini implants primarily from the perspective of an existing denture wearer.
Advantages and disadvantages of mini dental implants
Here is a list of what can be considered the main advantages and disadvantages to using mini dental implants.
Advantages
Cost – 50-60% cheaper than traditional implants.
Suitability – An option for those less suitable or not wishing to opt for full dental implants for a variety of reasons.
Almost permanent – When looked after correctly, they can last for a good couple of decades (Dentures still required periodic replacement).
Versatile – Mini implants can be used to replace 1, 2, or more individual teeth, but are best suited as a means of retaining a denture.
Restore confidence – The securer fit of a denture or replacing a missing tooth can restore confidence lost by a gap or a poor fitting prosthetic.
No issues with speech – The fitting is so good that you don’t get the whistle or difficulties speaking that you might with typical dentures.
Allow normal eating – Eat foods you would have or do with normal teeth, no special diet required (once treatment is complete).
No adhesives required – Dentures sit firmly in the mouth, securely in place, no more adhesive paste.
Restores taste – Dentures can be adapted to uncover more of the palate in the mouth, allowing for you to taste and feel more of your food.
Less surgery – The process to fit mini implants is less intrusive and quicker. As such it is often more suitable for those wary of or more sensitive to more invasive surgery.
Disadvantages
Of course, it is not all positives, there are some negatives to consider too.
Price – Still a fairly sizeable investment for most. Private treatment required.
Upkeep – You treat them like regular teeth, with brushing, flossing, and dental checkups are all still necessary.
Strength – Do not give the same strength as regular implants.
Suitability – There are fewer instances where a mini implant will be used to replace a single tooth.
Versatility – Not as versatile as regular implants, where different abutments can be fitted.
Replacement dentures – You will still need to replace the denture periodically.
Surgery – Whilst relatively routine, it requires local anesthetic and will cause some discomfort and healing time.
Complications and failure – Implants do not work for all, not all implants will fuse with the jaw bone and be the success hoped for.
What’s the difference between a mini and traditional dental implant? (Mini vs standard implant)
The major differences are as follows:
Cost
Mini implants are cheaper typically 50-60% less than regular dental implants.
The most expensive part of the dental implant procedure is the dentist’s time and that of the support staff who make the implants, associated processes and services function.
Because mini implants require less time in the chair and with fewer stages in the dental office, the cost is significantly reduced.
The denture that is most commonly attached to these implants does have a cost associated with manufacturing it too. However, it is easier and cheaper (per tooth) to produce a full arch denture than it is to produce individual crowns or bridges that might be required.
So although a denture replaces more teeth, the nature of the design means it is a more cost effective option.
Surgery/healing time
Under normal circumstances just a month or so after fitting of the implants, the healing will have taken place and life as you know it can return to normal.
With mini implants, the process of fitting is much simpler and in turn quicker than regular implants.
In many cases, mini implants are inserted and the artificial teeth fitted the same day.
Extra healing time is needed for the bone, under the gum, for a fully successful fusion between the jawbone and the implant, but after the first month, most pain and sensitivity has gone away.
Traditional implants are fitted then require anything from 3-6 months for healing, before the abutments and artificial teeth can be fitted.
Physical size
The implant that goes into the jawbone is not as wide as a regular implant.
Around 1.8-3.3mm in comparison to 4.3-6mm of a regular implant. This means that the implant is easier to place and as a result, less invasive surgery required.
Both require the bone to fuse to the implant to be considered a success.
The lesser size also means mini implants are better suited to those with lesser bone density who would not be suitable for regular implants.
Patient suitability
Those not suitable for regular implants are more likely to be suitable for mini implants because they can be fitted to jaw bones where the bone might be narrower, or less dense.
The older generation in particular are better suited to mini implants, as age, health and bone condition are favorable for retaining what tends to be a larger or full arch prosthetic.
Versatility
Mini implants are not as versatile as regular implants, because the abutment (the connector between the implant and denture) is normally pre-fitted to the implant and cannot be removed.
Traditional implants have removable and replaceable abutments that can be changed as and when necessary.
Realistically, having a pre-fitted abutment means that there are fewer options for the crowns or dentures that can be stuck on top of the mini implants.
Strength
Implants certainly help retain any denture better than natural suction or with the help of a sealant, because there is the physical connection between the various parts that add strength and stability.
However, because the surface area of the mini implant is less than a traditional implant, the strength is not as great.
They are perfectly fine for most day to day living scenarios, particularly when a full denture is worn as stresses are passed evenly through the denture surface and not straight to the implant.
Certain clinical conditions may mean that a regular implant is better, most notably when 1 or 2 teeth need replacing or when replacing larger functional teeth like molars.
Should I get normal implants or mini ones?
This is completely dependent on your individual case such the amount of jaw bone you have and if the implant will be supporting a crown, denture or bridge.
Mini and midi implants, like traditional dental implants, are made up mostly of titanium.
Mixed with other metals, a titanium alloy is created to produce a strong and reliable fitting that will last for several decades if maintained correctly.
This alloy makeup has been successfully proven over many years to be accepted by the body with few exceptions. The metal will fuse nicely with the jawbone.
Zirconia is a newer non-metal option available. It is another option for those who desire an alternative, but costs and suitability may be affected.
The procedure of getting a mini dental implant
Whether you get a mini, midi or full dental implant, there are certain stages, like the consultation and preparation stage that are essential to ensure proper placement and a higher likelihood of success.
However, unlike getting a regular implant, the whole treatment process with mini implants is significantly less.
The treatment is generally complete within 30 days or so of the surgery, whereas regular implants can be up to 9 months.
There are 3 main stages to the treatment procedure for mini implants.
Consultation and preparation
Placing the implants
Fitting the implant retained denture or crown
Please note that individual circumstances may result in extra work being carried out.
Consultation and preparation
Thorough and detailed preparation is a crucial factor in the success of any surgery and implants are no exception.
Both you and the dental professional need to understand everything involved, although each will be looking to obtain different information.
The implantologist will be looking at your health, any medications you take and medical history to assess your suitability.
Expect to have to have a physical examination of the mouth, an x-ray and a CT scan.
Using these technologies, the dental professional is creating a full assessment of the position of any nerves or other structure in your jaws. They will also assess your overall health to not only assess your suitability but decide what sizes of implants and the locations that would be necessary to complete the procedure successfully.
As part of this consultation, you will discuss the steps involved, the costs and be made aware of the benefits as well as drawbacks and risks, should you go ahead with treatment.
You and the dentist should come away from the consultation informed and clear of the actions required.
Placing the implant
It is at this stage of the treatment that the biggest gains are achieved.
Mini implants do have to be placed directly into the jaw, but the surgery is not as extensive as traditional implants and can be completed in less timer.
Without getting too graphic, local anesthetic will be used to numb the area set to have the implant place.
Once you as the patient are ready, the dentist will punch through the gum tissue, or cut it to move the gum out of the way. The dentist will then drill a pilot hole (a narrow hole for the implant to follow) into which the implant will be seated.
This pilot hole helps position the implant and allow it to latch in place.
The implant will then be hand screwed in place until in the final stages it will be precisely tightened using specialist wrenches and tightening tools.
The number of implants to be placed depend on your particular circumstances. If being used to replace a single tooth, then just 1 implant will be placed. 2 might be used if replacing 2-4 teeth in a row.
When using mini implants to retain a denture, 4 implants will usually be placed into the bottom jawbone and 6 on the upper. Exact positions vary from patient to patient.
In the case of traditional implants, the whole replacement tooth is made up of 3 parts; the implant, the abutment, and the crown. It is at this stage the implant is fitted and later the abutment, which acts as the connector between artificial tooth root and the crown.
With a mini or midi implant, the abutment is already built into the implant and is not separate.
Typically, the shape of the abutment on a mini implant is round, like a ball as this is a great option for allowing dentures to clip on and off.
However, the shape may differ if having a crown or bridge, to give sufficient surface area for the artificial teeth to be stuck to.
You can expect this procedure to take less than an hour. The most skilled professionals can place the implants within a matter of minutes.
Fitting the implant retained denture or crown
In most cases, within minutes of placing the implant into the jaw, the prosthetic teeth will be fitted to that implant.
If a crown or bridge is being placed, it is likely that molds or designs will have been taken prior to the surgery so that these can be made ready for your treatment.
The same can be said for new denture wearers.
Existing denture wearers can have their denture modified there and then.
Special molds will be used to give the dentist the exact information required to then modify the denture and fit metal clips into.
The metal fittings with the denture have a rubber O-ring that attaches to the post (implant) that has been fitted.
It is the fitting of these metal attachments into the denture that then allows the prosthetic to fit perfectly on the new implants and be a tighter and more comfortable fit for the wearer. It also allows for simple, snap on and off fitting.
Recovery
Another big draw and benefit to the mini implants is recovery time.
As the surgery does not involve extensive drilling of the bone, within about a month your gum and surrounding tissue will have fully healed.
After the initial placement of the implant(s) you can expect:
Swollen gums and face
Bruised gums and skin
Pain and discomfort around the area of the implant
Slight bleeding
Prior to and after the procedure, any reputable implantologist will give you all the essential care tips and advice you need to ensure a speedy recovery.
Although you will have had an anesthetic to numb the mouth during the placing of the implants, this will wear off within a couple of hours.
As a result, you can expect for the first 24-72 hours some slight discomfort in and around the area where the implants have been placed.
There may well be a bit or bruising, a bit of swelling and slight bleeding, but this will all ease.
Within 3-7 days most people feel pretty much ‘normal’ again.
If you wish to help ease the pain, over the counter pain medication can often ease the discomfort. Speak to a pharmacist or your dentist for advice.
The gums will take 2-4 weeks to heal fully. If you are experiencing any additional pain during this time you should speak to a professional.
During the first week of healing, it is advised to eat softer foods so as not to put too much pressure on the gums.
Within a month or so, you should be able to return to eating all the foods you enjoy, and maybe even some you didn’t because you felt uncomfortable eating them before.
Under the gumline the implant will slowly fuse with the bone. This can take up to several months to fully fuse and for the implant to be considered a success. Although it may take up to 3 months on average to fully heal within the bone, it should not affect day to day life.
Choosing a dentist/implantologist/prosthodontist
All dentists are highly skilled professionals, but some go onto specialize in certain areas of dental health.
Those trained in recommending and fitting implants and false teeth fall under the category of prosthodontics.
You want to ensure that when you are looking for implants, you have a trained professional known as a prosthodontist or implantologist carry out the procedure.
Your general dentist might well be trained in this area or can advise you of a local specialist if they are not.
The Association of Prosthodontists Canada (APC) offer a useful tool online where you can search for a registered prosthodontist in your area.
When undergoing such treatment, you need to be assured that the professional carrying out the job is capable. Making sure they have the appropriate training is one thing, but do try to get feedback from others and past patients on how they felt and what their experience was like.
Do not commit to any surgery unless you are satisfied with the process, the cost and who will actually do the work.
Dental Implant Costs
Even-though mini implants are generally 50% less than the cost of standard implants, they are still expensive and a fairly sizeable investment for most people.
The most cost effective option for filling gaps is a denture.
However, a poorly fitting denture is what leads you to consider implants as a way of making everyday life more enjoyable and do away with that loose or slipping denture.
Considered as cosmetic surgery, rather than necessary or essential, implants are NOT normally covered on dental insurance plans.
It is very rare to find a plan that allows implants or makes contributions to treatment.
Insurance plans generally cover routine maintenance, emergencies and basic care.
In some instances be that an accident or as a result of a health condition there might well be an exception that can be made or a contribution that can be offered to help with the overall cost.
It may well be possible to claim some costs back depending on how the work is classified by the dental office. For example use of the word ‘restoration’ when filing a claim may achieve more success than ‘implant’ or ‘surgical therapy’.
It is best to consult your policy, speak to your insurance provider or dental office for assistance and guidance.
There are many factors that influence the cost of a mini denture, but as a general rule, the price will range from $500-1500 per implant.
Considering that the average price of a regular dental implant is around $2500, that is quite a saving.
Placing implants on the upper jawbone is typically a little more expensive, so expect this surgery to be at the higher side of this price banding.
If you are planning to get implants to retain a denture, you will normally need 4 implants on the bottom arch and 6 on the top.
Therefore as a guide, expect to pay $4000 for the bottom jaw and $6-8000 for the upper.
Even with a new denture, for both arches, the cost will be well under $20,000. A full set of standard implants and teeth would cost $40,000+.
You should shop around for your implants and get quotations from around 3 specialists before making your decision.
Not only will this give you a better idea of how comparable the costs are, but also allow you time to assess the different professionals and their practices to find one you are most comfortable with.
Although cheaper than regular implants, it is still a sizeable amount of money to spend and you want to ensure you spend that money wisely.
Before agreeing to any dental work, you need to make sure you understand what is involved and the costs.
The initial consultation should highlight all you need to know, but every dental surgery will break the costs down differently, make sure you are aware of what is and is not included.
If you can pay with cash you have available, great, but this might not be an option for all.
Many practices offer payment plans, often managed by external finance companies. Some of the deals available can be favorable.
Look ideally for those that have 0% or low interest rates, as you don’t want to pay more than you need to.
The quality of the offer can vary considerably and may well be influenced by your credit history, as credit checks will be completed.
Be sure to research and understand any payment plan contract before signing it.
Conclusion
The article has hopefully outlined all you should wish to know about mini and midi dental implants and how they are a very practical option for some, particularly those looking to retain a full denture.
A more viable option for those who cannot afford or wish not to go to the same level of expense that is associated with traditional dental implants.
As is to be expected, whilst there are many positives, there are the negatives associated with mini implants too, but for most, these negatives are not much of an issue.
If you are thinking about implants, make sure you get the opinion of several professionals and understand your options, whilst too, if possible, getting the feedback of others.
For older patients in particular where bone density and price might well be an issue, they are a great option.
Having dental implants can transform the lives of those who go through with the treatment, might you be the next to benefit?
Your comments and opinions
If you should have any questions you would like answered or comments and opinion you would like to share, please do so, by using the form below.
Should you have mini implants yourself, your insight can be valuable for others who are considering getting them too.
Jon is a leading voice on electric toothbrushes and has been quoted by mainstream media publications for his opinions and expertise.
Having handled & tested hundreds of products there really is very little he does not know about them.
Passionate about business and helping others, Jon has been involved in various online enterprises since the early 2000s.
After spending 12 years in consumer technology, it was in 2014 that he focused his attention on dental health, having experienced first-hand the challenge of choosing a new toothbrush.
