Space Maintains
Children may need space maintainers if they lose a tooth early or have a baby tooth removed due to dental decay.
A space maintainer is an appliance that is custom-made in plastic or metal material. It can be either removable or cemented in a child’s mouth.
Its purpose is to keep the space open to allow the permanent tooth to erupt and come into place. Baby teeth are important to the development of the teeth, jaw bones and muscles and help to guide permanent teeth into position when the baby teeth are lost.
If a space is not maintained, then teeth can shift into the open space and braces treatment may be required as the child gets older.
Not every child who loses a baby tooth early or to dental decay requires a space maintainer; however, a professional consultation with your dentist or orthodontist should be conducted to determine if using a space maintainer is needed.
Wearing the Space Maintainer
It may take the child a few days to get accustomed to wearing the appliance whether it is removable or fixed.
It may take the child a few days to get accustomed to wearing the appliance whether it is removable or fixed.
It is important to clean the space maintainer thoroughly in order to keep the gum tissue healthy and free of dental plaque. Proper instructions for tooth brushing and flossing should be followed for improved oral hygiene.
If it is fixed, it will be important to avoid chewy and sugary foods, and gum or candy, which may loosen or get caught on the appliance. Regular checkups every 2-3months will be needed..
