Mini-Implants “The Economic Snap On Denture”

If your loose denture is causing you to:

– miss out on life’s simple pleasures,
– miss eating your favorite foods,
– be afraid to laugh, smile or speak in public, then it’s time to enhance                                                     your life with the Implant Snap on Denture Stabilization System!

Imagine This!

Visit Dr. Kachele and Associates in the morning, have snap on implant procedure completed in less than two hours.  In many instances you can eat comfortably, have a pleasant conversation, laugh and talk with confidence in that very same day. Your denture feels secure and is being held firmly in place.  All of this is available at a very affordable price.

How does the smaller snap on procedure with implants broaden my options?

Dental implant therapy has been one of the most significant advances in dentistry in the past 40 years.  Hundreds of thousands of grateful denture patients have experienced the immediate improvement in their quality of life and confidence that long term denture stability brings. Several different types of implants and restorations are available.  The choice depends upon the amount of bone available, the patient’s general health and restoration preferences. We’ll discuss the options that will work best for you.

Mini Implants were designed as a minimally invasive procedure for denture stabilization. These small diameter implants (around 2mm diameter) enable dentists to broaden the spectrum of patients that can be treated. However, we have seen that they do have a lower success rate over long term use.  For this reason we use normal implants with a slightly larger diameter than the traditional Mini-Implants used today.  The Snap on Denture Stabilization System was developed in order to provide greater denture stability for those patients who cannot withstand the rigors of conventional implant surgery, who do not have enough bone to allow for full sized implants to be placed or those that are seeking an option with a lower cost than traditional implant treatment. We are able to provide that system with a more predictable result by using slightly larger sized normal implants.

What is the Implant Snap on Denture Stabilization System?

The Implant system consists of a high grade titanium alloy implant that acts like the root of your tooth and a retaining fixture that is incorporated into the base of your denture.  Currently, there are two main types of head designs used today with snap on dental implants.  One, which is shaped like a ball in which the retaining fixture acts like a socket with a rubber O-ring. The second, is called a “locator” abutment and is round in shape with a gasket sealed housing.  Both snap into place  when the denture is seated and holds the denture firmly in place.  When seated the denture gently rests on the gum tissue. The implant fixtures allow for micro-mobility while withstanding natural lifting forces.

“I’m so thankful for how much the implants have improved the quality of my         life.  Everyone should consider doing this if they wear dentures. It’s so simple.”
~ Donna K.  from  San Marcos, CA

How are these Implants placed?

Placement of the implants is accomplished quickly and easily in a process performed at our office, with local anesthesia. Using a precise, controlled, minimally invasive surgical technique, the Implants are place into the jawbone.  The heads of the implants protrude from the gum tissue and provide a strong, solid foundation for securing your dentures. Because of the minimally invasive nature of this procedure the placement doesn’t require a lengthy healing period, in most cases dentures can be stabilized the same day the  implants are placed.

What will my first day be like?

We strongly recommend that the denture is left in place for the first 48 hours after placement.  You should not experience any excessive bleeding.  There will be some mild discomfort, but this should be minimal and controlled by the pain medication you have been given.  If needed, take the pain medication only as directed.  The denture should feel secure.  You may eat as soon as you wish to, but avoid excessively hard or sticky foods for the period of time we will recommend.  Upon removing the denture, rinse your mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash. A Toothbrush can be used  to brush and to clean your implants and gently stimulate the surrounding gum tissue.

How do I place and remove my dentures?

The implants and the o-ring fixtures must be clean and free from debris.  Grasp the denture with both hands and lightly seat the denture, feeling that the O-rings or Locator Housing attachments inside the denture are resting above the  head of the implants, then press down firmly and equally on both sides. Make sure that you feel the implant heads easily fitting each O-ring or Locator.  You will feel the denture snap in to place.  If you have trouble seating your denture, first make sure that the implants and denture are absolutely clean.  Second, make sure that you feel the implants resting over each socket. A light touch will give you the best results. Remember to push downward equally on both sides. If you are still experiencing difficulty, see if a spouse or family member can assist you in placing the denture.

To remove the denture, place your thumbs under each side of the lower denture rim and push both sides upward at the same time. The tongue can also assist in this simple removal process.

What about care and maintenance?

You must brush and clean the ball of the implants as if they were your natural teeth. As with natural teeth, food and bacterial debris (plaque) must be removed after meals. If not removed, the plaque will cause inflammation of the gums and can be forced into the o-ring fixtures, causing improper seating and loss of retention. The o-ring fixtures must also be cleaned out.

The ACCESS™ Toothbrush is one type of system that has been specifically designed for optimum cleaning of the implant fixtures. Ultrasonic cleaners are ideal for insuring that the retaining fixtures are kept clean and free from food impaction and debris.  Use either mouthwash or a 50-50 peroxide solution in the ultrasonic cleaner.  A “Water-Pic” may also be used to rinse out the denture fixtures.  Do not use effervescent cleansers, as these may deteriorate o-rings. If the denture does not remain firmly in place, call us, we will schedule a check-up.  And at that time the condition of the implant, your gums, and the O-rings or Locator housings will be evaluated and properly maintained.

 Click Here to Schedule your Complementary Exam / Second Opinion Today!

FAQ’s about Mini-Implants 

Snap On Mini-Implants 

                                                    Snap On Mini-Implants          vs          Full Size Implants for Snap On

 

Q: Why do we use normal size implants vs mini-implants?

A.  We use full size dental implants with our snap on dentures.  Snap on implants are called mini-implants and are miniature in size. They have a higher rate of failure in the long term and have the abutment as a permanent part of the implant. By investing in full size implants the attachments are separate and can be upgraded to allow for fixed bridgework in the future.  It’s a slightly higher cost for a full implant but most find it worth having an option for an upgrade at a later date.

Q: How are implants placed?

A. Placement of the implants is accomplished quickly and easily in a process performed in the dentist’s office with just Novocain or if you prefer, we can use oral conscious sedation to help make you more comfortable. A small hole is placed in your gum and the mini-implants are gently screwed into the bone. The heads of the implants protrude from the gum tissue and provide a strong, solid foundation that your denture will actually SNAP tightly on to and secure itself.

Q: What are the benefits of the smaller sized normal implants?

A. Mini-implants have been around for years but we find that they have a higher failure rate, especially in the upper arch.  The implants we use are normal implants that are slightly larger than the mini-implants with more surface area and contact with the bone to improve implant integration and stability.  We find that we can gain a higher success rate and still save people money.   In most cases the procedure takes less than an hour and placing the implant involves very little trauma.  In some cases you can attach the denture the same day the implant is placed. A patient’s old loose denture can often be retrofitted at the same time that the mini-implants are placed. It is sometimes possible to place the implants and to use your old denture, saving the cost of a new set of dentures. Even though the cost is slightly more for the smaller sized normal implant we still do our best to keep it affordable.

Q: What is the process of getting these type of implants?

A. At your initial consultation, you will set the appointment for the implant placement that will be retrofitted into your old dentures or placed prior to making new dentures. If new dentures are being made, it usually takes at least three more visits to make new dentures with mini-implants.  

Q: How do I know if I’m a good candidate for these type of implants?

A. Unless you have had radiation to your jaw, have uncontrolled diabetes or have extreme bone loss, you are probably a good candidate. We have successfully placed implants in people that have lost nearly all of their lower jaw bone. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), the best candidates don’t smoke and have healthy gum tissues. 

Q: How soon can I use them?

A. These implants can in most cases be used immediately.  The great thing is that the day the implants are placed, we can often attach the denture the same day. A patient’s old, loose existing plate can often be used and retrofitted to save the cost of a new denture.  There are occasions when waiting six weeks is advisable before we connect the denture.

Q: What do they cost?

A. These implants are highly affordable.  We recommend six mini-implants for the needed support and longevity on the upper arch because the bone  in the upper arch is less dense than the lower and we need more to address the stress to the bone in the upper arch.   We have found from years of experience that by not placing enough implants we do not provide the support needed for the stresses of chewing.  By adding more we can help prevent the implant loss and failures of implants.  An experienced Doctor knows this.  You may find others offering fewer implants at more affordable rates, but we have found that the success rates for the long term can decrease substantially with fewer placement and the use of mini-implants verses slightly larger regular implants.  We still find that we can save thousands when compared to the All on 4 to 6 procedures and multiple fixed implant procedures.  We place 6 dental implants to support the Snap on Denture Stabilization Procedure on the upper jaw for $9699.00 if the existing denture is used and retrofitted.  Where the bone is more dense in the lower jaw we provide 4 implants for $8499.00.  This price may be higher than others who provide the mini-implants because we add our cost difference for using normal implants but we find that our price still brings great savings and is well worth the investment.  We care about long term success.  For that reason, we do not use the mini-implants on the market today.

Q: How successful are they?

A. Implants are over 90% successful in the upper arch and approach the high 90s in the lower jaw. That means that  up to 10%  may have issues and may even have to be removed in some cases, not in all cases, but some. There is a $1100.00 charge to replace or re-implant any implants that fail.

Q: Does it hurt to put them in?

A. Implant placement of this type is usually a simple one-step procedure. Your gums will not be cut open and no sutures are needed. The process is made easy for you with non-lingering sedation and oral conscious sedation. You will walk out of the office and probably have no pain at all.

Q: Does it hurt after they are placed?

A. When you go home you can resume all of your normal activities. It is infrequent that people need to take a Narcotic and in many cases Motrin and/or a mix with Tylenol is al that is needed for a short period of time.  We do what ever is needed to make sure that our patients are comfortable and taken care of.

Q: What do you do for very anxious patients?

A.  Our staff is highly skilled in helping you feel safe and comfortable. We offer oral conscious sedation that makes the experience totally comfortable and you will not remember anything or feel anything that was done in placing the implants.

Q: What maintenance is there?

A. Periodic follow-up visits will be scheduled to monitor your implants, the fit of your dentures, and the health of your gums. The o-rings or Locator housings will get loose and will need to be replaced because they do wear out.  The more often that you remove and replace your dentures the more frequently you will need to come in to the office and have the o-rings replaced.  We can order an in home kit at our cost and show you how to replace them at your request.

Q: Can they be fit under my existing dentures?

A. Yes, a patient’s old, loose existing plates can often be used at the same time that mini-implants are placed.  If the existing denture is extremely worn, is over 5 years old or has a poor bite, it may be necessary to make new dentures.

Q:  Can I get back some of the taste I lost for food?

A.  We have found that we can also get rid of the portion of the denture that covers the roof of the mouth with this procedure allowing our patients to get back some of the taste they have lost with a full upper denture. 

Q: Can we get rid of that gag reflex?

A. Yes, we can get rid of any tendency for a gag reflex when we modify the upper denture.  We charge a modify denture fee for the upper of $250.00.

Q: Can they be used if there are some teeth present?

A. Yes, they can be added to a partial denture to help stabilize them.

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*We Are Medicare Part B Certified*

Did you know that in certain circumstances, Medicare Part B will pay for medically necessary surgical procedures like Bone Grafting, Sinus Lifts, Ridge Augmentation and issues that accompany Jaw Bone Loss and Deterioration that effect your health? 

Call us for a free consultation today at   760-539-0470  or click the link below for your online request.

Medicare Certified 1