Can My Teen Get Dental Implants?

Kids can lose teeth in all kinds of ways, and teenagers are more concerned than anyone with how they look. If your teen is missing a tooth, it makes perfect sense to try and find something to take its place. Dental implants are the gold standard when it comes to tooth replacement; they’re durable, realistic, and easy to maintain. That said, there are a few reasons why dental implants are not a great option for teenagers. Here’s why they should look into other tooth replacement options.

Why Are Dental Implants Wrong for Teens?

As you might have guessed, the primary reason teens can’t get dental implants is that they’re still growing. Dental implants are placed directly into the jawbone via a titanium post. A teen’s jaw is strong, but not fully developed. Their softer jawline is less able to hold the implant in place, increasing its risk for failure.

When Can My Child Get Dental Implants?

There is no exact age that dental implants suddenly become a good option. Everybody grows differently. However, dental implants are an excellent choice once their rate of success becomes high enough; they reduce the probability of bone loss and keep the surrounding teeth in line. It’s therefore worthwhile to talk frequently to your child’s dentist about when they might be able to get dental implants.

How Can I Replace My Teen’s Missing Tooth?

Your teen shouldn’t have to deal with a missing tooth. Leaving a gap in their smile puts them at increased risk for a wide range of oral health issues, and can cause their smile to become crooked.

Removable partial dentures are one of the most common ways to replace missing teeth. Artificial restorations are placed on a gum-colored base. This clips onto the surrounding teeth via wires. Dentures are incredibly realistic, and they’re easy to care for. Dental bridges are another excellent tooth replacement option, where a porcelain simulation of a tooth is sandwiched between two dental crowns. Both options will fill the gap in your teen’s smile without the need for surgery.

Dental implants are great, but they aren’t all that there is. A restorative or implant dentist would be able to talk to your teen about what they’re looking for in a prosthetic and guide them to their ideal solution.

About the Author

Dr. Neal Graber is an implant dentist with two decades of experience in his field. His favorite thing is the look on someone’s face when they see their brand-new smile. Dr. Graber received his Doctor of Dental Medicine at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and to this day he continues his education to keep his skills sharp. If you have any questions about teens and dental implants, he can be reached at his website or by phone at (203) 925-1911.