Implant-Supported Dentures
Mini-implant Overdentures
For patients with an uncomfortable or loose denture, stabilizing it with mini-implants is often a great solution.
Mini-implants are placed in the jaw, where they heal firmly in place. Attachments are placed in the underside of the denture that connect to the implants. When placed in the mouth, the denture snaps onto the implants, keeping it stable and secure.
What are the benefits of a denture supported by mini-implants?
Mini-implants can make your dentures much more stable and comfortable, enabling you to eat and speak more easily. The greatest benefit from mini-implants is usually observed with the lower denture, which is typically much less stable than the upper. In fact, patients will often opt to leave their upper denture as it is and only place implants in the lower. Sometimes your current dentures can be modified to work with mini-implants, and it is not necessary to make new ones.
How are mini-implants different from ordinary-sized implants?
Placing mini-implants is often simpler and less time-intensive than placing full-sized implants. Full-sized implants generally require several months of healing before they can reliably support dental restorations, while mini-implants can often support a denture right away.
The procedure for placing mini-implants is usually simple and relatively pain-free, and the recovery time is often just a day or two. Modifications to the denture are made on the same day the implants are placed, so you can begin wearing it with your new implants right away.