15-yr old, with braces, missing 1 canine. dentist says implant at 18. ortho-d says move molars 1&2 forward & get implant where m2 is now, at 18. ortho says better to have own teeth up front and that there's not full space for canine. idk what to do?

I agree : Your orthodontist is right. Over time the natural tooth he moves into the space will look much better than an implant and crown. If the third molar is present and useable, you might avoid the implant altogether

Team Approach: The orthodontist, surgeon, and restorative dentist should all agree on the final treatment plan. Together, they will decide what is best for your child taking into consideration esthetics and amount of bone available. A nice long implant can be placed in the area of the canine, whereas the amount of space available in the molar region may be limited. All the best...

Canine implant at 18: Once orthodontic treatment has been completed, your best option is to replace the missing canine with dental implant. Implants placed at age 18 have the most predictable prognosis.

Another: Another solution would be to move the 1st premolars into the canine site, and eventually place implant in 1st premolar site. Confused? Ask the Restorative Dentist, Orthodontist, and implant Surgeon to evaluate existing occlusion, bone support, arch shape, appearance of adjacent teeth, etc., and to present to you the coordinated treatment plan that they, as a group, feel is best for your son.