Space Maintainers
At SmileTown: Just Kids Dentistry we make custom space maintainers for pediatric patients to help prevent the adjacent teeth from drifting into the empty space left by the prematurely lost primary teeth.
What is the Purpose of Space Maintainers?
Space maintainers are there to help preserve the structure and dental arch of the tooth and prevent orthodontic problems like crowding, misalignment as the adult teeth grow in.
What are the Different Types of Space Maintainers?
Fixed Space Maintainers:
These space maintainers are cemented onto the adjacent teeth using dental cement. These fixed space maintainers are more permanent and more effective for maintaining the space in the dental arch.
Removable Space Maintainers:
These space maintainers are usually made of plastic and they have little clasps that can lock onto the tooth. The benefits of these is that they can be taken out regularly to be cleaned. However, these aren’t as effective as fixed space maintainers since sometimes children forget to put them back in or they fall out since they’re not cemented in.
Why are Space Maintainers Needed?
There are two main reasons why space maintainers are needed.
The first reason is premature tooth loss. Space maintainers are highly recommended by our dentists if your child has experienced a loss tooth due to decay, trauma or extraction.
The second reason why space maintainers are needed are delayed eruption of permanent teeth. This occurs when the permanent teeth in the mouth haven’t erupted and grown in yet, leaving a space between the teeth. This will keep the teeth from drifting into the open space to allow for proper eruption.
What are the Considerations for Space Maintainers?
The main consideration for space maintainers is their age. Typically children between the ages of 4 to 12 years of age are recommended space maintainers. This is due to the timing of the primary tooth loss and eruption of permanent teeth.
The second consideration is how vigilant your child is at maintaining proper oral hygiene and how often your child goes to the dentist for a check up and cleaning. This is vital because space maintainers need to be clean to keep their effectiveness.
To conclude, space maintainers are vital to the child’s mouth by preserving the space in the dental arch. This can prevent future orthodontic problems associated with premature tooth loss or delayed adult teeth growth.
If your child has lost a primary tooth prematurely, consult with us at SmileTown: Just Kids Dentistry by calling us at (519) 749-9981 or by submitting a form here.
FAQ
When should a child get a dental space maintainer?
A dental space maintainer for a child is given in situations where they have lost their primary tooth earlier than normal due to caries, injury, or other reasons. This particular device is, in part, to hold the space for the impending permanent tooth, hence averting any movement of the neighbouring teeth into this space, thus causing mal-alignment problems. Please see a pediatric dentist as soon as possible to find out if a dental space maintainer is necessary.
How long will my child need to wear a dental space maintainer?
A child is recommended to have a dental space maintainer when they experience an early loss of a primary tooth, irrespective of whether it is caused by tooth decay, trauma, or any other reason. This appliance is utilized to hold the space that is to be occupied by the permanent tooth. This prevents the adjacent teeth from moving into that space and causing alignment problems. If you need a dental space maintainer, assess a pediatric dentist as soon as possible.
Are dental space maintainers comfortable for children to wear?
Indeed, dental space maintainers are designed with comfort for kids at its core. These are made of smooth materials and are fitted in the mouth in such a way that the child can go about speaking and eating without any difficulty. Some children may initially wear them with a feeling of awkwardness to some extent, but most of them get used to them in a short while. They often check up on dentists who make sure that they are well-fitted, which reduces the risk of discomfort associated with treatment using dental space maintainers.
How do I care for my child's dental space maintainer?
In order for your child to take care of their dental space maintainer, remind them to brush daily at least twice and floss to maintain cleanliness. Prevent ingestion of soft or hard substances that can come in contact with and damage it. Go for regular dental visits to check if the dental appliance is appropriately fitted and working well. If your young one is in any pain or the maintainer gets loose, consult with a dentist right away.
Can dental space maintainers help prevent orthodontic issues in kids?
Dental space maintainers are important devices for promoting orthodontic health in growing children. They help to preserve the gaps left by lost anterior teeth until the emergence of the posterior permanent dentition. Allowing for proper growth of the teeth, space maintainers prevent any shifting or twisting of the teeth that may cause the development of further complications and extensive orthodontic procedures later on, thus ensuring health and promoting good dental growth.
Are dental space maintainers necessary after early tooth loss?
Yes, dental space maintainers are critical, especially after teeth loss. This is because they discourage the neighbouring teeth from encroaching the void left by the lost tooth, which may cause improper positioning of teeth and problems in the later stages of dental growth. Such devices, by keeping an appropriate distance, encourage the ingrowth of permanent teeth without compromising their position, thus ensuring oral health and functionality.
