When teeth are lost prematurely, either because of decay or injury, action must be taken. Leaving space between teeth is highly likely to lead to further complications. This is because a missing tooth encourages adjacent teeth to begin to shift inward, filling the space. This complicates adult teeth when they erupt and also poses a host of orthodontic problems.
Space maintenance is a great way to prevent this from happening. Principally, space maintenance constrains these symptoms by keeping adjacent teeth in position. There are many techniques that may be chosen for space maintenance, and which is best for your child depends on your child’s specific case and needs.
Types of Space Maintainers
Kids First Dental implements several varieties of space maintainers. Made of plastic or steel, they can be fixed or removable. The determination of what to use is made by the dentist in order to best accommodate a child’s oral health.Removable Space Maintainers
Removable space maintainers have a similar appearance to retainers. However, removable space maintainers have plastic blocks which fill the space left by your child’s missing teeth. These type of space maintainers are best for older children, as they are more likely to follow directions and not experience problems by removing them.Fixed Space Maintainers
Three types of space maintainers are available:- Band-and-loop - in which crowns are placed on adjacent teeth to the gap, held together with metal wire.
- Lingual arch - used to fill a space in the back of your child’s mouth, and only on the lower jaw. It specifically prevents the shifting of teeth in this region of the mouth.
- Distal shoe - implemented when the second primary molar is lost before the permanent molar erupts. This will require anesthesia for children, as a metal wire is gently placed beneath the gum line to prevent closure.
Caring for Space Maintainers
Space maintainers may seem like a big deal, but caring for them is actually very simple. It’s imperative for your child to not play with them, and to apply routine cleaning to maintainers with brushing and flossing, just like regular teeth. Restrict their access to gum, hard candy, and sticky foods. If you follow and enforce these easy steps, the space maintainer will last until they are no longer needed.Kids First Dental Promotions and Advantages
We encourage the absolute best dental care for children and adults, which is why:- We provide for children and adults in Lancaster, SC so everyone can have the best care.
- We are fluent Spanish and English.
- We feature a loyalty program for the best in lifelong care.
- We offer a great and affordable $150 dental package with an exam, cleaning, fluoride varnish, bitewing (cavity-detecting x-ray).
- Medicaid and most commercial insurance are accepted.