When your teenager feels embarrassed by their missing tooth, you want to find a solution that will not only complete their smile but also boost their self-esteem. While you might think permanent prosthetics are a viable solution, you may go to your child’s dentist asking, “Can teenagers get dental implants?” Unfortunately, most dental professionals do not prefer to go this route with treatment. To understand why, a dentist is here to explain why these titanium posts are not the best option for teens and what other solutions are possible.
Dental Implants and Developing Smiles
The reason most dentists do not recommend dental implants for teenagers is that their jawbones are continuing to develop. When you consider the process of receiving a dental implant, it is surgically placed into the bone, which means this area must be dense and capable of supporting the titanium post as well as the customized restoration. Because most teenagers are still going through a process that requires the bone to strengthen and develop, placing dental implants will most likely lead to complete failure.
Alternative Treatment Options for Teenagers with Missing Teeth
While it might be an unfortunate reality for you and your teen that dental implants are not a possibility, there are other options that are available, such as:
- Dentures: If only one tooth is missing, a small partial can be created using a gum-colored, acrylic base and a customizable tooth that is attached to the base. Using metal clasps or clips, the partial is secured into place, giving you a full, complete, and confident smile.
- Dental Bridges: The other solution is a dental bridge, which consists of three dental crowns fused to create a prosthetic that blends in with your child’s smile. Taking the two natural teeth on either side of the gap, their dentist will alter them to serve as anchors for your child’s new dental bridge.
There are certainly benefits to both forms of alternative treatment, which is why you should make sure to speak to your dentist. Waiting to replace the missing tooth will only cause additional problems to form, such as dental drift (the shifting of nearby healthy teeth), periodontal disease, bone loss, additional tooth loss. It’s better to get them the care they need now and wait until their jawbones and facial structures are fully formed before discussing the potential for a dental implant.
About the Author
Dr. Dhavalkumar Rana at TrueCare Dentistry understands what it means to provide world-class care. No matter the situation or circumstance, he and his team are here to deliver timely and affordable dentistry to patients with all types of smiles. When a young individual visits Dr. Rana with a missing tooth, a thorough examination must occur before recommending any type of treatment. If possible, a dental bridge or denture can be used until your child is older. If you’re looking to help your teen feel more confident about their smile, visit our website or call (469) 399-7288.