Missing teeth are a problem; not only can they lead to other serious oral health concerns, including additional missing teeth, but they can also put a serious dent in one’s self-confidence. And as a parent, seeing your teenager with gaps in their smile can be an alarming cause for concern—but what are their restorative options? Are they viable candidates for dental implants? Here’s what you need to know about this treatment option and why it might not be recommended for teens.
Can Teenagers Get Dental Implants?
The short answer is no, teenagers are typically not good candidates for dental implants. This is because teenagers are still growing! Between the ages of 12 and 18, kids rarely stop growing and changing, meaning that the ligaments and tissues that surround their teeth are still coming together and strengthening. An implant can create issues since it will remain stationary while the other teeth are being moved into new positions. In some cases, the implanted tooth can even recede into the gums!
That said, due to the jaw development that occurs during the teenage years, dental implants are not a viable solution for teenagers. But once the jawbone has fully developed and hardened, there is an increased chance of successful dental implants later—typically by age 21 or so. However, since the upper and lower jaws can grow at different rates, it is sometimes possible to get implants in one area sooner than the other.
What Teeth Replacement Options Are Suitable for Teenagers?
Even if teens aren’t good candidates for dental implants, there are still other ways to address missing teeth:
- Partial dentures – This is the most popular restorative treatment option for teens, as they’re quite durable and natural-looking while allowing the patient to eat and drink whatever they want, and without any pain! It might seem strange for a teen to sport dentures, but they’re pretty common—and discreet!
- Bridges – Bridges are the other go-to option for teens with missing teeth. They consist of one of more artificial teeth that are attached to crowns on abutment teeth. They also look natural, like dentures, and they don’t inhibit your teen’s ability to eat or drink!
Even though dental implants are one of the best options for replacing missing teeth, they’re unfortunately not a good option for teenagers. That said, if your teenager is suffering from missing teeth, don’t hesitate to seek other restorative treatment options to preserve their smile for the long run!
About the Practice
South Florida Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery proudly serves patients and families in the Jupiter, FL area under the leadership of four skilled specialists: Dr. Paul Weinstein, Dr. Travis Thompson, Dr. Jeronimo Guzman, and Dr. Christopher Chafin. Together they combine several decades of collective experience and expertise to provide patients with an elite level of dental care! The practice is pleased to offer many available services including dental implants. If you have any questions about dental implants or would like to schedule a visit, feel free to contact the practice online or by phone: (561) 743-8311.