Shelby Dentist Discusses Mini Implants – Substitute for Denture Adhesives


Hi, my name is Dr. Robert Antolak, of thegentledentist.com. We are located in Shelby Township, Michigan. Our phone number is 586-247-3500.

What I’d like to do is to introduce something called mini implants. Mini implants I’m sure many of you heard of it, are used to actually hold dentures down. Dentures are plastic. When people lose their teeth, and there are many, many people who lose their teeth, we replace them with plastic  dentures. And unfortunately, dentures, on the lower, are only held in place by the tongue. Actually the tongue putting pressure towards the denture and the lip holding it inside. So, that lower denture floats around quite a bit when the teeth are all missing. So, what we can do in one visit, is to  convert your existing denture. If it’s something that can be used, we can then converted over to something that is actually retained by mini implants.

Mini implants into the existing bone. They’re very narrow about three millimeters thick, so they’re very, very narrow. They go inside of the bone and we obviously numb you up. We can even sedate you if you desire. And then on the denture we  place little caps inside of it. So basically you have a ball, which is your jawbone here. A little ball that sticks out. And over the top of it goes a cap that snaps over that ball. And that cap that’s in there is retained within that denture. And so, we have, a number of different options, that can be used for this purpose. And it will really gives you the opportunity to chew the foods that you desire. Not the foods that you have to eat. You know there are many, many times in many patients who we’ve converted them over to mini implants and they have so much more confidence so that they can chew the foods that they want to.

Now another issue that comes along with rather an embarrassing situations that takes place when people have dentures and they are at a party or they laugh and the denture flips out of their mouth. You know I have had situations where people were fishing and they coughed or something like that and basically the denture fell off and fell into the water that’s a horrible situation.

So, if you want something that can actually help you retain it, keep it down, allow yourself confidence to be better. Chew the foods that you want, it’s nothing but a win win situation for yourself. So you can give us a call at: (586) 247-3500. We are located in Shelby Township, Michigan. And our phone # is: (586) 247-3500, just to repeat that. Our website is thegentledentist.com. Thank you.

Economical Smile Makeover in Michigan

Snap on Smile- an instant Smile Makeover

Question:  I really don’t like my smile!  I had an estimate on some dental procedures to help me out, but I can’t afford it.  They recommended some caps and lumineers and sounds great, but even with their financing this is out of my reach.  I heard of something that I can take out of my mouth that snaps over my teeth.  Have you heard of this device?

Answer:  I have been using thin plastic dental veneers that press fit over the patient’s teeth to determine what a new smile might look like.  We would determine if longer or more protrusive teeth would look better in their mouth and look pleasing to their appearance.  Because of the popularity of shows like Extreme Makeover and the Swan  there has been an increased demand for cosmetic dental procedures. (See last months edition of Ask the Dentist).  Some of our patient’s want this Hollywood smile, but can’t seem to fit it into their budget.  A new reversible procedure is now available for short term use.  It is called the Snap-On-smile.  It is made from a durable material that memorizes its shape and snaps over the natural teeth without adhesives.  Teeth need to be decay free and infection free to do this procedure.  It is ideal for those who can’t afford long term cosmetic dentistry, but want to look nice particularly for an important occasion such as a wedding.  The cost for this procedure is between $950-$1400 and according to the manufacturer it can last up to 3 years if maintained properly and used carefully.

There are 18 categories of tooth shapes and 23 colors to choose from.  To be fabricated, an accurate impression is taken of the teeth and in a couple of weeks your new snap on smile is ready.  This has been referred to quick fix dentistry by some and does have its limitations but is good for those financially or medically challenged who want an attractive smile.

Limitations considered are:

  • Protrusive upper teeth, it will look worse if thickness was added to them.
  • Since the teeth are made to snap over the entire existing teeth they tend to feel bulkey.
  • Patients who grind or clench their teeth will usually wear them down quickly.

The only way to see if you qualify for this procedure you can ask your dentist.  If they don’t do this type of procedure we would be happy to discuss the procedure to see if you are a candidate.  We can be reached at www.TheGentleDentist.com.  You can also visit their web site at www.SnapOnSmile.com.

To submit your questions please e-mail me at DrAntolak@TheGentleDentist.com or call (586)247-3500.