What Are Space Maintainers? Are spacers recommended for children in Goodyear, Arizona?
Space maintainers are custom-made dental appliances, usually crafted from metal or plastic, designed to fit your child’s mouth. They’re discreet in appearance and, after an initial adjustment period, most children adapt to them easily.
When Does a Child Need a Space Maintainer?
Baby teeth generally stay in place until the permanent tooth beneath them pushes them out. However, in some cases, a child may lose a baby tooth prematurely. This could happen due to an accident or dental issues like decay. If a baby tooth is lost too early, a pediatric dentist may recommend a space maintainer to avoid future alignment or dental problems.
Is Your Child in Need of Dental Care?
Drs. Hilgers, Razuri, Lawler or Takahashi provide excellent pediatric dental services in a fun environment designed for kids.
Why Do Kids Need Space Maintainers? Baby Teeth Eventually Fall Out, Right?
Although baby teeth do eventually fall out, they play an important role in your child’s dental health. They help guide the development of the jaw and muscles, maintain space for permanent teeth, and ensure they come in correctly. Some baby teeth aren’t replaced until a child is 12-14 years old, so it’s crucial to keep them in place while they’re still needed.
How Does a Space Maintainer Work? What Are the Advantages of Space Maintainers?
Space maintainers help preserve the gap left by a lost baby tooth, preventing the surrounding teeth from shifting. This keeps everything in place until the permanent tooth naturally erupts. It’s more affordable and less disruptive for your child to use a space maintainer than to correct misaligned teeth later with orthodontics.
What Care Do Space Maintainers Need?
To ensure the best results, here are four simple rules for maintaining space maintainers:
- Avoid sticky candies and chewing gum.
- Don’t use fingers or the tongue to push or tug on the appliance.
- Keep it clean by brushing and flossing regularly.
- Continue with regular dental checkups.
Types of Space Maintainers
Band and Loop- Unilateral Space Maintainer
Nance- Upper Bilateral Space Maintainer
Lower Lingual Holding Arch- Lower Bilateral Space Maintainers
How Long do Kids Wear Space Maintainers?
Kids usually wear space maintainers until the permanent tooth is ready to come in, which can range from a few months to a couple of years depending on your child’s age and dental development. The dentist will monitor progress through regular checkups and decide when it’s time to remove the appliance. With proper care, space maintainers do their job quietly and effectively, ensuring your child’s smile develops in a healthy, natural way.