It may not seem significant when children lose their baby teeth before the appointed time. After all, baby teeth are supposed to fall out, exactly? But many parents don’t know that losing baby teeth too soon can produce problems for the future. That’s where space maintainers can assist. These small dental devices help restore an open hole until the adult tooth is ready to erupt. They may appear small, but they do a significant job!
Orthodontists often suggest them when a baby tooth is misplaced earlier than expected due to an injury or tooth decay. Space maintainers might sound complex, but they are helpful and simple to appreciate. In this blog post, you will clear what space maintainers are, how they work, and why they are essential for your child’s healthy smile.
What exactly are space maintainers?
A space maintainer is a small tool placed in a child’s mouth by a dental specialist. Its foremost job is to hold the space where a baby tooth used to be. It gives the grown-up tooth enough room to grow in the right corner. Without a space maintainer, nearby teeth may shift into the tooth space, making it tough for the permanent tooth to come in properly later.
Space maintainers are usually made of stainless steel or a mix of metal and plastic. They are specially made to fit each child’s mouth comfortably. Some are settled, meaning they stay in place until the adult tooth is ready to come in. Others are transferable, just like a worker.
While they may appear small, space maintainers play a major role in guiding healthy tooth growth.
Why Would a Child Need One?
A child might need a space maintainer for several reasons. Early tooth loss is the most common reason. At times, an accident or dental rot renders the tooth unsalvageable, resulting in the premature loss of baby teeth. In other examples, a dentist may have extracted the baby teeth due to disease or harm.
The dental spacer left behind after a tooth is lost can be complicated. The adjacent teeth may start to shift into that space, and the permanent tooth beneath may not have enough room to grow accurately if it moves too much. This can lead to issues such as overcrowded, misaligned teeth or even the need for extra dental work afterwards.
As a result, many dental specialists recommend installing a space maintainer as soon as a child is born.
How Do Space Maintainers in Dentistry Work?
Space maintainers serve a very simple but significant job to keep the space open. They stay in the gap and gently hold the teeth on either side in place. That way, when the permanent tooth is ready to enter, it will have enough space to grow correctly.
Fixed space maintainers are usually cemented to one of the nearby teeth. The dentist checks them routinely to ensure everything is staying in place. Removable space maintainers can be removed for cleaning properly, but they still need to be worn most of the time.
The orthodontist will determine when to remove the space maintainer when the permanent tooth begins to come out. Usually, the entire treatment is easy and painless.
How Long Does a Child Need to Wear a Space Maintainer?
How long it takes a child’s everlasting tooth to erupt affects how long they must wear a space maintainer. For some youngsters, this may be a few months. For others, it could take hold of a year or more.
Every child’s mouth grows at a different pace. The dentist will keep track of the permanent tooth’s development with regular X-rays or exams. Once the tooth is ready to come in, the space maintainer will be removed safely.
Although it might seem like a long wait, space maintainers are doing an important job every single day by keeping the path clear for the permanent teeth.
What Happens if a Space Maintainer is Not Used?
Bounding a space maintainer might not seem like a big deal, but not applying a space maintenance can lead to significant issues later. If a tooth is gone, nearby teeth might transfer into the tooth space, which prevents the adjacent tooth from growing perfectly. Sometimes, a permanent tooth may become trapped beneath the gums or grow in the wrong direction.
This situation may require the kids to get braces or additional dental work in the future to correct the misalignment. Therefore, using a space maintainer early on can save time, money, and effort afterwards. While space maintainers may seem small and insignificant, they can highly impact on how a child’s teeth develop.
Why Choose Smile Cover Pediatric Dentistry for a Space Maintainer?
When selecting a dental clinic for a space maintainer, it’s necessary to find a reliable provider for the best results. Smile Cover Pediatric Dentistry is an excellent option for many reasons. Their highly expert surgeons use advanced tools and techniques to ensure thriving therapy.
Every step is handled carefully, from the initial consultation to the final procedure. Smile Cover Pediatric Dentistry is committed to restoring your smile with high-quality service and long-lasting results. They strive to make every patient feel cared for while attaining amazing dental outcomes.
Final Thoughts!
In summary, space maintainers are simple yet powerful tools that shield your child’s smile. They may not be spoken about as much as spaces for braces or fillings, but they play a major role in helping durable teeth develop in the right direction.
If your child loses a baby tooth too early, it’s always a good idea to consult your orthodontist about whether a space maintainer is required. After acceptable care and routine dental visits, this tiny tool can guide your child’s teeth to a much stronger future.
Taking small steps now is better than facing bigger dental problems later. Fortunately, space maintainers for small steps can make a significant difference.
