When you think of dentures, you probably imagine your grandmother sipping tea and adjusting her pearly whites. But dentures for kids? Sounds strange, right?
While rare, dentures for children are a real thing. These specialized replacement teeth are designed for children who have lost teeth due to accidents, medical conditions, or other uncommon circumstances.
Though seldom needed, replacement teeth can play an important role in restoring the function and appearance of a child’s smile while allowing their jaw to continue developing properly.
When Are Replacement Teeth Needed for Children?
Replacement teeth are extremely rare for kids primarily because children’s jaws and mouths are constantly growing and changing. Unlike adults, whose teeth and jawbones are fully developed, kids need solutions that can adapt to their ongoing development.
Any replacement teeth may need to be adjusted or re-done because a child literally grows out of them. However, they can be important especially for children struggling socially because of missing teeth, helping to restore confidence and normal social interactions.
Most childhood tooth loss, like losing baby teeth, is a natural part of growth and doesn’t require intervention beyond monitoring. For more unusual cases, such as teeth lost to trauma or medical conditions, pediatric dentists may recommend temporary and less invasive solutions.
Since replacement teeth can require frequent adjustments and may not be suitable for growing jaws, they are only considered in very specific circumstances. Here are a few scenarios where they may be an option:
- Early tooth loss: If a child loses baby teeth (or even adult teeth) earlier than usual due to trauma, decay, or medical conditions.
- Congenital issues: Some kids are born without certain teeth or have conditions that affect tooth development, such as ectodermal dysplasia.
- Accidents or trauma: Unexpected injuries, like a fall off a jungle gym or a bad hit during sports, can knock out teeth. Replacement teeth can hold the space needed for permanent teeth before they grow in.
Types of Replacement Teeth Available for Kids
Not all replacement teeth are created equal, and if a child needs them, the type needed will depend on their situation. Some options include:
- Partial replacements: Designed to replace a few missing teeth and are great for filling gaps.
- Complete replacements: Used when all teeth in an arch (upper or lower) are missing.
- Immediate or temporary replacements: A temporary solution put in right after tooth loss or removal until a permanent replacement is made.
Your child’s pediatric dentist or prosthodontist can recommend the best solution for them.
Benefits & Challenges of Replacement Teeth for Kids
Benefits
- Restoring functionality for eating and speaking.
- Helping to maintain the structure of the mouth and jaw as your child grows.
- Boosting self-esteem, especially for kids struggling socially because of missing teeth.
Challenges
- Replacement teeth require proper care to avoid breakage or fit issues.
- Regular checkups are necessary to make sure they continue to fit comfortably as your child grows. Like adult dentures, they may need to be relined or adjusted over time.
- Kids might feel self-conscious initially, but support from loved ones can make a world of difference.
How Do Replacement Teeth Affect a Child’s Oral Health?
Replacement teeth do much more than just fill in the gaps of a smile. They can also help with important tasks like chewing and speaking while also preventing other teeth from shifting into awkward positions. Plus, replacing missing teeth keeps the jawbone stimulated, which is key to healthy oral development.
However, kids need to maintain excellent oral hygiene to avoid issues like gum infections or plaque buildup under the replacement teeth.
The Process of Getting Replacement Teeth for Kids
There are a few steps involved in helping your child get the perfect fit. Here’s what the process looks like:
- Consultation: Your pediatric dentist evaluates your child’s needs and explains the options.
- Digital Scanning or Impressions: At London Little Bites Dentistry, we’ve invested in advanced digital scanning technology—a specialized wand with a camera that maps your child’s teeth in 3D—eliminating the need for traditional molds. This digital model is sent to a dental lab to fabricate the replacement teeth. Some practices may still use traditional impressions if they haven’t adopted digital scanning.
- Try-on: A “test version” of the replacement teeth is made for fitting adjustments.
- Finalization: The final replacement teeth are prepared and fitted.
Alternatives to Replacement Teeth for Kids
Replacement teeth for kids are typically only considered in very specific situations. Thankfully, there are other solutions to address missing teeth in children. Your pediatric dentist will recommend the best option based on your child’s age, needs, and jaw development.
Some of the most common alternatives include:
- Space maintainers: Perfect for younger kids, these keep the gap open until adult teeth have a chance to grow in.
- Fixed bridges: A good option for children missing 1 or 2 adult teeth, but only after the child has completely finished growing.
- Dental implants: While typically reserved for older teens with fully developed jaws, implants may offer a more permanent solution in some cases.
How Replacement Teeth Impact a Child’s Social Life
Losing teeth at a young age can be hard on kids, especially if they feel “different” from their peers. Replacement teeth can play a big role in bringing back their smile, both literally and figuratively. A complete smile can help kids feel more secure in social settings, which helps with emotional development. Your encouragement and support make all the difference.
Give Your Child the Tools to Smile Brightly
The idea of replacement teeth or dentures for kids might sound surprising, and that’s because they’re extremely rare. These specialized solutions are typically reserved for unique situations where a child has experienced tooth loss due to an accident or medical condition. While uncommon, replacement teeth can help restore function and bring back bright, complete smiles. At London Little Bites Dentistry, we’re here to provide guidance and explore the best options for your child’s unique needs. A healthy smile is one of the best gifts you can give, and it starts with informed choices and a whole lot of love. Book your child’s next appointment with us today.