Quick answer: what are mini implants?
Mini dental implants are titanium implants of a smaller diameter — usually 1.8–2.9 mm (classic ones are 3.5–6 mm).
The basic differences:
- A smaller diameter (a type of screw)
- A less invasive procedure (often without an incision in the gum)
- Cheaper (about 50–60 % of the price of a classic implant)
- Faster recovery
- A shorter lifespan (10–15 years vs 20+ for classic ones)
When mini implants are suitable
1. Stabilising a removable denture
The most common use. 4 mini implants in the lower jaw act as additional supports for the denture — it no longer moves and needs no adhesive.
2. A patient with a narrow jawbone
When a classic implant (3.5+ mm) does not fit into the bone and bone augmentation is not possible or not desired.
3. A missing front tooth with a narrow space
When the neighbouring teeth narrow the space and a classic implant would be too large.
4. An older patient who cannot manage an extensive procedure
Mini implants are less invasive — a short procedure, quick recovery.
When mini implants are NOT a suitable choice
Brutally honestly: mini implants have a narrow range of indications.
They are not suitable for:
- Single replacement of a tooth in the posterior region
- Fixed bridges or complex prosthetic solutions
- Younger patients
- High aesthetic demands
- Patients with bruxism
Mini implants vs classic implants vs All-on-4
| Criterion | Mini implant | Classic implant | All-on-4 | |----------|-------------|-----------------|----------| | Diameter | 1.8–2.9 mm | 3.5–6 mm | 3.5–6 mm × 4 | | Price/complete jaw solution | 2.000–3.500 € (with denture) | 5.200–6.500 € (8 implants) | 5.500 € | | Function | Removable denture with supports | Individual fixed teeth | Fixed bridge on the jaw | | Lifespan | 10–15 years | 20+ years | 20+ years | | Chewing force | ~50 % of a natural tooth | 100 % of a natural tooth | 100 % of a natural tooth | | Difference in the procedure | Less surgery, shorter recovery | Standard procedure | Fast (24h fixed) |
At Koderman — our practice
Brutally honestly: at Koderman we rarely use mini implants.
The reasons:
- For stabilising a denture we have better solutions
- For patients with little bone we have the sinus lift and subperiosteal implants
- For complete rehabilitation of the jaw we have All-on-4 / All-on-6
- Premium classic implants are a better long-term investment
A real decision-making example
A 78-year-old patient missing the entire lower jaw
Option A — 4 mini implants + a removable denture:
- Price: approx. 2.500 €
- Lifespan: 10–15 years
- The denture is still removable, but holds well
Option B — All-on-4:
- Price: 5.500 € (with a 10 % senior discount 4.950 €)
- Lifespan: 20+ years
- Fixed teeth — you never take them out
Frequently asked questions
Are mini implants cheaper to place?
Yes, a single mini implant is 250–400 € vs 650 € for a classic one. But because of the shorter lifespan (10–15 years vs 20+), the cost per year is similar in the long run.
Can a mini implant support a bridge?
Technically yes, but mechanically it is not the best choice.
How long does a procedure with mini implants take?
4 mini implants: 30–45 minutes under local anaesthesia. Classic ones: 60–90 minutes for the same number.
Can I later replace them with classic ones?
Yes, if the patient decides on an upgrade. We remove the mini implant, wait 2–3 months (bone regeneration) and place a classic one.
At Koderman — do you place mini implants?
Based on an individual assessment. If mini implants are the best solution for your case, we place them.
Book a free consultation
Have you been thinking about mini implants? I invite you to a free first consultation with a 3D CT scan.
- 📞 +386 51 452 627
- 📧 info@koderman.eu
- 📍 Hreničeva ulica 3, 2250 Ptuj
- ⏰ Mon 9–16, Tue–Fri 9–15
_Author: Dr Antonio Koderman, DMD & MSc of Implantology._