At What Age Can a Young Person Get Dental Implants?

Introduction

Losing a tooth at a young age can feel distressing — whether it happens as a result of an accident, decay, or a congenital condition. It is entirely natural for parents, teenagers, and young adults to want the most permanent and lifelike solution available. Dental implants are widely considered a highly effective tooth replacement option for adults, and many people wonder: can a young person get dental implants too?

This question is one of the most commonly searched dental topics by families and younger patients researching their options. Understanding the age requirements for dental implants is not simply a matter of policy — it is rooted in important biological and clinical science. The minimum age for dental implants is primarily determined by whether the jawbone has finished developing, which varies from person to person.

This article explains the science behind implant eligibility, the typical age thresholds clinicians consider, interim options available for younger patients, and when a professional dental assessment is the right next step.

Featured Snippet: What Is the Minimum Age for Dental Implants?

At what age can a young person get dental implants?

The minimum age for dental implants is typically 18 years for women and 21 years for men, though this varies individually. Dental implants require a fully developed jawbone to integrate successfully. Placing implants before jaw growth is complete may lead to implant failure or misalignment as the bone continues to change.

Why Age Matters for Dental Implants: The Science Explained

Dental implants work by acting as artificial tooth roots. A small titanium post is placed directly into the jawbone, and over several months, the bone grows around and fuses with the implant through a process known as osseointegration. This creates the stable foundation on which a crown, bridge, or denture can be secured.

For osseointegration to succeed long-term, the jawbone must have reached its full, stable dimensions. In children and teenagers, the jaw is still actively growing — a process that continues well into late adolescence and, in some individuals, into the early twenties. If an implant is placed into a jaw that is not yet fully developed, several problems may arise:

The implant may shift position as surrounding bone and teeth continue to grow
The implant could end up out of alignment with adjacent natural teeth
There is an increased risk of implant failure
In some cases, the implant may appear to "submerge" beneath the gum line as the remaining natural teeth continue to erupt

Because of this biological reality, the decision to proceed with implants is never solely based on age alone. It requires careful clinical assessment, often including dental X-rays or cone beam CT imaging, to evaluate whether jaw development is complete. Individual skeletal maturity — not simply a patient's birthday — is what guides clinical decision-making.

Typical Age Thresholds Clinicians Consider

Most dental clinicians in the UK work within broadly accepted age-based guidelines, while acknowledging that these are starting points rather than rigid rules.

For female patients, jaw growth typically concludes by around 17–18 years of age. As a result, many clinicians will consider implant placement from approximately 18 years onwards, provided that growth indicators confirm skeletal maturity.

For male patients, jawbone development tends to continue slightly longer, often completing between 18 and 21 years of age. Some male patients may not be considered suitable candidates until their early twenties.

These are general benchmarks. A dentist or implant specialist assessing a young patient will look at a range of factors, including:

Dental X-rays and bone density scans to evaluate jaw structure
Serial growth assessments if there is uncertainty about whether development is complete
Medical history, including any conditions affecting bone growth or density
The specific tooth or teeth requiring replacement and their location in the arch

It is important to understand that no reputable clinician will place implants purely based on age alone. A thorough, individualised assessment is always required to determine suitability. If you are considering implants for yourself or a young family member, speaking with a qualified implant dentist is the appropriate first step. Suitability for dental implant treatment depends on individual clinical assessment.

You can learn more about the implant placement process by visiting our dental implants treatment page.

What Are the Options for Young People Who Cannot Yet Have Implants?

If dental implants are not yet clinically appropriate for a young person, there are several interim solutions that can maintain function, appearance, and oral health while the patient awaits the right time for a more permanent solution.

Removable Partial Dentures

A removable partial denture can replace one or more missing teeth temporarily. While not a permanent solution, a well-made denture can restore appearance and chewing function during the years when jaw growth is ongoing. Modern partial dentures can be made to look natural and are often more comfortable than older designs.

Resin-Bonded Bridges (Maryland Bridges)

A resin-bonded bridge is a minimally invasive option that attaches a false tooth to adjacent teeth using a metal or tooth-coloured wing bonded to the inside surface of neighbouring teeth. Importantly, this type of bridge does not require significant alteration of healthy teeth, making it a conservative and reversible choice while a young patient waits for implant treatment.

Orthodontic Space Maintenance

In cases where a tooth has been lost during childhood or early adolescence, an orthodontist may recommend a space maintainer to prevent adjacent teeth from drifting into the gap. This helps to preserve the ideal bone and spacing conditions for a future implant.

Composite Bonding or Temporary Crowns

In some situations, a temporary aesthetic solution using composite bonding may be appropriate to maintain the appearance of the smile while more definitive treatment is planned.

All of these interim solutions should be discussed with a dental professional who can advise on what is most appropriate for the individual patient's clinical circumstances.

Why Jaw Development Cannot Be Rushed

A question often asked by parents of younger patients is whether anything can be done to accelerate readiness for implants. The straightforward answer is that jawbone maturation is a natural biological process that cannot be hurried.

The jawbone is composed of living tissue that responds to the pressure of erupting teeth, hormonal signals, and physical growth processes. During childhood and adolescence, the alveolar bone — the part of the jaw that holds the teeth — continues to grow vertically and horizontally in response to developing teeth and facial growth. Placing a rigid titanium implant into this environment acts like a fixed anchor in a moving structure, which explains why the outcomes can be unpredictable or problematic.

There is also an important consideration around ankylosed implants in growing patients. An osseointegrated implant does not move with the jaw as natural teeth do. While natural teeth have a periodontal ligament that allows minor positional adaptation, implants are rigidly fused to the bone. In a growing jaw, this means the implant can appear to sink relative to adjacent teeth that continue to erupt normally.

This is not a complication that can be easily corrected and may require complex revision treatment. For this reason, the clinical consensus among UK dental professionals is to wait until growth is confirmed complete before proceeding.

When Should a Young Person Seek Dental Assessment for a Missing Tooth?

Regardless of age, a missing tooth should be assessed by a dentist promptly. Even if implant treatment is not yet appropriate, there are important clinical reasons to seek evaluation sooner rather than later.

Situations where a young patient or their parent should arrange a dental appointment include:

A tooth has been knocked out or damaged following an accident or trauma — in some cases, a knocked-out permanent tooth can be re-implanted if treated within a short window of time
A tooth has been extracted due to decay, infection, or damage, and the patient is concerned about the gap affecting their appearance, bite, or confidence
A congenitally missing tooth has been identified (hypodontia), and a long-term treatment plan is being discussed
Adjacent teeth appear to be drifting into the space left by a missing tooth
The patient is approaching adulthood and wishes to understand their future implant options

In all of these circumstances, a dental assessment provides the opportunity to discuss appropriate interim management and to plan ahead for future restorative options, including implants when the time is right.

If you are looking for a comprehensive approach to managing missing teeth, our restorative dentistry services cover a range of solutions tailored to individual patient needs.

Special Considerations: Congenitally Missing Teeth (Hypodontia)

Hypodontia — the congenital absence of one or more permanent teeth — affects approximately 6–7% of the UK population, making it one of the most common developmental dental conditions. The teeth most commonly affected are the upper lateral incisors, lower second premolars, and wisdom teeth.

For young patients with hypodontia, the management pathway often involves a multidisciplinary team including:

An orthodontist to manage spacing and tooth alignment
A restorative dentist or implant specialist to plan for eventual tooth replacement
A paediatric dentist to monitor development in younger patients

Because hypodontia is often identified in childhood or early adolescence, long-term treatment planning begins well before implant placement is appropriate. Orthodontic treatment may be used to create ideal space for a future implant, or alternatively, to close the space by moving adjacent teeth together — the most appropriate approach depends on the individual's clinical situation.

Young people with hypodontia who are approaching adulthood should discuss implant timing with their dental team to ensure the best possible outcome from future treatment.

Prevention and Oral Health Advice for Young People

While some tooth loss in young people is unavoidable — particularly in cases of trauma or congenital absence — there are practical steps that can help protect dental health and reduce the risk of tooth loss from preventable causes:

Maintain a consistent oral hygiene routine: Brushing twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between teeth with floss or interdental brushes helps prevent decay and gum disease, the leading causes of adult tooth loss.
Attend regular dental check-ups: Routine dental visits allow early identification and treatment of decay or gum disease before they progress to tooth loss.
Wear a properly fitted mouthguard during contact sports: Dental trauma is a significant cause of tooth loss in teenagers and young adults. A custom-fitted sports mouthguard is generally considered to provide greater protection than over-the-counter alternatives.
Limit sugary and acidic food and drinks: Dietary habits established in youth have a long-term impact on dental health. Reducing frequent sugar and acid exposure helps protect tooth enamel.
Do not smoke: Smoking significantly impairs gum health and bone density, both of which are critical factors in implant suitability and long-term success.
Address grinding (bruxism) early: Tooth grinding, common in young people under stress, can cause significant wear and damage. A dentist can provide guidance and protective appliances if this is identified.

Good oral health habits established in youth create the best possible foundation for dental implant treatment when the time comes.

Key Points to Remember

The minimum age for dental implants is generally around 18 years for women and 18–21 years for men, though individual jaw development must be clinically confirmed
Jaw development, not simply age, is the primary determining factor for implant suitability in young patients
Placing implants too early risks misalignment, implant submergence, and treatment failure as the jaw continues to grow
Interim options such as removable dentures, resin-bonded bridges, and space maintainers can effectively manage missing teeth while a young person awaits implant treatment
Young people with congenitally missing teeth (hypodontia) benefit from early multidisciplinary planning to prepare for future implant placement
Preventative oral health habits started early help protect dental health and support the best possible outcomes from future restorative treatment

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a 16-year-old get dental implants?

In most cases, dental implants would not be appropriate for a 16-year-old, as the jawbone is still actively developing at this age. Placing an implant into a growing jaw can lead to problems including misalignment and implant failure as the surrounding bone changes. A dentist would typically recommend waiting and may suggest interim solutions such as a partial denture or resin-bonded bridge to manage the missing tooth in the meantime. A clinical assessment is always needed to evaluate individual development.

How do dentists know if a young person's jaw has finished growing?

Dentists and implant specialists use dental X-rays — including panoramic radiographs and sometimes cone beam CT scans — to assess bone density and development. They may also review serial radiographs taken over time to confirm that growth has stabilised. Some clinicians refer to growth indicators such as hand-wrist X-rays in cases of uncertainty, though the most common approach is to assess bone maturity directly through dental imaging and clinical examination.

What happens if an implant is placed before the jaw has finished growing?

If an implant is placed in a jaw that has not fully developed, it may not remain in its intended position. Because implants are rigidly fused to the bone, they do not adapt as the jaw grows. Adjacent natural teeth may continue to erupt, making the implant appear to sink or look out of alignment. This can result in aesthetic and functional problems that may require complex revision treatment. This is why waiting for confirmed jaw maturity is an essential clinical requirement.

Are there good temporary options for a teenager who has lost a tooth?

Yes. A resin-bonded (Maryland) bridge is a minimally invasive and conservative option that attaches a false tooth to adjacent teeth without requiring significant preparation of healthy tooth structure. Removable partial dentures are another option, particularly where multiple teeth are missing. Orthodontic space maintainers can also be used to preserve spacing for a future implant. Your dentist will advise on the most suitable option based on the specific clinical situation, the location of the missing tooth, and the patient's age and development.

Does having dental implants as a young adult (18–21) carry additional risks?

For patients at the lower end of the recommended age range, clinicians will carry out thorough assessment to confirm that jaw development is complete before proceeding. When growth has been confirmed as complete, implant treatment in young adults may achieve good outcomes, though results depend on individual clinical factors. The same factors that influence implant success in all patients apply — good oral hygiene, avoiding smoking, and attending follow-up appointments. Individual risk assessment by an experienced implant dentist is essential for all patients, regardless of age.

Can young people with hypodontia (congenitally missing teeth) plan for implants?

Yes — and early planning is encouraged. Patients with hypodontia are typically managed by a multidisciplinary dental team from childhood, and future implant placement is often part of the long-term treatment plan. Orthodontic treatment may be used to create or maintain the appropriate space for a future implant. The timing of implant placement will still depend on confirmed jaw maturity, but having a clear treatment roadmap in place ensures the best possible outcome. Families should discuss long-term options with their dental team as early as possible.

Conclusion

Understanding the right age for dental implants in young people requires looking beyond a simple number. The minimum age for dental implants is shaped by the science of jaw development — a biological process that must be complete before osseointegration can reliably deliver the stable, long-lasting results implants are known for. For most young patients, this means waiting until the late teens or early twenties, with clinical confirmation of bone maturity guiding the decision.

The good news is that the waiting period need not mean going without options. Effective interim solutions exist to manage missing teeth, maintain oral health, and preserve the conditions needed for successful future implant treatment. Early dental assessment, careful planning, and good preventative habits during these years all contribute to the best possible long-term outcome.

If you or a young person in your family has a missing tooth and you would like to understand the treatment options available, speaking with a qualified dental team is an important first step. Our team at Smile Dentist would be happy to provide an assessment and discuss a personalised treatment pathway. You can find out more about how we support patients on our patient care and consultations page.

Dental symptoms and treatment options should always be assessed individually during a clinical examination.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for general educational purposes only and does not constitute personalised dental advice. Individual diagnosis and treatment recommendations require a clinical examination by a qualified dental professional.

Next Review Due: 22 June 2027

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