Dental Implant

Hi I'm 20 years old & I was born without both of my permanent lateral incisors. I found this out when I got braces around the age of 13 or 14. I was suppose to continue with orthodonic appointments, but they were never set up, as I realize was a horrible thing. Now as an adult, I am becoming way more insecure about my teeth. I currently have what they call a flipper, which from what I know seems to fool everyone.
I know I will need bone grafting as there was no bone there because of lack of permanent teeth. I have been trying to do a lot of researching on this but have found mixed information.
Pretty much what I was wondering was, how long will the bone grafting procedure take? Will I still be able to wear my flipper, because I really don't want to have to show anyone my ugly teeth :( Then the same goes for the implant procedure..once the titanium screw is in how does the healing process go?
Thank you in advance!

[Gellia]

As for implants, I can tell you the process I went through for four implants across my top front teeth.

I had my extractions and implants done all on the same day.  First the top front four were removed.  Then they placed the bone grafts and implants.  The whole thing was relatively easy and I had absolutely no pain at all (except for the novocaine shots -OW!).  
I had an immediate removable metal partial already made and it was placed before I left the office.  I was never without teeth!

The implants I had were placed below the gumline to heal.  I had bone grafts done at the same time.  This was done with "Bone in a Bottle", or cadaver bone.  Nothing special had to be done for that.  It was placed into the hole the tooth extraction made and the implant placed right after.

I then waited five months while the implants osteointegrated with my jaw bone.

After the five months, I went back to the surgeon and he opened them and fitted them with a "healing cap".  This helps to form the gumline.  I used my partial at this time too, as there was room for the healing caps to fit right in.

I waited while my permanent crowns were made and about two weeks later went for them.  Cemented them in (after approval) and WAHLA!  I was finished.

It is a long process but if you focus ahead on the finished result, rather than the process getting there, it seems easier somehow.

Hope this helps some!

My best to you,
Gellia