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Since ancient times, it has been a challenge to come up with the best way to replace missing teeth. Previously, dentures were the standard way of replacing lost teeth. Science, technology, and researchers have provided choices for better care of teeth and understanding of oral health, leading to solutions for most oral problems. Rehabilitation of the stomatognathic system includes the restoration of normal contour, function, esthetics, comfort, speech, and health.[1] Osseointegration has become the focus of modern implantology, leading to the introduction and refinement of the osseointegrated root form implant. Available implants vary in diameter from 1.8 mm to 7 mm. The mini implant is a dental implant that is fabricated with a reduced diameter (less than 3 mm) and a shorter length but with the same biocompatible material as compared with standard dental implants. Mini implants present a reduced diameter (less than 3 mm), while narrow/conventional diameter implants typically have a diameter greater than 3 mm. Therefore, the use of mini implants to retain overdentures enables the use of less-complex surgical techniques since the reduced diameter of the implant permits its placement in areas with low bone thickness. These implants are associated with immediate stability, high survival rates, favorable marginal bone loss, less postoperative discomfort, and increased satisfaction and quality of life of patients. The quantity and quality of bone tissue available in the jaw typically define the characteristics (diameter and length) and the number of implants. Overdentures retained by conventional implants exhibit good long-term results, but also present some limitations such as cost, difficulty with placing the implant in reduced buccolingual dimensions of bone without the need for bone-grafting procedures, and the presence of chronic systemic diseases that can prevent most advanced surgeries such as bone grafts and lateralization of the inferior alveolar nerve. Concomitantly, sometimes it is not necessary to open flaps, decreasing morbidity during the postoperative period. Additional advantages include bone expansion while placement requiring minimal osteotomy size leading to the extra available osseous blood supply to the supporting bone and better angiogenesis. Also easy removal and healing in case of failure with minimal surgical trauma.[1] Excellent patient satisfaction was found while evaluating patients using overdentures supported with mini implants in terms of comfort, retention, chewing ability, and speaking ability. [2]These aspects are some of the attractive factors that increase patient acceptance of mini-implant treatments.[3][4][5][6]

The primary disadvantages of mini implants for definitive prosthodontic treatment are as follows: The need for multiple implants because of the unpredictability and lack of current scientific guidelines and understanding The limited scientific evidence about long-term survival The potential for fracture of the implant during placement, screw loosening and prosthetic issues[18][19] Lack of parallelism between implants is less forgiving because of the one-piece design The reduction in resistance to occlusal loading need an evaluation of the distribution of forces and movement of the prosthesis, similar to narrow-diameter implants[20][15] Other disadvantages attributable to flapless surgery (when used) such as lack of bone visibility, inability to irrigate the bone, and contraindications in situations requiring alveoloplasty to gain prosthetic space Biological complications include peri-implantitis/ progressive bone loss, peri mucositis, periapical implantitis or sensory disturbance.[21] Primary stability is poor where the cortex is thinner than 0.5 mm and density of trabecular bone is low[10] Infection can occur if the transmucosal portion around the screw is not entirely smooth[10] Excessive pressure during insertion of the self-drilling screw can lead to fracture of screw tip[10] Overtightening can lead to screw loosening. Stop turning the screw when the smooth part of neck reach the periosteum.[10] While obtaining orthodontic anchorage with the bracket like screw head, turning the ligature around the screw will make it impossible to keep the area free of inflammation. The ligature should be placed in the slot perpendicular to the wire on top of the screw[10]