I am sixteen years old and still have two baby teeth. They make my smile look weird. If I took those teeth out what would I replace them with?
Callie
Dear Callie,
I am glad you are writing and wish that your dentist had helped you with this before now. Fortunately, there is a solution. You’ll want to first determine if there are adult teeth beneath the baby teeth. If there are teeth there, you’ll want to extract the teeth and meet with an orthodontist to see the best way to get them to erupt in their proper place.
If there are not teeth under there, that is known as congenitally missing teeth. In that case, you will still want to extract the baby teeth, just as before. Then again orthodontics, such as Invisalign, to open up the space to contain the right amount of space needed for adult teeth.
Once ready, you will need a temporary tooth replacement, such as a dental flipper. Then, as you get old enough and your jaw is fully developed, you can get a permanent replacement.
My suggestion is that you get a dental implant for your permanent replacement. It is the closest thing to having healthy natural teeth again.
You have time, so make sure you and your parents research the dentist who does your dental implant dentist carefully. This is not a procedure that is taught in dental school. Because of that, you will need someone who has invested in significant post-doctoral training. This is something you want done carefully.
This blog is brought to you by Atlanta Periodontist Dr. David Pumphrey.
