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Mini implants - also known as MDI (Mini Dental Implant) - promise firm hold and stability for artificial dentures. They are inexpensive, quickly used and immediately loadable. Mini implants offer an alternative to traditional dental implants for some patient groups. Clinical trials show a greater than 94 percent success in treatment within five years of mini-implant placement (2).

Overview of this article

What are mini-implants?

Mini implants are one-piece implant systems of very small size. The structure already integrated into the MDI protrudes out of the jaw after insertion and is usually used for attaching dentures. On several mini-implants, bridges as well as complete dentures can be securely fixed. Mini-implants are only suitable in very rare cases for attaching individual teeth.

The system of mini-implants was originally developed to stabilize removable dentures in the lower jaw. In the meantime, the technology has matured so that dental prostheses in the upper jaw are held in place by mini-implants.

What are the differences to conventional dental implants?

Compared to classical implants, mini-implants have a much smaller diameter of only 1.8 to a maximum of 3 millimeters. In addition, they are much shorter. Therefore, these mini-implants can be more easily anchored in the jaw. For you as a patient, the procedure is correspondingly gentler.

Classic implants are made up of two parts: a lower part in the jaw and the later mounted on it (one or more teeth). In contrast, an MDI basically consists of only one part. At the upper end of the mini-implant sits a ball head. This head later protrudes from the jaw. The principle of attaching the dentures is reminiscent of the functional mechanism of snaps.

The functionality of a mini-implant

The several ridges in the jaw hold your denture so reliably that it does not have to be removed even at night. At least four and five to six mini-implants are required in the lower jaw for an absolutely secure fit.

In the laboratory, the precisely fitting recess (the "counterpart" to the ball head) is worked into the prosthesis. A rubber ring fixed in it buffers the contact of implant and prosthesis. This allows the denture to be mounted on the heads of the mini-implants with very light pressure and loosened again for cleaning. After a "test run" under the guidance of your dentist you succeed in everyday life without difficulty.

Which patients are suitable for mini-implants?

Many people complain that their removable dentures are constantly slipping. This not only bothers when chewing, but often when talking. These problems can almost always be solved by inserting mini-implants and adjusting the denture.

The insertion of conventional implants is associated with health risks for about one third of all patients (1). In particular, patients of the"60 plus" generation often suffer from pre-existing conditions that make larger surgical procedures a danger to them. In this patient group mini-implants are used very frequently. If you do not want to expect a major dental surgery due to the high risk, mini-implants offer you an alternative.

Implant systems with MDI are also useful when jawbones are particularly narrow or have already contracted greatly. If this applies to your jaw, you will also benefit from this treatment method. The lengthy bone structure often required for regular implants does not apply to mini implants.

What is the procedure for implanting mini-implants?

The introduction of mini-implants does not require complicated surgery. Usually the dentist does not have to put the gum on at all. After using a tiny pre-drill, the MDI is immediately screwed into the jawbone. For you as a patient, it is a gentle procedure that does not need to frighten you.

During the approximately two-hour visit, your implantologist will effortlessly insert the four to six required mini-implants in the upper or lower jaw. Afterwards, he attaches either a temporary restoration or your own, now reworked denture.

Since mini-implants are immediately load-bearing, you can eat again immediately after the procedure. Depending on your general state of health, the mini-implants are finally ingrown after three to six months. During this period, you should exercise some caution when snacking on an apple or chewing on tough meat.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of mini implants?

Advantages

  • Small procedure, even suitable for high-risk patients
  • Implantation even in decimated jawbone possible
  • Better hold and comfort of dentures
  • Quick and easy to use
  • Adaptation of existing dentures possible
  • Easy to clean with the toothbrush
  • Immediately after insertion resilient

Disadvantages

  • Not an alternative for all classical implants
  • Only in exceptional suitable for individual teeth and bridges
  • Not so deeply anchored in the jaw; consequently loosening or loss possible

What do mini-implants cost?

Mini implants are manufactured by a few specialized manufacturers, which is why the prices are actually based on the market.

A single MDI costs between € 1.100 and € 1.600 (3). For fixation of a complete prosthesis in a edentulous jaw, between four and six mini-implants are required for the upper and / or lower jaw. Added to this are the costs of making a suitable denture. Often, however, the existing denture can be reworked, which in turn saves costs. Thanks to the simple surgical procedure, your dentist needs less time to insert mini-implants. For you, therefore, a lower fee is due here.

A model calculation assumes a total cost between € 2.500 and € 3.500 for four to five mini-implants and one prosthesis (3). With this sum, you would have to count on one toothless jaw (upper or lower jaw).

As a member of a statutory health insurance you will generally receive only a fixed subsidy for necessary dentures. With more generous co-payments, you can only count as privately insured or if you have taken out additional insurance in good time.

Conclusion & sources

If patients have to forego conventional implants for health reasons, mini-implants are a recommended and proven treatment concept for the secure attachment of dentures. Many patients manage to chew and speak better after the procedure. This will help you to regain a better quality of life.

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