Reviewed By Dr. Jodi Kuhn
Reading time: 3 minutes
Missing teeth in children can be stressful for parents. Whether it’s from an accident, a birth condition, or early decay, the sight of a gap in your child’s smile might leave you wondering what to do next.
This blog covers when fake teeth are necessary for kids, what options are available, and how to support your child’s long-term oral health.
We offer cosmetic and restorative procedures at our offices in Denver, Aurora, Thornton and Hampden.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaway
Fake teeth for kids are safe, temporary solutions used when a child loses teeth too early due to injury, decay, or congenital conditions. Options like pediatric dentures, crowns, or space maintainers help protect oral development.
Why Would a Child Need Fake Teeth?
There are a few situations where a dentist might recommend a prosthetic or “fake” tooth for a child:
- To replace teeth lost due to injury: Sports injuries, bike accidents, or even just a fall at the playground can knock out a tooth prematurely.
- To manage early tooth loss from decay: Cavities in baby teeth can progress quickly. In some cases, the tooth can’t be saved and must be removed.
- To treat congenital conditions like hypodontia: Some children are born with missing teeth. In these cases, a temporary solution may be needed until a permanent tooth replacement is possible.
- To help with speech or chewing problems: Missing front teeth can impact how a child speaks, while missing molars can make it hard to chew food properly.
Common Tooth Replacement Options
These are some of the options to restore your child’s smile:
- Pediatric partial dentures (flippers): These removable devices are commonly used when multiple baby teeth are lost early. They help restore appearance and maintain oral function.
- Space maintainers: These are not traditional fake teeth but serve a similar purpose. They hold the space for a permanent tooth after early loss of a baby tooth.
- Crowns on baby teeth: If the tooth structure is badly decayed but the root is healthy, a stainless-steel or tooth-colored crown can protect it until it falls out naturally.
- Bonded bridges: Sometimes used for older kids with missing teeth who aren’t yet candidates for implants.
In many cases, a missing baby tooth doesn’t require replacement unless it impacts eating, speech, or spacing for permanent teeth. Your child’s dentist will make recommendations based on growth stage, tooth location, and overall oral health.
What About Dental Implants?
While dental implants are a reliable long-term solution for missing teeth in adults, they are not recommended for young children. That’s because a child’s jaw is still growing, and placing a permanent implant too early can lead to complications like bone development issues or misalignment over time.
Most teens become candidates for dental implants only after jaw growth is complete—typically between the ages of 18-25. Your child’s dentist or oral surgeon may use X-rays or growth assessments to determine the right timing.
In the meantime, temporary options like space maintainers, pediatric partial dentures, or bonded bridges can fill the gap until they are ready for a permanent solution. If your teen is nearing the appropriate age, your dentist will help you plan the next steps.
How to Prevent Tooth Loss in Kids
While accidents and congenital conditions can’t always be avoided, there are several ways to reduce the risk of early tooth loss:
- Use a mouthguard during sports: Whether your child plays contact sports or enjoys riding bikes and scooters, a well-fitting mouthguard can help protect their teeth from injury.
- Prioritize daily oral hygiene: Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily are essential for preventing cavities and gum disease that could lead to tooth loss.
- Keep sugary snacks and drinks in check: A diet high in sugar increases the risk of tooth decay. Encourage balanced meals and limit sticky or acidic treats.
- Don’t skip dental checkups: Regular dental checkups and cleanings help catch problems early and keep your child’s teeth on track for healthy development.
- Avoid using teeth as tools: Teach your child not to bite down on hard objects like pens, ice, or popcorn kernels.
By taking a few preventive steps now, you can help protect your child’s smile and reduce the likelihood they’ll need fake teeth in the future.
| 📌 When Should Your Child First Visit the Dentist?The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children see a dentist by their first birthday or within six months of the first tooth appearing—whichever comes first. Early check ups help establish healthy habits and allow the dentist to spot any potential issues before they become bigger problems. |
Book a Dental Exam Today!
If your child is missing a tooth, our team at Youth Dentistry and Orthodontics is here to help. We provide tooth replacement options tailored to your child’s needs.
Call or visit one of our locations:
📍Denver Youth Dentistry and Orthodontics: 1400 Grove Street, Denver, CO 80204 | (303) 825-2295
📍Aurora Youth Dentistry and Orthodontics: 14251 E. 6th Avenue, Aurora, CO 80011 | (303) 343-3133
📍Thornton Youth Dentistry and Orthodontics: 550 E. Thornton Parkway, Suite 240A, Thornton, CO 80229 | (303) 280-8878
📍Hampden Youth Dentistry and Orthodontics: 7400 East Hampden Ave. Unit C1, Denver, CO 80231 | (720) 826-3694
