When it comes to pediatric dental care, space maintenance is a critical treatment that cannot be overlooked. This preventive method is used when a child loses a primary tooth prematurely, often due to decay or injury. The space maintainer is a custom-made dental appliance that keeps the space open to allow the permanent tooth to erupt and come into place. Dr. Laura Greenwald at All Kids Dentistry in Valencia, CA, is a specialist in this field, providing top-notch dental space maintainer treatments to help your child maintain a healthy and properly aligned smile.
Space maintenance is crucial for children who have lost a primary tooth too early. If the space left by the lost tooth is not preserved, the other teeth might drift into that space, leading to a lack of room for the permanent tooth to grow in. This can result in crowding, misalignment, and complicated orthodontic problems in the future. Getting a space maintainer can help avoid these issues, ensuring your child's permanent teeth come in correctly. It's a proactive approach to your child's dental health, and Dr. Laura Greenwald is here to guide you through the process.
A space maintainer is often smaller and less noticeable than braces!
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Space maintainers are designed to keep the space open for the incoming permanent tooth. Without it, the surrounding teeth could shift into the space, leading to crowded or crooked teeth. By preventing these shifts, space maintainers can help avoid the need for extensive orthodontic treatment in the future.
Space maintainers not only preserve the space for the permanent tooth but also help guide its eruption. This ensures that the permanent tooth grows in the correct position, promoting proper dental development and a healthier smile for your child.
Space maintainers are custom-made for each child, ensuring a comfortable fit. This makes it easier for your child to adapt to the appliance, reducing any discomfort or difficulty while eating or speaking.
The first step in the space maintenance process involves a thorough examination of your child's mouth. Dr. Greenwald will assess the condition of your child's teeth and determine the need for a space maintainer. She will then take an impression of your child's mouth to create a custom-fit appliance.
Once the space maintainer is ready, Dr. Greenwald will carefully fit and secure it in your child's mouth. The appliance may be removable or fixed, depending on your child's specific needs.
After the space maintainer is placed, regular dental check-ups are essential. These visits allow Dr. Greenwald to monitor your child's oral health and the progress of the incoming permanent tooth.
It is crucial to make sure your child is brushing and flossing daily to prevent cavities from forming around the space maintainer. Encourage your child to avoid chewing gum, sticky candy, and hard foods. In addition, remind your little one to refrain from pulling or tugging on the space maintainer with their fingers, tongue, or other objects. If your child’s space maintainer loosens or breaks, contact our office immediately to schedule an appointment.
Space maintainers do not cause any pain. Your child may feel some minor discomfort for a few days after the appliance is placed, which is normal. Once they adjust to how it feels, your child will likely forget that the space maintainer is even there.
Space maintainers aren’t the right treatment for every child facing tooth loss. If you have an older child whose permanent tooth is about to erupt, a space maintainer may not be necessary. However, space maintainers are almost always recommended for younger children, as they are still a few years away from getting their permanent teeth. If you’re unsure whether your child is the right candidate for a space maintainer, give our office a call so we can schedule a consultation as soon as possible.
Space maintenance helps preserve the proper tooth spacing in your child’s mouth after tooth loss. This can create ample space for incoming adult teeth, which helps your child avoid oral development issues down the line. If tooth loss is ignored and a space maintenance treatment is delayed, costly orthodontic care or oral surgery may be necessary. The goal is to recognize and treat the issue as early as possible, so your child’s teeth and jaw can properly grow and maintain space for incoming adult teeth.
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