Definition
The ITI Group 1 consensus (2018) sorts narrow implants into three diameter categories.1
| Category | Diameter | Mean survival |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (mini implants) | Under 2.5 mm | 94.7 percent |
| 2 | 2.5 mm to under 3.3 mm | 97.3 percent |
| 3 | 3.3 mm to 3.5 mm | 97.7 percent |
The consensus concluded that implants 2.5 mm or wider have survival similar to standard-diameter implants, and implants under 2.5 mm have lower survival.1
Mini implants for overdentures
A 2017 systematic review pooled 24 studies of mini implants used to hold complete overdentures.2
| Measure | Result |
|---|---|
| Patients | 1,273, mean age 65.9 years |
| Mini implants | 2,494 |
| Standard implants also in the studies | 386 |
| Mean follow-up | 2.48 years (range 1 to 7) |
| Mini implant survival | 92.32 percent |
| Failures, upper jaw | 31.71 percent |
| Failures, lower jaw | 4.89 percent |
Most studies reported bone loss around mini implants similar to standard implants, under 1.5 mm.2 All studies in the review found improved satisfaction and quality of life after treatment.2 The ITI consensus found implants 2.5 mm to 3.5 mm wide had survival similar to standard-diameter implants.1
How many
The review suggested a minimum of 4 mini implants for a lower overdenture and 6 for an upper overdenture.2 The authors described mini implants for overdentures as an alternative when standard treatment is not possible.2
Compared with standard overdentures
The McGill and York consensus statements name the two-implant overdenture with standard implants as the first-choice standard for the lower jaw.3 A 2024 meta-analysis on standard-implant overdentures found stud attachments needed less aftercare than ball attachments.4
Questions to ask
- Why mini implants rather than standard implants in this case.
- How many mini implants are planned for each jaw.
- What happens if one does not integrate.
General information about dental implants. Treatment decisions are made with a licensed dentist.
Sources
- Jung RE et al. Group 1 ITI Consensus Report: implant length, design and medications. Clin Oral Implants Res 2018. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Lemos CA et al. Complete overdentures retained by mini implants: systematic review. J Dent 2017. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Thomason JM et al. Two implant retained overdentures: literature supporting the McGill and York consensus statements. J Dent 2012. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Girundi ALG et al. Mandibular overdentures with stud and ball attachments: systematic review. J Prosthet Dent 2024. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
