While losing teeth at any age can make your confidence take a hit, it can be especially difficult for adolescents. The gaps in their grin may make things like navigating social situations, trying out for sports or the school play, and giving speeches in class more difficult to do. Among all the tooth replacement options out there, dental implants are the most permanent. But can teenagers get dental implants, or is it unsafe? Read on to learn about how dental implants work, whether they’re safe for teens, and other ways young adults can complete their smiles.
What are Dental Implants and How Do They Work?
Dental implants are replacement tooth roots. They can be made from zirconia, but titanium is the more popular option. During the dental implant process, a small incision is made in the gums so the jawbone can easily be accessed. The implant is then inserted directly into the jawbone where it will fuse with it through a process called osseointegration. Though most patients feel normal within a week or two, it typically takes four to six months before osseointegration is complete. The patient needs to have a strong jawbone and healthy gums before they proceed with the procedure. If tooth loss has led to jawbone deterioration, the dentist may recommend a bone graft to build up enough structure to adequately support the implant posts.
Can Teenagers Get Dental Implants?
Generally, the jawbone isn’t finished growing until girls are 16 and boys are 18. In some cases, it can take up until the mid-twenties for jaw growth to be completed. For this reason, dentists do not usually recommend dental implants for teenagers. Placing a dental implant into a jawbone that’s still developing can have disastrous results. This is because the bone and tissue that surround the implants might move into new positions as the implant remains in the same place, which can push it out or cause it to recede into the gums. To be on the safe side, it’s best to find a different tooth replacement option for your teenager.
Other Ways for Your Teen to Replace Missing Teeth
Until your teen is old enough to get dental implants, there are other ways to replace their missing teeth. One popular option is a dental bridge. These can be used if they’ve lost one or more consecutive teeth. The prosthetic is anchored by dental crowns on either side of the gap with a replacement tooth between them. The underlying teeth need to be reshaped before the crowns are placed, so make sure you and your teen are sure about this option before having their teeth permanently altered.
Partial dentures are another option if your teen has lost several teeth in an arch. This appliance snaps into place by their remaining natural teeth to give their smile a more complete look. Partial dentures preserve their remaining tooth structure, but they have to be removed to be cleaned. This is only a good option if your child will be sure to clean the restoration every day to keep it in good condition.
Though dental implants may not be the best option for your teen, that doesn’t mean they have to deal with an incomplete smile. Speak with their dentist to determine the best way to help your teen regain their confidence in their pearly whites!
About the Author
If you’re the parent of an adolescent with one or more missing teeth, Dr. Gretchen Anjomi Newton, Dr. Maria Vargas, and their skilled team at Newton Corner Dental Care are here to help. Though dental implants aren’t recommended for teens, they offer other replacement options like bridges and partial dentures to fill in the gaps in their grin. To make an appointment with Newton Corner Dental Care or for more information on tooth replacements for teens, visit their website or call their office at (617) 332-6232.
