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Missing Teeth

07/06/2010

Question:

my child, 13 years old, is missing 4 permanent teeth, he has an over bite and the orthodontist is wanting to remove the baby teeth , braces and then eventually have 4 implants, how do I know this is the best option?

Answer:

When a child is missing permanent teeth, there are often several treatment options. One may be to hold spaces open for eventual implants while another might be to close all spaces orthodontically. The best options vary among children based on the teeth that are missing and the child’s growth, among others.

The best way for you to explore all options is to seek several opinions from orthodontists in your area. Ask about the time of treatment, expected outcomes and costs of each option.

For more information:

Go to the Healthy Mouth, Healthy Kids health topic.