The decision to receive dental implants at a young age may vary depending on whether jawbone development is complete. Jawbone development is completed in girls around 16 and in boys around 18. Implant treatment performed before this age can lead to various problems due to bone development still ongoing. Implant placement is not recommended for individuals with developing jawbones; therefore, implant placement should be waited until the jawbone is fully developed. The ideal age for those considering implant treatment at a young age is after this age, when the jawbone is fully mature.
What are Dental Implants and How Do They Work?
Dental implants are artificial roots placed in the jawbone to replace missing teeth. They are frequently preferred today for functional and aesthetic replacement of missing teeth. These implants are typically made of titanium because this material is biocompatible with the body and has a long lifespan. Implants fuse with the jawbone through a process called “osseointegration.” Osseointegration ensures implant stability and mimics the natural tooth structure.
The implant process consists of the following basic stages:
- Initial evaluation
- Implant placement
- Healing process
- Abutment placement
- Crown or bridge placement
For the success of an implant that passes through these stages, the patient’s overall health is as important as their bone structure. For the implant to last, it’s essential to maintain good oral hygiene, avoid smoking, and avoid health problems such as diabetes. The modern materials and surface technologies used in implant procedures are factors that increase the success of the process.
At What Age Is Jawbone Development Complete for Dental Implants?
Complete jawbone development is crucial for the health and longevity of dental implants. In women, jawbone development generally ends between the ages of 16 and 18, while in men, it is completed between the ages of 18 and 20. This difference stems from the longer puberty period in men. Implant placement before the jawbone is sufficiently mature can cause various problems due to continued bone development.
Example Problems:
- Implant Misalignment
- Malposition
- Treatment Failure
If implant treatment is considered at a young age, it is essential to evaluate jawbone development.
Why is it important to wait until the jawbone is fully developed?
Dental implants placed before the jawbone is fully developed can cause various complications due to progressive bone growth. The most common of these complications is implant misalignment and displacement as the jawbone continues to grow. This can lead to undesirable aesthetic appearance and negatively impact the implant’s functionality. As the jawbone grows, it becomes more difficult for the implant to maintain its position, which may require additional interventions. Early implant procedures may carry the following risks:
- Misalignment
- Aesthetic issues
- Loss of function
- Peri-implant bone loss
- Additional corrective procedures
In addition to these risks, dynamic changes in the jawbone during growth can make it difficult for the implant to adapt to the bone.
What are the Alternatives to Dental Implants for Young People?
When dental implants cannot be placed at a young age, providing temporary solutions is crucial to meeting aesthetic and functional needs. Various alternative treatment methods are preferred over implants for young individuals whose jawbones have not yet fully developed. These methods both adapt to the oral structure and reduce the functional and aesthetic losses caused by gaps created by missing teeth during development. The main alternatives recommended for young people are:
- Removable Partial Dentures (RPDs): This is a non-surgical option for young people.
- Adjustable Dentures: Adapt to changes in jaw structure and can be easily adjusted.
- Cost-Effective: Offers lower costs compared to fixed dentures.
Additionally, dental bridges provide a permanent and stable solution for young individuals. This prosthetic method is fixed to the natural teeth next to the missing teeth, aesthetically closing the gap. Dental bridges replace missing teeth without affecting jawbone development and provide a functional solution.
- Fixed Solution: More durable because they are cemented in place.
- Aesthetic Appearance: Resemble natural teeth.They can be designed to fit any tooth.
- Bridges Requiring Minimal Tooth Preparation: Solve the problem of missing teeth in young people without damaging their tooth structure.
Another alternative is the tooth transfer procedure known as autotransplantation. This method is used to evaluate young people’s developing teeth. When performed correctly, the transferred tooth integrates into its new location, providing a functional solution.
- Self-Transplantation: Allows for the use of teeth in areas that are not particularly visible.
- Developmentally Adaptive: Allows for the replacement of teeth with incomplete root development.
Orthopedic Space Care is another method for providing temporary solutions to missing teeth in young people. This approach protects tooth spaces to provide space for future treatments and supports jaw development with orthodontic appliances.
How Can Young People Prepare for Future Dental Implants?
To prepare for future dental implants, young people need to maintain their oral health and closely monitor their jaw development. Optimizing the oral and dental structure before implant placement contributes to more successful outcomes. Some basic dental health habits lay a solid foundation for implants:
- Regular tooth brushing and flossing
- Maintaining gum health
- Annual or semi-annual dental checkups
- Avoiding smoking and alcohol
- A healthy, balanced diet
Furthermore, maintaining oral health and strengthening bone structure creates the best possible foundation for implants in the future. Monitoring jaw development during adolescence and regular dental consultations during this period helps maintain optimal jaw structure. Furthermore, maintaining tooth alignment with temporary solutions provides the necessary conditions for implant placement.
