What If My Teenager Is Missing Teeth?

If you have a teenager with missing teeth in Tarzana, Dr. Kaveh Kanani can help. People can lose permanent teeth at any age. While those missing teeth can be restored, replacing them in patients who haven’t reached adulthood isn’t so easy. Dental and facial development is not yet complete in teenagers. It can be especially problematic for teenagers to obtain dentures. As the jaws continue to grow, a non-growing implant can eventually appear out of alignment. It’s often better to install a temporary restoration until the jaws fully mature. There are two choices for teenagers in need of dentures – a removable partial denture or a bonded bridge.

WHAT IS A PARTIAL DENTURE?

When you think of teenagers, you don’t necessarily think of them needing dentures. However, removable partial dentures can effectively restore a teenager’s lost dental function and appearance. For teenagers, Dr. Kanani will typically recommend a hard-acrylic base colored to resemble the gums. Then, Dr. Kanani attaches prosthetic teeth at the appropriate positions of the jaw. Removable partial dentures are easy to clean and maintain. However, there is one downside to removable partial dentures – the appliance can become lost. Removable partial dentures can also lose their fit due to changes in jaw structure.

WHAT IS A BONDED BRIDGE?

A bonded bridge is similar to a traditional fixed bridge. However, there is one main difference between the bonded bridge. Conventional bridges crown the natural teeth on either side of the missing teeth to keep them secure. The accompanying teeth must be considerably altered to house the life-like crowns on either end of the bridge. A bonded bridge attaches dental material extending from the back of the bridge to the back of the natural teeth. A fixed bridge will conveniently stay in place. However, bridges are more complicated than a removable partial denture to keep clean. Bridges are also less prone to breakage. However, bridges aren’t immune to specific stress from biting and chewing. Bridges also don’t work well when there’s the presence of a poor bite.

HOW DO I CHOOSE BETWEEN A BONDED BRIDGE OR REMOVABLE PARTIAL DENTURE?

Choosing between a bonded bridge or removable partial denture will depend on several factors. However, either treatment can help your teen permanently replace their missing teeth. Before Dr. Kanani undertakes a bonded bridge, he will first make sure the gums and surrounding bone are healthy. Dr. Kanani will ensure that there are no signs of periodontal (gum) disease. Additionally, Dr. Kanani will need to be sure the patient doesn’t have a deep bite or teeth grinding habit. Teeth grinding habit could cause the teeth to make contact with the tabs and break them.

HOW TEENS CAN TAKE CARE OF THEIR DENTAL IMPLANTS

Teens will also need to learn how to perform diligent oral hygiene when they get implants. A bonded bridge tends to build up disease-causing plaque. Brushing twice and flossing daily once every day is critical. If you don’t maintain your oral hygiene, you risk tooth decay and gum disease. Consequences such as tooth decay and gum disease can complicate a future implant. It’s also essential for teens to stay away from sugary and acidic foods. Foods that aren’t good for your body type also aren’t right for your teeth. If you enjoy too many acidic foods, you run the risk of increasing the plaque in your teeth.

HOW DO I DETERMINE WHICH DENTAL IMPLANT OPTION IS BEST FOR MY TEEN?

Dr. Kanani will first complete a full dental exam. A comprehensive dental review is the first step toward determining which options are feasible. Then. Dr. Kanani will discuss the best choice that matches your teen’s long-term health and your finances. When deciding which treatment method is right for your teen, Dr. Kanani will discuss your options. Depending on your circumstances, and the health of your teen’s mouth, Dr. Kanani will advise which treatment method is better. Patients interested in replacing missing teeth can call Dr. Kanani today for a free consultation. Dr. Kanani treats patients in his Tarzana dental office.

ARE CHILDREN TOO YOUNG FOR DENTAL IMPLANTS?

It’s possible that your child is too young for dental implants. Secondary teeth begin to appear in children at six years old. Children and teenagers alike can lose permanent teeth like adults. However, at a young age, a child’s jaw is still growing. When the jawbone has yet to form fully, the bone may not be strong enough to hold a dental implant. For children in need of dental implants, a temporary tooth replacement is typically the better option. Once the jaw growth is complete, the child can be eligible for a dental implant. Dr. Kanani may then perform a dental implant once the jaw has fully formed. First, Dr. Kanani will inspect the mouth to ensure that no bone loss has occurred.

HOW OLD IS TOO OLD TO GET DENTAL IMPLANTS?

Similar to younger individuals, older patients have the same estimated implant success rate. However, it will take an inspection by Dr. Kanani to determine if the patient is eligible. If bone density is insufficient, Dr. Kanani has innovative methods to create more bone and space for the dental implant. It’s essential for seniors to maintain a healthy mouth. Keeping a healthy mouth has a significant impact on seniors’ quality of life. Typically, Dr. Kanani will perform implant-supported dentures on senior patients. Implant dentures can help preserve the healthy jawbone and restore the patient’s facial appearance.

WHO IS DR. KAVEH KANANI?

Dr. Kanani is one of the most trusted dentists in the Valley. Working out of his Woodland Hills-based office, Dr. Kanani has been helping dental patients since 2001. Dr. Kanani developed his flap-less, drill-less, and painless bone extension technique with his patients in mind. He knew that traditional forms of dental implant surgery were becoming increasingly difficult for patients to endure. Dr. Kanani’s method gives patients back the smiles they deserve. However, it’s less painful, less time-consuming, and more cost-effective. That way, you can spend more time smiling and less time grimacing from the pain.