The Importance of Baby Teeth and the Role of Space Maintainers
Although baby teeth are temporary, they play a vital role in a child's overall oral development. In addition to helping with biting, chewing, and speech, baby teeth act as placeholders, guiding the eruption of permanent teeth into their proper positions.
However, there are situations where a child may lose a baby tooth earlier than expected, often due to injury or decay. Without the presence of the baby tooth, the surrounding teeth can shift and move into the space left behind, causing misalignment and crowding of the permanent teeth. This is where space maintainers become essential.
What is a Space Maintainer?
A space maintainer is a dental device made from a combination of metal and plastic that ensures the gap left by a lost baby tooth remains open, allowing the permanent tooth to come in properly. There are two main types of space maintainers:
Fixed Appliances: These are cemented onto the adjacent teeth to the gap, keeping the space open and secure. Fixed space maintainers are ideal for younger children who might not be able to handle a removable device.
Removable Appliances: These are similar to orthodontic retainers and may include a prosthetic tooth to fill the gap temporarily. These are often used for older children who can responsibly care for their appliance.
The Space Maintainer Procedure
To create the right-fitting space maintainer, your dentist at Desert Pearl Dentistry will take a mold or 3-D image of your child’s mouth. The appliance will be custom-designed to fit comfortably and maintain the space until the permanent tooth is ready to emerge.
In some cases, a permanent tooth may fail to develop. While dental implants aren’t suitable for growing children, a space maintainer can help preserve the space until the jaw matures enough for future treatment, such as a dental implant.
Reach Out to Us About Space Maintainers
If you believe your child might need a space maintainer, Desert Pearl Dentistry is here to help. Our team will evaluate your child’s situation and recommend the best course of action to ensure proper dental development.
Schedule a consultation today to learn more about space maintainers and how they can benefit your child’s dental health!
