When Is The Right Time To Place Dental Implants In Teenagers

U.S.Dental ( also known as Tufts Dental )

Dr.Gina Sohn - Tufts Graduate
U.S Dentist in Seoul / Licensed in MA, CT, NJ
http://www.drginasohn.com
Tel 02-553-7512  Overseas 822-553-7512


This is an important question and the current wisdom is not to have implants placed until jaw and facial growth are complete.

Although it varies from person to person, growth of the jaws in most cases is not complete until late teens. Consequently and most importantly, as the jaws continue to grow, the upper jaw may move in an outward and downward direction. The teeth will accommodate and move with jaw growth, but implants will not. As the upper jaw moves, the implants (and the crowns attached to them) remain stationary and so appear to intrude i.e. go back up into the jaw. This also affects the position of the gum tissues which also will not follow the growth of the jaws around the implants.

Of course, we are faced with the dilemma of waiting for the optimal time to place dental implants so that they will succeed on the one hand, and respecting the psychological needs of a teenager missing front teeth on the other.There are many other good interim options for temporarily replacing the teeth for a few years, both aesthetically and comfortably until implants can be placed. For example, temporary "fixed-in" options like bonded bridges can be attached to the adjacent teeth with little if any irreversible change to them. You should consult your dentist about them.

Sometimes, placing implants too early can be remedied by changing the crowns which attach to them. Other times it may mean removing and replacing the implants which may require bone regeneration -- expensive and difficult options. Neither is as good an option as waiting for the correct time in the first place, even if it means waiting a little longer.

For these reasons, and since implants are a relatively permanent and best current solution to the problem of tooth replacement, it is better to wait until growth of the jaws and face is complete.