Question:
My child is missing two lower adult, front teeth. I was provided the option of either closing the space with braces, resulting in my child having a small overbite, or placing dental implants when he turns 16. What is the better option?
Answer:
The best option is to close the space and have a small overbite. Research shows that implants in the lower front region are an inadequate treatment modality because of visible metal or greyish discoloration of the gums in a majority of most patients. Keeping lower anterior baby teeth when the permanent teeth are missing works well for molars, but for front lower teeth this plan does not work. Lower, front baby teeth are really tiny and the root strength is not strong enough to hold implants.