Pflugerville, TX
Dental Space Maintainers
Dental Space Maintainers for Kids in Pflugerville
Has your child lost a primary (baby) tooth early due to decay or trauma? Pediatric dentists like Anthony Bain DDS use dental space maintainers to help preserve the gap left behind. Without these appliances, your child’s adjacent teeth can shift into the space, potentially causing misalignment and crowding. Proper spacing allows for normal jaw and teeth development. Early intervention can also prevent the need for more complex treatments like braces. To learn more about the benefits of dental space maintainers at our Pflugerville, TX practice, contact us to schedule a consultation.
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What Is a Space Maintainer? Are There Different Types?
A dental space maintainer is an appliance used to preserve the space left by a lost baby tooth until the permanent tooth comes in. Space maintainers ensure the neighboring teeth don’t shift into the gap. Space maintenance is essential because it allows the permanent tooth to come in correctly with less risk of misalignment or crowding for a happy, healthy smile. There are several types of space maintainers we place for our Pflugerville-area pediatric patients, including:
- Unilateral maintainers (used for one side of the mouth)
- Bilateral maintainers (used for both sides of the mouth)
- Crown-and-loop maintainers (a crown with an attached loop to hold space for a molar)
- Lingual arch maintainers (use a wire that runs along the inside of lower teeth)
- Removable space maintainers (similar to retainers and are removable for cleaning)
How Are Dental Space Maintainers Placed?
First, Dr. Bain will examine your child’s mouth to evaluate the gap and determine the appropriate type of space maintainer needed. He will then take an impression of your child’s teeth to create a custom-fit space maintainer. Next, he will fit and cement (if it’s fixed and not removable) the dental space maintainer in place to one or more teeth. Regular check-ups and cleaning exams will ensure the space maintainer functions as it should and allow us to make any necessary adjustments for optimal comfort and results. Once your child’s permanent tooth is ready to erupt, we’ll remove the space maintainer (if it was fixed) during another appointment.
Are Space Maintainers Suitable for All Children?
Dental space maintainers may not be suitable for every child with premature tooth loss. While they aren’t painful, they may cause minor discomfort during the adjustment period. Space maintainers may be especially distressing for children with sensory issues. Our staff will go over your best options during your initial consultation. If we recommend a removable space maintainer, your child must be disciplined enough to wear it daily for it to be the most effective. If we suggest a fixed space maintainer, your child may have to avoid certain foods to avoid damaging the appliance. We’ll carefully go over instructions with you to ensure compliance and that we choose the best space maintainer for your child.
Tips for Caring for Your Child’s Space Maintainer
Space maintainers are important for children, as their dental development is closely tied to their overall growth and health. These appliances help preserve space and promote confidence in children’s smiles. By implementing space maintainers, parents can provide their children with a proactive approach to their dental health. However, proper care is crucial to ensure the effectiveness of a space maintainer. Here are a few tips for caring for your child’s space maintainer from our dental practice:
- Maintain Oral Hygiene – Brushing and flossing regularly will be vital to prevent plaque buildup around the space maintainer. Good oral hygiene also helps prevent cavities and infections. We recommend brushing with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day.
- Avoid Sticky Foods – Chewing gum, taffy, and other hard or sticky foods or candies can dislodge or damage a space maintainer, so we recommend avoiding them. Additionally, monitor your child to ensure they don’t pull or tug on their space maintainer with their fingers or tongue.
- Regular Dental Visits – Routine check-ups help monitor the space maintainer’s condition and the progress of permanent teeth. Follow-up appointments are necessary for issue detection. Help your child understand the importance of their space maintainer and how to take care of it.
- Address Discomfort Promptly – If your child experiences pain or discomfort or their dental space maintainer breaks or loosens, contact us immediately for an evaluation and adjustment.
Contact Us with Concerns About Space Maintainers
Children typically start to lose their baby teeth around the age of 6. If your child loses a tooth too early, they may be an ideal candidate for a dental space maintainer at Anthony Bain DDS. With space maintainers and other tailored treatments, you can get peace of mind knowing your child’s oral health is covered. Contact us to schedule an appointment and ensure your child’s smile remains healthy!