For many teens, image is everything. Whether it’s looking good in school pictures, having the confidence to interact with peers, or even the courage to stand in front of the class to give a presentation, appearance matters. Unfortunately, if your child is missing a tooth, it can take a serious toll on their self-esteem and make activities where they’re the center of attention very uncomfortable. Naturally, you may be wondering what their options are for restoring missing teeth. Although durable, lifelike dental implants are the gold standard in tooth replacement options, they’re not recommended for teens. Here’s why.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are tooth replacement prosthetics that permanently anchor to the patient’s jawbone via the process of osseointegration. This means that they will never need to be removed for cleaning, won’t slip or shift, and won’t change their fit with time. Better still, they blend into the smile seamlessly, so nobody ever needs to know they’re not “real” teeth.
Why Can’t My Teen Get Dental Implants Yet?
While there is no maximum age to get dental implants, your teen must be at least 18 years old before they can undergo this procedure. That’s because the jawbone doesn’t finish growing until adulthood. For women, it is around age 18, and for men, about 21. Unfortunately, if you put a dental implant into a jaw that has not completely matured, it could cause painful complications including dental implant failure. Thus, to ensure your child’s restorations have the best odds possible, surgery must wait until their mouth is fully grown.
While You Wait…
Although it may be frustrating for your teen to hear they must wait a little bit longer to permanently restore their smile, the good news is that there are some temporary options they may qualify for in the meantime. For example, a dental bridge which connects to two healthy permanent teeth could be a viable option, or even a partial denture which does not require the alteration of healthy teeth and can be removed as necessary may be beneficial. Then, once your teen’s jaw has matured, they can discuss their dental implant options and permanently upgrade their grin!
Remember, while it may not be possible for your teen to permanently replace missing teeth with dental implants just yet, that doesn’t mean they can’t when their jaw has finished growing. Thus, encourage them to remain positive, and speak to your dentist about their temporary options for restoration while they wait. With a little patience, they’ll have a healthy, beautiful smile they can be proud of in no time!
About Our Practice
At OakBrook Dental & Orthodontics, our caring team of dentists and orthodontists want to give you and your family their healthiest smiles yet! If you or your teen are missing one or more permanent teeth, we’re here to help. Schedule a consultation with us today to discuss the many ways we can create a complete smile with or without dental implants. To book your appointment, visit our website or call us today at 469-526-4040.