Losing baby teeth is a normal part of childhood growth, but losing them too early can create problems for the development of permanent teeth. In this case, dentists recommend space maintainers to secure the gap that has been left behind.
A space maintainer plays an important role in aligning the permanent teeth into the right position.
What Are Space Maintainers?
Space maintainers are custom-made dental appliances that maintain the space in the gums when a baby loses a tooth.
These are usually placed when a child loses a tooth before the permanent tooth is ready to grow. Space maintainers can be fixed or removed, depending on the child’s needs and the area of the missing tooth.
Fixed space maintainers attach to nearby teeth and stay in place until a dentist removes them. Removable space maintainers generally work the same way as retainers do and require daily care so they can give effective results.
Why Early Tooth Loss Can Be a Problem?
Baby teeth help children chew and communicate clearly, but other than that they also provide proper alignment for permanent teeth. Nearby teeth can shift into an empty space if a child loses their baby tooth too soon, either due to injury or tooth decay.
This movement can block the path of the permanent tooth, which leads to crowding and misalignment. If not addressed early on, these dental issues require orthodontic treatment in the future, which is often more time consuming and costly.
How Space Maintainers Help
The main function of space maintainers is to keep the gap open so that when the permanent teeth start to grow, they come out in the right position. By keeping nearby teeth in place, they support natural alignment and reduce the chances of crowding.
In addition, they also help maintain adequate spacing in the jaw, allowing permanent teeth to grow without any complications. In most instances, wearing a space maintainer may help reduce the likelihood of needing more complex orthodontic treatment later on.
Types of Space Maintainers
The kind of space maintainers used by dentists depends on the age of the child, their dental needs, and dental development.
- Unilateral fixed space maintainers: These are positioned on one side of the mouth and are intended to preserve space for just one lost tooth.
- Bilateral fixed space maintainers: These cover both sides and are commonly used when multiple teeth have been lost.
- Removable maintainers: Similar to retainers, these maintainers can be removed, which calls for additional care.
In essence, each space maintainer serves the purpose of protecting the open space within the gums before the permanent tooth erupts.
Caring for a Space Maintainer
It is important to maintain a good oral hygiene regimen for a child who wears a space maintainer. The parents must make sure that the child brushes and flosses around the appliance in order to keep it clean.
In addition, it is advised not to consume sticky foods like candies and chewing gum, as these can affect the appliance.
Regular dental checkups also allow your dentist to keep track of the progress and monitor tooth development. If the maintainer becomes loose or needs replacement, it should be addressed as soon as possible in order to avoid any further spacing problems.
Final Thoughts
Space maintainers help a child during their tooth development stage, especially after early tooth loss. They keep teeth in the right position and allow space for proper alignment.
If your child has suffered from early tooth loss due to injury or decay, it is best to take action now by consulting with the pediatric dentists at Flourish Pediatric Dentistry. Call us at (281) 394-2520 and let our team guide you regarding the process of space maintainers.