When we think of dentures, we often picture older individuals seeking a solution for missing teeth. But it may come as a surprise to learn that nearly 41 million Americans wear dentures, and not all of them are of the elderly population. There are unique situations where children may require dentures, too. Enter pediatric partials, custom-crafted prosthetic devices designed to replace missing teeth in children. Unlike adult partials, dentures for kids serve as temporary solutions, necessary until a child’s permanent teeth emerge.

What are dentures for kids?

Let’s face it, kids sometimes fall or trip, or something else happens that can lead to a knocked-out tooth or teeth. In other situations, they may have teeth that are prone to decay, developing tooth decay and cavity after cavity, despite your best efforts to keep their teeth clean. Sometimes, teeth fall out prematurely; other times, baby teeth must be extracted.

When this occurs, you may wonder, do they make dentures for primary teeth? The answer is, yes!

Tooth loss in children happens. And thankfully, pediatric partials, also known as kiddy partials, designed specifically to address the issue of missing teeth in children. Unlike adult partials, which serve as a long-term solution for tooth loss, pediatric partials are temporary and intended to be used until a child’s permanent teeth emerge. They are not meant to replace permanent teeth, but rather to fill the gap created by the premature loss of baby teeth.

These dental appliances are crucial in maintaining proper oral health and function during a child’s transitional phase, from primary to permanent teeth. They provide a natural-looking and functional replacement for missing teeth, helping children chew and speak effectively. Pediatric partials are carefully crafted to fit comfortably and securely in a child’s mouth, ensuring optimal comfort and ease of use.

When a child loses a baby tooth prematurely due to dental trauma, decay, or other reasons, it can affect their oral development. Pediatric partials help prevent complications that can arise from tooth loss, such as misalignment of the remaining teeth and difficulties in eating and speaking. By occupying the space left by the missing tooth, these partials promote proper alignment and prevent adjacent teeth from shifting into the gap.

Why do some kids need dentures?

Though the need for kiddy dentures isn’t all that common, it does indeed occur. Some typical reasons why children may need dentures for kids include:

• Tooth injury. Severe dental trauma from accidents or sports-related injuries can result in losing baby teeth. Pediatric partials help fill the gaps and maintain oral function while awaiting the eruption of permanent teeth.
• Extensive tooth decay. Advanced tooth decay in primary teeth may lead to tooth loss. Pediatric partials offer a temporary replacement, preventing complications and allowing for proper alignment as the child’s permanent teeth develop.

Benefits of Pediatric Partials

Pediatric partials offer a range of advantages beyond filling the gaps caused by missing teeth. These devices improve jaw and tissue development and enhance a child’s appearance, social well-being, psychological confidence, nutrition, and speech development. The positive impact extends to the entire family, bringing joy and a sense of normalcy to the child’s physical and emotional development.

1. Improved jaw development and tissue development around the mouth.

Pediatric partials promote proper jaw growth and support healthy tissue development in the oral cavity, ensuring a balanced and functional mouth structure.

2. Enhanced Esthetics/Appearances

By creating an age-appropriate facial appearance, dentures for kids eliminate the “old man” look resulting from the over-closure of the jaws, enabling children to have a smile that matches their peers and boosting their self-confidence.

3. Enhanced Social and Psychological Well-being

Pediatric partials help children regain their happiness, self-esteem, and smiles, allowing them to fit in with their friends and feel more socially accepted, as having teeth is an essential part of their peer group’s norm.

4. Improved Nutrition

The ability to chew is vital for proper digestion and nutrition. Pediatric partials restore chewing function, enabling children to enjoy various healthy and delicious foods that contribute to their overall well-being.

5. Enhanced Speech Development

Prematurely lost baby teeth can cause a host of problems, including speech impairment. This is because teeth play a crucial role in speech production and communication. Pediatric partials improve speech clarity, expand vocabulary, and enhance communicative skills, facilitating easier interaction with friends and family to express ideas and thoughts effectively.

Would your child benefit from a kiddy partial?

Pediatric partials offer numerous benefits for children with missing baby teeth. From promoting healthy development to enhancing appearance, confidence, and speech, these custom-crafted dental devices play a vital role in a child’s oral well-being. 
If your child has missing baby teeth and you believe they may benefit from kiddy dentures, we encourage you to request an appointment with Pediatric Dental Specialists in Omaha. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing specialized care for children and can help determine the most suitable treatment options for your child’s dental needs.