Peer to Peer: MOR Mini Implants

Dr. Ian Erwood placed his first mini dental implant more than 20 years ago. He already had experience with traditional dental implants, and initially was interested in using the mini versions to help stabilize complete lower dentures for his edentulous patients. Over the years, the applications for mini dental implants have expanded, bringing both his patients and his practice many benefits. Here, Dr. Erwood explains what those benefits are, and why he made the switch to Sterngold’s MOR Mini Implants.

I started using Sterngold’s MOR Mini Implants when they first came out about 5 years ago. I liked the fact they were compatible with other systems I was already using and that they offered a great range of products not only in diameter, but also in length. Sterngold offers diameters of 2.1 mm, 2.4 mm, and 3.0 mm, as well as lengths of 10 mm, 13 mm, 15 mm, and 18 mm. There also are 2 different attachments for denture stabilization, both of which are excellent.

I trust the brand. As the oldest established dental company in North America, the quality of Sterngold's U.S.-manufactured implants and attachments is second to none. They also offer education for both seasoned implantologists like myself, as well as clinicians who are new to the field.

Enhanced Flexibility, Immediate Results

Mini dental implants give you another option in your implantology toolbox. You might have a case where there isn’t enough bone for a regular-diameter implant, and the patient may not want to undergo the time and expense of grafting an area to build up enough bone volume. Mini dental implants can be placed in areas where there’s less bone, giving you more flexibility.

Since the MOR Mini Implants are a one-piece design (implant and abutment are a single unit), there is not a second implant uncovering surgery. They offer excellent initial primary stabilization, so patients can start using their dentures immediately.

An Affordable Option Based

on the time involved to complete treatment, the cost, and the expected results, many patients who couldn’t afford regular-diameter implants find treatment with MOR Mini Implants to be a game changer. Many come to me for a second opinion after being told their only option is bone grafting and regular diameter implants. If they turn out to be candidates for mini implants, I can offer a reduced fee and reduced time frame, yet still give them an outstanding result.

For example, to stabilize an existing complete lower denture, I can offer a fee that is thousands of dollars less than what I would charge for regular-diameter implants and still be profitable because my material cost is a lot less, my chair time is less, and my results are excellent. It’s a win-win both for our dental practice and our patients because they're extremely happy with the stabilization of their lower denture and the fee they paid for the procedure.

A Practice Builder

Offering MOR Mini Implants has increased my referral base because satisfied patients tell friends, loved ones, and neighbors about this procedure. There also are dentists within about a 3-hour range of my practice referring me patients specifically to have MOR Mini Implants placed.