Space Maintainers Near You
Space maintainers are special dental appliances that help to keep your child’s mouth in the right shape for their adult teeth. At Southern Comfort Pediatric Dentistry, we offer space maintainers in Pulaski, TN, to ensure your child’s smile stays healthy. When a baby tooth falls out too soon, a space maintainer keeps the space open so the adult tooth can come in properly. Our team uses these devices to prevent problems with your child’s bite and tooth alignment, helping them have a healthy smile in the future.
What is a Space Maintainer?
A space maintainer is a dental appliance used to keep space in a child’s mouth when a baby’s tooth falls out too early. It helps ensure there’s enough space for the adult tooth to come in properly. Keeping the space clear prevents other teeth from moving into the empty spot, which helps the adult teeth come in straight and in the right position.
Types of Space Maintainers
- Fixed space maintainers: These are attached to the teeth with dental cement and are not removable. They come in different styles, including:
- Band-and-loop: A band is placed around a tooth with a loop extending into the space.
- Crown-and-loop: A crown is placed on a tooth with a loop extending into the space.
- Removable space maintainers: These are similar to a retainer and can be taken out for cleaning. They usually have a plastic base that fits over the teeth.
- Transpalatal Arch: A fixed device that goes across the roof of the mouth and is recommended by a dentist when multiple teeth are missing.
- Distal shoe: Used for the back of the mouth, this space maintainer helps to keep space open for the adult molar.
Who are the Candidates for Space Maintainers?
- Early tooth loss: If a child loses a baby tooth too soon, space maintainers can help.
- Overcrowding: If there’s not enough space for adult teeth to come in properly, space maintainers can help.
- Loss of multiple teeth: If several baby teeth are lost early, especially molars, Dr. Felix may suggest space maintainers. These devices keep the space open for adult teeth and prevent nearby teeth from shifting.
- Problems with tooth alignment: If the lost tooth was important for keeping other teeth in place, then a professional might recommend a space maintainer to prevent the surrounding teeth from shifting and ensure that the adult teeth come in correctly.
Benefits of Getting Space Maintainers
- Maintains space: Keeps the space open for adult teeth to come in correctly.
- Avoids misalignment: Helps prevent issues with the alignment of adult teeth.
- Promotes proper bite: Ensures that the bite remains healthy and functions well.
- Reduces future dental work: Minimizes the need for comprehensive dental procedures in the future.
- Comfort: Helps to maintain normal chewing and speaking functions.
The Procedure of Obtaining Space Maintainers
- Initial examination: Our pediatric dentist, Dr. Felix, will examine your child’s teeth to determine if a space maintainer is needed.
- Treatment planning: Dr. Felix will discuss the most suitable type of space maintainer for your child’s needs.
- Fitting the device: The space maintainer is fitted and adjusted to ensure comfort and proper function.
- Follow-up visits: We schedule follow-up visits to check that the space maintainers are working correctly and making any necessary adjustments.
Why Choose Us?
- Patient-centered care: At Southern Comfort Pediatric Dentistry, we focus on each child’s unique needs and comfort.
- Convenient location: Our office is located conveniently, which makes it easily accessible for all patients.
- Modern technology: We utilize the latest dental technology to provide optimal oral care.
- Experienced team: Dr. Felix’s pediatric dentistry team in Pulaski, TN, has years of experience in pediatric dentistry as well as space maintainers.
- Quality services: We are committed to delivering quality care to keep your child’s smile healthy.
Protect Your Child’s Smile With Space Maintainers Today!
At Southern Comfort Pediatric Dentistry, we are here to help if your child needs a space maintainer. These tools keep the right amount of space in your child’s mouth for their adult teeth to come in properly. Call us at (931) 292-4688 or email us at [email protected] to schedule an appointment.
Our friendly team will ensure your child’s dental health is taken care of. Let us help keep your child’s smile bright and healthy!