If you’re a teenager, or the parent of one, a missing tooth can feel especially upsetting. Whether the tooth was lost due to injury, decay, or a congenital issue, the gap can impact confidence, speech, and daily comfort. It’s natural to look for a long-term solution, and dental implants often come up as the gold standard for tooth replacement. However, implants are typically not recommended for teenagers, and there are important reasons why.
Why Dental Implants Aren’t Usually Recommended for Teens
Dental implants are designed to be permanent. Once placed, they fuse directly to the jawbone and do not move or adapt over time. While this stability is a major benefit for adults, it becomes a problem for teenagers whose jaws are still growing. Because facial bones continue to develop throughout the teen years, placing an implant too early can interfere with natural growth or result in alignment issues later on.
In many cases, a dental implant placed in a growing jaw may end up appearing shorter than surrounding teeth over time, as nearby natural teeth continue to shift and erupt while the implant remains fixed in place.
The Role of Jaw Growth and Development
Jaw growth doesn’t stop at the same time for everyone. For many teens, especially boys, facial development can continue into the late teens or even early twenties. Dentists typically look for signs that jaw growth has fully stabilized before considering implant placement.
If an implant is placed before growth is complete, it may lead to cosmetic concerns, bite problems, or the need for corrective dental treatment in the future. This is why age alone isn’t the only factor — overall skeletal development plays a major role in determining implant candidacy.
Potential Risks of Placing Implants Too Early
Beyond appearance issues, early implant placement can increase the risk of long-term complications. As the jaw continues to grow around a stationary implant, stress can develop in the surrounding bone. This may affect the implant’s stability or compromise neighboring teeth.
Additionally, because implants don’t move like natural teeth, they cannot adapt to orthodontic changes. If braces or other orthodontic treatment are needed later, an implant can limit treatment options or require removal.
Temporary and Alternative Solutions for Teens
The good news is that teenagers aren’t without options. Temporary solutions such as removable partial dentures, orthodontic space maintainers, or dental bridges can help restore appearance and function while preserving future implant possibilities.
These alternatives allow the jaw to continue developing naturally while keeping the space open for a potential implant once growth is complete. A dentist can help determine which option best suits a teen’s age, oral health, and long-term goals.
When Dental Implants May Be an Option
Dental implants may become an option once jaw growth is complete, often in the late teens or early twenties. At that point, imaging and growth assessments can confirm whether the bone is stable enough to support an implant safely and predictably.
A personalized evaluation is always essential to determine the right timing and treatment plan.
Choosing the right solution now can protect both your smile and your future dental health.
About the Practice
Taylor Choice Dental provides comprehensive dental care with a focus on long-term oral health and patient education. Our advanced dental team offers restorative and preventive services designed to support patients at every stage of life, including guidance for teens and families navigating tooth replacement decisions. Our approach emphasizes thoughtful treatment planning and personalized care to help patients achieve healthy, confident smiles.
Call us at (737) 301-8555 or request an appointment online.