Does your teen have one or several missing teeth? While this may be a common situation for more than 170 million other Americans, it can still be detrimental to your child’s confidence. The good news is that various restorative dental treatments can address the issue, such as dentures and dental bridges. But can teenagers get dental implants? Read on to learn why they may need to wait until they’re older to undergo this treatment!
Can Teens Get Dental Implants?
Dental implants are considered the “gold standard” of tooth replacement options. These state-of-the-art restorations are durable, natural-looking, and designed to last several decades to a lifetime. Although they’re versatile, most dentists won’t recommend them for teenagers. This is because their jaws are still maturing, which can increase their risk of implant failure. Firstly, their bone tissue may require more time to strengthen and provide the necessary support for their titanium posts. Secondly, any movement from jawbone development can cause the surgically embedded implants to loosen or fall out, requiring a replacement later on. To save money and ensure a safe process, your teen may need to hold off for a while.
The Importance of Scheduling a Consultation
While your child may not be able to get dental implants yet, they must get treatment to fill the gaps in their smile as soon as possible. You’ll want to schedule their initial consultation so their dentist can evaluate their situation. They’ll assess your teen’s remaining teeth, gums, and jawbone to determine which restorative treatment would be best to address their specific dental needs. Though dental implants don’t have an all-encompassing age limit, it’s typically a good idea to wait until your child is 17 or 18. This is when most people’s jaw and bone tissue are fully matured. Until then, dental bridges and dentures may be the ideal solution.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants provide a wide range of essential benefits when restoring a person’s smile, including:
- Restored biting power
- Completely custom-designed
- Preserves the jawbone and other remaining teeth
- Can be maintained with simple dental care
- Blends seamlessly with the rest of your smile
- Can last as long as 30 years to a lifetime with proper care
With the benefits they offer, it’s easy to see why dental implants are the go-to tooth replacement option. Feel free to schedule an initial consultation for your teen if they’re struggling with missing pearly whites. Their dentist will be glad to help rebuild the beautiful smile they deserve!
About the Author
Dr. Ellis Shwarts received his dental doctorate from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. He’s also completed countless hours of continuing education to advance his expertise and techniques so that his patients get the best essential care. He offers a vast collection of services, including dental bridges, dentures, and dental implants. If you’d like to schedule a consultation for your teen, visit his website or call 972-525-9283.