When children lose their baby teeth too soon because of decay, injury, or other oral problems, it can result in difficulties with their permanent teeth. Space maintainers prevent this from happening by keeping the space open for the permanent teeth to erupt into position correctly. Parents may make informed decisions about their child’s oral health by studying the different space maintainers types.
What are Space Maintainers?
Space maintainers are dental devices that leave spaces between a child’s teeth when one of their permanent teeth was lost early. Space maintainers guide permanent teeth into position, preventing misalignment and reducing orthodontic correction in the future.
Why are Space Maintainers needed?
If the baby tooth is lost earlier than it should be, neighbouring teeth will grow into the open space and the permanent one is not able to come in in the right spot. There could be crowding, overlap, and bites. Space maintainers in Pulaski would be able to channel correctly and prevent more serious problems in the future.
Types of Dental Space Maintainers
There are two main categories of space maintainers: removable and fixed. Each type serves a distinct purpose and is selected based on the child’s dental requirements.
1. Fixed Space Maintainers
Fixed space Maintainers are cemented in place and provide a reliable way to keep the spaces open for permanent teeth. This maintenance remains as long as permanent teeth begin to emerge.
- Unilateral Space Maintainer
A space maintainer in one tooth that a child has lost on a side of their mouth is done using a metal band around the neighbouring tooth and a loop wire holding the space.
- Crown and Loop Space Maintainer
This is like a unilateral space maintainer but adds a dental crown to the band. The dental crown is added when the neighbouring tooth needs more support.
- Distal Shoe Space Maintainer
This is applied when the child loses their second primary molar before the eruption of the permanent molar. The appliance is placed slightly below the gum to direct the erupting molar into its proper position.
- Lingual Holding Arch
This appliance is utilized for kids who have lost several teeth in the lower jaw. A wire is bonded to two molars and extends along the inside of the lower teeth to preserve the space.
- Nance Appliance
A Nance appliance is used for the upper teeth and consists of a wire that is attached to the molars and a little piece of acrylic sitting against the palate. It prevents the molars from migrating forward.
2. Removable Space Maintainers
Removable space maintainers work similarly to orthodontic retainers. They are often prescribed when children are old enough to comply with wearing them correctly.
- Removable Acrylic Space Maintainer
These are acrylic and can have artificial teeth to replace missing teeth. They are suitable for kids who can comply with wearing instructions.
- Hawley Retainer with Spacers
This is a standard orthodontic retainer with spacers inserted to prevent teeth from moving into the vacant space. It comes in handy where space maintenance is required for an extended duration.
How to Care for Space Maintainers
Good maintenance of space maintainers is important to keep them working efficiently and lasting long enough. Following are some of the key tips:
- Practice good oral hygiene: Get your child to brush and floss near the maintainer gently to avoid a buildup of plaque.
- Steer Clear of Sticky or Hard Foods: Chewing gum, caramel, and hard candies can loosen or harm the appliance.
- Routine Dental Checkups: A visit to a pediatric dentist close to me guarantees the space maintainer is in good condition and working properly.
- Be Aware of Discomfort or Loosening: If your child is in pain or the maintainer loosens, call your dentist right away.
Why Southern Comfort Pediatric Dentistry?
If your child has lost an early primary tooth, visiting a pediatric dentist near you is necessary to assess the most suitable space maintainer for their condition. At Southern Comfort Pediatric Dentistry, we pride ourselves on creating excellent space maintainers that can guide permanent teeth into the proper place.
Get an appointment with us today and secure your child’s smile with perfect alignment!