Young people can lose teeth through sports injuries, accidents or decay, and some are born without certain adult teeth. Dental implants are often the ideal long-term solution, but timing is especially important in younger patients. Placing an implant before the jaw has finished growing can cause problems later, so understanding the right timing helps families plan treatment.
Natural teeth continue to move slightly as the jaw grows. Implants, however, are fused to the bone and do not move. If an implant is placed while the jaw is still growing, the surrounding teeth may continue to erupt and shift, leaving the implant crown sitting too high or too low and creating an uneven smile or bite.
Jaw growth usually slows significantly in the late teens, but timing varies between individuals and between males and females. Many dentists wait until growth is complete, often assessed with X-rays and growth monitoring. Your dentist will assess each young person individually rather than relying on age alone.
Some people are born without certain adult teeth, commonly upper lateral incisors or lower premolars. Planning often begins in childhood with orthodontic treatment to create or maintain space, followed by temporary solutions until an implant can be placed.
Removable retainers with false teeth, bonded Maryland bridges and orthodontic retainers with attached teeth can replace missing teeth during the waiting period. These options maintain appearance and space without affecting jaw growth.
Keeping the gap open and preserving bone is important. Orthodontic appliances may hold space, and socket preservation may be used after an extraction to maintain bone volume for a future implant.
Once growth is confirmed to be complete, an implant can be planned with 3D imaging. Treatment then follows the usual steps of placement, healing and crown fitting.
Young adults should be encouraged to avoid smoking and vaping, maintain excellent oral hygiene and wear mouthguards for sports, all of which help implants succeed long term.
An implant placed at the right time can last for decades with good care. Regular check-ups will monitor the implant and surrounding teeth as the young adult moves through life.
Many young people with a missing tooth also benefit from orthodontic treatment to align the remaining teeth and create the ideal space for a future implant. Braces or clear aligners can upright tilted teeth, centre the smile and make sure the gap is exactly the right width. Retainers with a false tooth can then hold the space until the implant is placed. Coordinating orthodontic and implant planning from the start gives the most natural and balanced result.
Usually not until jaw growth is complete, often in the late teens or early twenties.
Removable retainers with false teeth or bonded bridges are common temporary options.
Because the jaw is still growing, the implant may end up in the wrong position over time.
Plan a missing tooth replacement for your teen or young adult. Learn more about dental implants in Al Ain.
Call 03 751 0245 WhatsApp 056 536 4536 Email Us