Can My Teenager Get Dental Implants?

Is your teen missing one or more teeth due to a congenital condition or accidental injury? Childhood can be difficult enough without embarrassing gaps in their smile. Often, parents are curious about whether their teenagers can permanently replace lost teeth with dental implants. While this treatment can rebuild smiles for a lifetime, it’s not recommended for teens just yet. Here’s why.

Dental Implants and Jaw Development

While it’s true that dental implants are the world’s only permanent tooth replacement solution and can restore one or more missing teeth for a lifetime, this treatment is not recommended for teenagers. That’s because although they may have reached their full height already, your child’s jaw may not stop growing until they are in their early 20s.  Thus, the minimum age for dental implants is usually 18, and even then, some kids must wait until they are upwards of 22 to restore their smile.

Unfortunately, while it may not seem like that big of a deal, if you surgically implant a prosthetic before the jaw has matured, it can cause a variety of painful dental problems, including bite issues, gaps between teeth, bone deterioration around the implant, and even changes to the appearance of their face and jaw.

Temporary Tooth Restoration Options for Teens

The good news is while they may still have to wait a little while longer to get dental implants, your child isn’t without options. Solutions like partial dentures and even dental bridges can temporarily fill in those unsightly gaps in their smile and make it easier for them to eat and speak clearly and confidently. Additionally, they can also continue to be monitored by their dentist to watch the growth of their jaw, so they’ll be ready to go when their jaw reaches maturity!

Remember, while your teen may not be ready yet to replace their missing teeth with dental implants, the good news is that they should be soon enough. In the meantime, speak to their dentist about temporary prosthetics, and when the time is right, they’ll be prepared for their stunning new smile!

About Dr. Rosenfeld

Dr. David Rosenfeld earned his dental degree at Columbia University School of Dental and Oral Surgery in New York City. During his residency at The Jamaica Hospital and Medical Center in Queens, New York, he was one of the founders of the oral implantology program, also serving as a clinical instructor. Today, he is a Fellow in the International Congress of Oral Implantology, and a proud, active member of The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and the National Foundation of Dentistry for the Handicapped. To schedule a consultation for dental implants or other tooth replacement options at Rosenfeld Dental Associates, visit our website or call 908-668-7838.