Are you Suited for Mini Implants?

Dental patients with missing teeth may not know the options available for filling in the gaps in their smiles.  While dentures and conventional dental implants are a popular treatment choice, you have an alternative with mini dental implants, also known as MDIs or Narrow Body Implants.  These prosthetics provide benefits for smile improvement and make treatment flexible for qualifying patients.

What are Mini Implants?

Mini implants are made from the same titanium alloy material as conventional implants but are smaller and narrower in size.  While conventional implants are around 3 mm in diameter, MDIs are about half that and just as sturdy.  The solid, one-piece design can prevent the need for a bone graft in some cases, and the procedure is less invasive than conventional implants.  Typically, the process for placing mini implants takes one to two hours under a local anesthetic and has a full recovery time of only a few days.

How Can You Tell if You are a Good Candidate for Mini Implants?

Mini implants aren’t right for everyone, but if you are a patient in need of multiple implants, have degenerative bone that won’t allow for traditional implants or need to secure dentures in place, minis may be the fit for you. Some patients are better suited for the conventional implants but benefit from having a mini implant installed as a temporary fix.  The most significant benefit of minis over conventional implants is the cost; MDIs are often a fraction of the price of traditional implants.

When Conventional Implants Might be a Better Fit

Conventional implants and dentures either can be a better alternative to mini implants depending on your circumstances.  Full-sized implants have a larger surface area, making them more stable, but do require certain bone volume levels for integration.  Conventional implants also consist of separate pieces that are added in phases.  If you suffer from teeth grinding, mini implants are generally not recommended, as the grinding can wear down the implants prematurely.

In the end, one implant is not definitively better than another. Making a decision on what will work for you involves examining your unique health concerns and factors that contribute to implant success.

Dr. Okamoto and his staff want to make sure you know and are comfortable with all the options available to you when it comes to restoration with dental implants.  If you have questions about dental implants, call the helpful staff at Drs. Steven and Michelle Okamoto’s office today!

What is a Bone Graft?

Hard tissue grafts are used to repair depleted bone that no longer supports teeth and jaw function. The procedure involves taking tissue from either the patient themselves or a donor and applying it in areas where bone has receded, particularly after tooth loss or complications of osteoporosis. Dr. Okamoto treats bone depletion through comprehensive care that encourages healthy, functional, and beautiful smiles. Grafting is the predominant way bone recession is treated.

Now that you understand bone grafting basics, here’s what else you should about this procedure:

Bone grafts are safe: Tissue used for the graft can be your own, made in a lab, or taken from a donor. All of these are compatible with your natural jaw bone and integrate well. Grafting materials must be certified before they are provided to a patient, so all of them are safe avenues for creating a more supportive oral structure.

Bone grafts restore aesthetic: Bone depletion creates a prematurely aged and sunken appearance. When lost teeth or other health issues affect bone volume, the only way to restore a natural aesthetic is through grafting procedures. Augmenting bone structure restores a full and healthy appearance. Dr. Okamoto provides patient with the completely healthy and natural-looking smiles they deserve; bone graft procedures can give patients the chance at a beautiful smile again.

Bone grafts support better function and treatment results: As bone loss progresses, your teeth may begin to shift out of place, making everyday function uncomfortable and difficult. Loose and unstable teeth are at a higher risk for loss, which compounds bone health problems.  A bone graft bolsters jaw strength and provides security for natural teeth. If you are interested in dental implants to replace lost teeth, a bone graft creates the ideal environment to support lasting treatment success.

Can Bone be Compromised again After a Graft?

Maintaining oral health is dependent on seeking the most beneficial treatment to support bone health and development, as well as replacement for missing teeth. The addition of a bone graft actually encourages the development of new bone in the area, improving more than the region where the graft was placed. If you choose implants to replace lost teeth, you can enjoy the benefits of healthy, dense bone volume with minimized risks for additional bone loss.

Contact us for Comprehensive Treatment for Bone Loss, Missing Teeth, and Dental Implants

Dr. Okamoto and his team are prepared to treat bone health problems and advanced tooth loss through grafting procedures. Contact our office today for more information on whether you can benefit from a bone graft.

Why Choose Invisalign® Clear Aligners: Clear vs. Metal Braces

People have been in search of straight, healthy teeth for centuries. Sometime in the 1800s, dentists started making advancements in the production of appliances to adjust teeth alignment. These early treatments were derived from metal and, for much of the next century and a half, this material remained unchanged while the design and use of braces developed.

Metal braces have been improved upon, as orthodontists transitioned from using gold and silver to more cost-effective stainless steel. But within the past decade, the demand for more aesthetically pleasing braces expanded patients’ options. Most popular among these brands is Invisalign, a system of clear, tray-based orthodontics.

If you wish to obtain a straighter smile, consider how you can benefit from this aesthetic option by comparing it to systems of metal orthodontics:

The Old Reliable: Metal Bracket-and-Wire Systems

Many dentists and orthodontists continue to work with metal braces, as the product is dependable and effective. Among patients, the most common motivator to choose metal braces is that they are typically an affordable option, but cost depends on the extent of their needs. 

For children, metal braces are often the default choice. Kids typically lack the discipline to wear and use removable braces with consistency, and the complex bite issues that can manifest as children’s teeth develop are usually best treated with braces.

Inconspicuous and Modern: Invisalign Clear Braces

In the late 20th Century, advancements in orthodontic technology expanded in ways to make braces inconspicuous. While braces with plastic brackets were attempted, they lacked the durability to be instituted as a regular treatment method. Invisalign braces then emerged, combining the function of a retainer with the cosmetic benefits of acrylic. This way, wearers could fix their alignment without the permanence and prominence of metal wires and brackets. 

For many patients, the cost of braces matches the cost of their removable aligner treatment. This is especially alluring if you are dealing with only minor to moderate alignment issues and the idea of full braces to correct that problem feels like over kill. Invisalign is often ideal for adult patients whose lifestyles and careers would be hampered by the visibility of metal braces. As they are highly discreet and removable, Invisalign makes it easy to align teeth without forcing wearers to compromise on their diet and oral health routines.

Invisalign clear braces do not have the same range of use as metal braces.. But for those with the most widespread and common dental issues, Invisalign provides a cosmetic and functional treatment.
If you’re wondering whether Invisalign is right for you, contact Drs. Steven and Michelle Okamoto for your clear braces consultation at their Torrance dental office.