SPACE MAINTAINERS
Keeping Teeth in Their Appropriate Place
Losing a baby tooth too early might not seem like a big deal, but the truth is that it can spell disaster for permanent teeth as well as those primary ones that remain. With a space maintainer, though, this small appliance can keep nearby teeth from shifting while also making sure the future permanent tooth erupts without any problems. Don’t hesitate to ask about space maintainers when calling to schedule an appointment.
Why Choose SmileTown: Just Kids Dentistry for Kid’s Space Maintainers?
- 24/7 Teledentistry Offered Through Our After-Hours Phone Line
- Same-Day Emergency Dental Appointments
- Dentists & Dental Anaesthesiologists Ready to Help
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 is delayed eruption of permanent teeth. This leaves space between the teeth; however, a space maintainer will keep the teeth from drifting into the open area 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 four 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 diligent your child is at maintaining proper oral hygiene and how often they come in for a checkup and cleaning. This is vital because space maintainers need to be clean to keep their effectiveness.
Space Maintainer 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 designed, in part, to hold the space for the impending permanent tooth. In doing this, the space maintainer is able to keep neighbouring teeth from shifting into the empty space, causing mal-alignment problems. Please see a children’s 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, no matter the cause. Due to the nature of the treatment, they will need to wear the space maintainer until their permanent tooth grows in.
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 your child can go about speaking and eating without 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.
How do I care for my child's dental space maintainer?
To take care of your child’s space maintainer, it’s important to brush their teeth and around the appliance at least twice a day and floss daily. Be sure to also bring your little one in for bi-annual dental checkups and cleanings so our team can professionally clean their space maintainer and make sure it’s functioning properly. If your child is experiencing discomfort or the maintainer comes loose, reach out to their children’s 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 preserve the gaps left by prematurely lost temporary teeth until the emergence of the permanent teeth. As a result, the maintainers are able to prevent shifting or twisting of the permanent teeth as they grow in, helping minimize your child’s risk of developing orthodontic issues like dental misalignment.
Are dental space maintainers necessary after early tooth loss?
Yes, dental space maintainers are critical, especially after premature tooth 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. By keeping an appropriate distance between your child’s teeth, space maintainers encourage straighter growth of permanent teeth, ensuring better oral health and functionality.