When a child loses a baby tooth too early, it can create more problems than you might think. Baby teeth hold space for your permanent teeth. However, if one falls out before its time, the surrounding teeth can shift, causing other dental problems such as overcrowding and misalignment.
In this blog, we will discuss what space maintainers are, their types, when they are needed, and whether they really hurt.
What Is a Space Maintainer?
A space maintainer is a small dental device used to hold the space left behind by a missing baby tooth. They’re temporary appliances and do not “push” teeth, but simply preserve space. Losing a tooth doesn’t always require a space maintainer–it may be time for it to fall out or a permanent tooth might be about to grow in its place. If the tooth is lost too early, a space maintainer makes sure that the permanent tooth, when it erupts, has enough room to grow in the right place.
These appliances are commonly used in children to guide proper tooth eruption and support healthy jaw and dental development.
Types of Space Maintainers
Space maintainers are custom-made by a dentist to fit your child’s mouth perfectly. They come in two main types: fixed and removable.
1. Fixed Space Maintainers
These are the most commonly used types. Fixed space maintainers are cemented onto nearby teeth and cannot be removed by the child. There are several kinds of space maintainers: band-and-loop (for single teeth), lingual arch (for lower teeth), and nance or trans palatal arch (for upper teeth).
2. Removable Space Maintainers
These look a bit like retainers and are made of acrylic plastic with metal clasps to keep them in place. While removable maintainers can be taken out for cleaning, they are less reliable because children may not wear them regularly.
When Is a Space Maintainer Needed?
Dentists usually recommend a space maintainer when a child loses a baby tooth too early due to:
- Severe tooth decay or extraction
- Injury or trauma
- Dental infection
Does It Hurt?
If you are looking to get your child a space maintainer, you might be wondering whether it will hurt. The good news is that this procedure is quick and painless. The dentist fits and secures the appliance comfortably in the mouth.
However, after placement, children might feel a little discomfort, but they typically get used to it quickly.
Tips to Maintain Space Maintainers
Here is how you can help children maintain space maintainers:
- Avoid sticky, hard, or chewy foods that might loosen or damage the appliance
- Avoid playing with the appliance
- Brush twice daily, floss regularly, and use antibacterial mouthwash
- Visit the dentist for regular checkups
When Is It Removed?
Once the permanent tooth starts to come in, the dentist will remove the space maintainer as its job is officially done. The time is determined based on when your tooth breaks and your oral health needs.
Final Thoughts
Space maintainers are dental appliances used when the child breaks a tooth before it is time. The gap may seem harmless, but it can cause dental problems later on. A space maintainer helps the permanent tooth come in straight and in the right place.
If your child loses a baby tooth earlier than expected, talk to our board certified pediatric dentist at Flourish Pediatric Dentistry about whether a space maintainer is the right choice. Call us at (281) 394-2520 to book your appointment.