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Video: Implants for Congenitally Missing Teeth
Tooth Replacement Choices
Question:
I am 16 years old and have not lost all of my baby teeth yet. Also, two of my baby teeth (towards the front of my mouth) have no adult replacement teeth. One of these has already fallen out so I have had a
gap for quite awhile now. I've had braces on for the past 3 years.
I feel ugly and hopeless with my teeth looking so bad. Is there a chance I could get some kind of cosmetic dental surgery? I would rather have fake teeth put in then wait and live with gaps in my smile. Can you help me?
Answer:
I know how you must feel. From what you are saying, it sounds to me like you have what we call congenitally missing permanent teeth ie. No adult replacements for the baby teeth.
This is often hereditary. Fortunately with proper planning during your orthodontics they can place a temporary tooth on the arch wire. During this time the space can be sized to place implants where the gaps are in the front. When the implants are integrated (~3-6 months) the arch wire with teeth come off and the beautiful porcelain teeth are place in the implants.
At the conclusion of orthodontics most all of our patients Zoom whiten their teeth prior to selecting the final shade for the new teeth. I suspect that you still have baby teeth in the back because there are no permanent bicuspids. Rarely do people retain these baby teeth for life but it may be several years before they are lost. When that happens we simply place an implant in that site.
Editorial Staff
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