In a recent "Just Ask" episode, Spyridon (Spiros) Papageorgiou, a senior teaching and research assistant at the University of Zurich, discussed age considerations in dental implant placement. While Spiros is an orthodontist rather than an implantologist, his expertise in facial growth and skeletal development made him an ideal expert for this topic.
Spiros highlighted that while it’s common to consider adults as fully grown by the age of 18, growth doesn’t entirely cease at that point. Growth continues, albeit at a much slower rate, even into the late 20s and beyond. This slow growth—referred to as "slow growth"—can have implications for implant placement, especially in younger patients. He pointed out that women, in particular, tend to experience growth for a longer period compared to men, even into their 30s. This slow growth can affect the positioning of dental implants, as natural teeth continue to erupt and shift, potentially leading to an aesthetic imbalance over time.
For implantologists, this means that placing implants in younger patients, especially those between 18 and 24, may require more careful consideration. In these patients, the jaw is still developing, and the natural teeth continue to move, which could result in implants becoming misaligned. Spiros recommended that in these cases, it might be wise to delay implant placement or, if done, inform patients about the potential need for adjustments in the future.
The conversation also touched on the importance of collaboration between orthodontists, implantologists, and prosthodontists. A multidisciplinary approach is essential when dealing with implants in growing patients to ensure the long-term success of the treatment.
Ultimately, the key takeaway was that while implants can be placed at younger ages, professionals should be aware of the potential for slow growth and shifting natural teeth. Proper patient education and a thorough understanding of the patient's growth stage are critical in making informed decisions about implant placement.
For patients, the aesthetic concerns and potential for gradual changes in the implant's position should be explained clearly. This will help manage expectations and guide treatment decisions for long-term satisfaction.