Dental implants are in a class of their own when it comes to replacing missing teeth, mainly due to their incredible ability to restore lost teeth in terms of look, feel, and functionality. But are implants viable options for everyone with missing teeth, including teenagers? If your teen has suffered a missing tooth, you might be scrambling to figure out a safe and effective way to replace it; however, dental implants actually aren’t usually a good option for teens! Keep reading to learn more from your dentist about why teenagers can’t receive dental implants and what some better options are.
Why Aren’t Dental Implants a Viable Option for Teens?
Generally, teenagers are not good dental implant candidates because they’re still growing! Kids rarely stop changing and maturing between the ages of 12 and 18, meaning that the ligaments and tissues surrounding their teeth are still forming and strengthening. A dental implant can interfere with this healthy development since it will try to remain stationary while the other teeth are naturally shifting and moving around. In some cases, the implanted tooth can even recede into the gums!
Due to the level of jawbone development that occurs during the teenage years, dental implants typically need to wait until adulthood, usually around age 21 or so. By then, the jawbone has usually fully developed and there is a much higher chance of success for the implants. However, it’s important to note that the upper and lower jaws can grow at different rates, so sometimes it’s possible to get implants in one area sooner than the other.
Which Tooth Replacement Options are Suitable for Teens?
Fortunately, there are other effective means for replacing missing teeth—and many of them are perfectly safe and quite effective for teenagers! Here are some ways that your dentist can replace your teen’s missing teeth:
- Dentures – Partial dentures are a popular restorative treatment option for teens, as they’re quite durable and also natural-looking. Patients don’t have to worry about any dietary restrictions, either! While it might seem strange for a teen to sport dentures, they’re much more common than you think—and incredibly discreet!
- Bridges – Bridges are another go-to option for teenagers with missing teeth. They consist of one or more artificial teeth that are attached to crowns placed on abutment teeth. Like dentures, they look natural and also don’t inhibit your teen’s ability to eat.
One of the biggest problems with missing teeth is that it almost always leads to additional tooth loss—meaning that replacing them swiftly should be a top priority. If your teen is suffering from a missing tooth, don’t hesitate to talk with your dentist about possible options for restoring their smile; even though they can’t receive dental implants, they aren’t entirely out of luck!
About the Practice
The team at Dentistry By Brand is thrilled to serve the dental needs of the Garland, TX area under the leadership of Dr. Craig Baginski, Dr. Kyle Baginski, and Dr. Ben Donnelli. Their practice is proud to offer a wide range of services including several restorative options like implants, bridges, and dentures. If you have any questions about tooth replacement options for your teen, don’t hesitate to contact the practice online or over the phone for assistance: (972) 495-9009.