Losing a tooth is always stressful, but it can be especially devastating for teenagers. A gap in their smile can severely hurt their self-esteem and make it more difficult for them to enjoy their favorite foods. As a parent, you’ll naturally want your teenager to be able to enjoy a full smile again, which is why you might consider dental implants. Unfortunately, when it comes to the question, “Can teenagers get dental implants?”, the answer is often no. Here’s what you need to know.
Why are Teenagers Often Unable to Get Implants?
Dental implants are made to be surgically placed into the jaw so that they can join with the bone. However, a teenager’s jaw is still developing, and that can cause complications for implants. While the natural teeth will move around as the jaw grows, implants tend to remain stationary. As a result, the posts might prevent the teeth from reaching their intended positions. There’s also a good chance that the implants will recede into the gums as the jaw develops, making them appear to be too short.
What is the Right Age for Dental Implants?
Because of the above issues, dental implants are only recommended for patients with fully grown jawbones. Everyone develops at a different rate, so some people might be eligible for implant surgery by age 17 while others might have to wait until age 21.
For boys, it takes longer for the jawbone to fully develop. That means that on average, girls might be able to get dental implants earlier. Nevertheless, most oral health experts prefer to wait until age 16 to consider dental implants for their patients. Note that the location of the missing tooth can make a difference, as the upper and lower jaws tend to grow at different speeds.
What Other Options Do Teenagers Have to Replace Teeth?
Even if your teenager isn’t able to get dental implants, they don’t have to be stuck with an incomplete grin. There are a couple of different options they can use to replace their teeth:
- Partial Dentures: A partial denture consists of a gum-colored base and several prosthetic teeth that fit in the gaps of your teenager’s grin. This is an affordable option that still leaves the door open for your teenager to get dental implants in the future.
- Fixed Bridges: A fixed bridge is made of two crowns and at least one prosthetic tooth. The crowns rest on natural teeth so that the prosthetics can fill the gap. Bridges offer a more permanent solution than partial dentures, and they can be brushed normally along with the rest of your teenager’s teeth.
A dentist or oral surgeon can help you figure out what type of tooth replacement would work best in your teenager’s situation. Even if they can’t get dental implants, they can still enjoy a natural-looking, reliable smile.
About the Author
Dr. J. Darrell Steele is an accomplished oral surgeon who has been helping his patients for decades now. During his oral and maxillofacial surgery residency, he focused on various full-scope procedures, including a variety of implant treatments. He’s an expert in using dental implants to replace any number of teeth. If someone in your family is thinking of getting dental implants in the near future, you can schedule a consultation with Dr. Steele at Steele Dental in Coppell via his website or by calling (972) 315-3355.
