Tooth loss is tough on all and can definitely blow confidence but for teenagers, it can feel especially daunting. While dental implants are the best form of tooth replacement, for a 16 year old, getting dental implants is not the right choice.
We believe that there is no set (specified) age in which you are allowed to get a dental implant. It is so because everyone grows at a different rate and some may be ready for a dental implant around the age of 17, while others may need to wait until 21.
Usually, oral care experts and surgeons recommend you to wait until you are over a 16 year old individual to get dental implants. However, you must note that age is not the only factor which is considered while determining when a person is ready for a dental implant. Not just the number but your growth rate also factors in. For example, these implants are fused into your jaw, and if they continue to grow after implant placement, the treatment will fail.
While 16 year old teenagers might not be ideal for dental implants due to their on-going development of jawbones, there is absolutely no need to don this unsightly gap! Here are some other alternative options that can help:
When dental implants are no longer in the running, removable partial dentures are often a popular option for teenagers with missing teeth. They are customized prosthetics consisting of a base that resembles natural gums housing one or more artificial teeth. Partial dentures also have tiny clasps attached to surrounding natural teeth to keep the denture securely in place, creating a natural-looking smile.
There are 2 main reasons why you might find 16 year old teens favoring removable partial dentures over dental implants:
Bonded bridges are an excellent alternative that does not need removal. Dental care experts design porcelain or resin teeth to replace the missing ones. They are held in place by bonding to the surrounding natural teeth with the help of small wings or resin. 16 year old teens often prefer this option over dental implants, dentures for its ease of maintenance. All you need to do is simply brush and floss your teeth like usual.
However, we must address the downside as well. To secure the bridge, oral surgeons often have to drill slightly into your healthy teeth on either side of the gap. This means making them more susceptible to future problems.
The biggest reason why it is ill-advised is continuous jawbone development. Dental implants need a fully grown jawbone for treatment success that includes placement and long-term stability. When the jawbone is in the process of growing, the implants may not fuse properly or could become misaligned.
We hope that this piece of reading serves its purpose and answers most of your queries regarding dental implants and when the best time to get them. However, if you have more concerns, get in touch with our specialist at Riverside Family Dental for help and treatments we have to offer you. Give us a call at (586) 468-0983 to schedule an appointment.
