Convenient Denture Stabilization With Mini Dental Implants

If you have traditional dentures, you understand how frustrating it is when they move around unexpectedly. “Floating dentures” make eating certain foods impossible, speaking challenging, and coughing or laughing a constant source of worry. While gooey adhesives can improve retention, a recent study showed that only 24% of participants were completely satisfied with how their lower dentures fit with adhesive products. A better alternative for denture stabilization is to anchor the prosthetic with mini dental implants.

At Happy Smiles Family Dentistry, Dr. Amelia Aristodemo specializes in placing mini implants to improve the overall well-being of her patients who use dentures.

Denture Stabilization With Mini Implants

Dental implants are titanium screws that connect directly to the jawbone. They provide a sturdy base for various tooth restorations, including dentures. Mini dental implants are innovative implants that offer additional benefits for patients with severe tooth loss.

These slimmer, sleeker dental implants provide the same reliability as conventional options but are significantly easier and faster to place. Dr. Aristodemo can place mini implants without incisions, and this minimally invasive process allows her to place the implants and secure new teeth in the same visit. When you opt for mini implants, you can also expect a quicker recovery. Any discomfort only lasts a day or two and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.

Traditional dental implants typically require 3-6 months to fully bond with the jawbone and provide stable support. In contrast, mini dental implants are stable immediately upon placement and achieve complete integration with the jawbone within just a few weeks.

Stabilizing your dentures is a transformative procedure that allows you to regain the lifestyle you once knew. You’ll be able to eat your favorite foods again, speak clearly, and never worry about your dentures slipping, sliding, or falling out again. When you stabilize your dentures with mini implants, you effectively turn them into implant dentures.

Can My Existing Denture Be Stabilized With Mini Implants?

In some instances, if your existing dentures meet particular criteria, we can convert them into implant dentures. The only way to know for sure is to schedule a free consultation with Dr. Aristodemo. At this initial visit, she can examine your dentures and determine whether they can accommodate mini implants. If not, we can create new dentures for you that meet your exact needs.

Types of Implant Dentures

Implant dentures come in different styles, both removable and non-removable, offering various levels of stability and functionality. Regardless of the option you select, you’ll enjoy improvements over traditional dentures.

• Snap-on dentures: Also known as overdentures or implant-retained dentures, this option uses the same materials as conventional dentures but snaps onto 4-8 mini implants for enhanced stability. Like a standard denture, snap-in dentures are removable at night for cleaning.
• Semi-removable roundhouse bridge: Like a denture, a roundhouse bridge replaces an entire arch of teeth. This option is only removed by a dentist like Dr. Aristodemo for professional cleaning. What’s sometimes called the Fix-on-Six® option uses 6-10 mini implants to anchor the prosthetic, providing more security and functionality.
• Non-removable roundhouse bridge: The most robust and permanent option, Dr. Aristodemo cements this zirconia roundhouse bridge to approximately 10 mini implants for the highest level of stability and power. This denture option closely replicates the look, feel, and performance of natural teeth.

The Benefits of Mini Implants

At Happy Smiles Family Dentistry, we’re proud to specialize in mini dental implants. We prefer mini implants because they provide several benefits over their older, larger counterparts.

• Gentle, minimally invasive procedure: Traditional implants often require a bone graft procedure to strengthen the jawbone before the implants can be secured. Placement also requires cutting the gums and closing the incision with stitches. On the other hand, inserting mini implants only requires a tiny pilot hole. For patients who are anxious about more invasive procedures, mini implants provide peace of mind. We can complete the placement process in about 15 minutes or less per implant.
• Immediate results: Mini implants are ready to use as soon as we place them, so they’re sometimes referred to as “same-day implants.” You’ll walk in for your implant appointment and walk out with new, functional teeth.
• Smoother healing process: Traditional dental implant procedures can cause post-operative discomfort because they are more invasive. With mini implants, discomfort is minimal and diminishes in a day or two,
• Quicker jawbone integration: Over time, dental implants fuse (or osseointegrate) with the jawbone. Traditional implants take 3-6 months to do this. Mini implants stabilize much more rapidly, allowing you to enjoy the use of your final, custom-made teeth more quickly and with fewer dental visits.
• Affordable alternative: Because the process takes less time and requires fewer visits, mini implants cost about half as much as traditional implants. For those seeking implant dentures, mini implant options provide budget-friendly solutions.

Learn More About Denture Stabilization

If you’re sick of dealing with the frustration of floating dentures, mini implants can be the solution you’re looking for. At Happy Smiles Family Dentistry, Dr. Aristodemo and her experienced team are here to guide you through the process. Call to schedule your free consultation and see how denture stabilization can transform your life.