Retained Baby Teeth

Don't Settle for an Incomplete Smile

Sometimes, a baby tooth doesn’t fall out, and that’s not your fault. This happens because the adult tooth underneath never developed, a condition called hypodontia or congenitally missing teeth.

On the surface, a retained baby tooth can feel like a roadblock to having the smile you want. But beyond appearance, it may also affect how you bite, cause your teeth to shift, and even impact your breathing at night.

The bright side? You're not stuck. It's more common than you might think, and our experienced doctors see this nearly every day.

Everyone experiences a lingering baby tooth differently, and we believe you don’t need to rush into treatment you’re not ready for.

If you’re feeling unsure whether your retained baby tooth is a problem or has already fallen out, we’re ready to meet you where you’re at. With a simple evaluation at one of our three offices, we will help answer your questions and craft a solution that's thoughtfully built around your life and goals.

Baby Teeth as a Teen and Young Adult

For a teen, a retained baby tooth acts as a crucial placeholder that protects developing bone and gum tissue. We avoid rushing into permanent replacements until their jaw is fully grown to ensure the most stable long-term result.

In the meantime, we use natural-looking temporary restorations so they can smile with total confidence. This careful timing preserves the width of their dental arch and supports a healthy airway, setting the stage for their future systemic wellness.

Baby Teeth as an Adult

Many adults find that a baby tooth can serve them for years, but these teeth aren't designed for the pressure of an adult bite. Over time, they often wear down or shift, which can cause your dental arch to narrow or collapse. Dr. Fava provides permanent restorations that preserve the natural width of your smile to protect your health as you age.

Keeping this structure intact is vital because your airway begins at the mouth. A wide, stable arch ensures your airway stays open, which supports your heart health and mental clarity as you move into your 30s and beyond. By choosing a permanent solution now, you are moving past a simple "fix" and building a foundation for your body’s total wellness.

Questions Our Patients Often Ask