Has your child lost a tooth prematurely? If so, space maintainers are here to save the day! It is very important to bring your child into our office if they have lost a baby tooth prematurely. When you do, we can discuss the need for a space maintainer.
Space maintainers are successful and reliable appliances that preserve the gap between your teeth and prevent major problems in the future. If you do not use a space maintainer, there is a high chance that the remaining teeth with gradually move into the space and prevent the adult tooth from moving in. It is also possible that the adult teeth under the teeth that lie on both sides of the gap can gradually grow into the space without permission. This will also result in the unavailable space made for the permanent tooth that is meant to replace the baby tooth. Eventually, these problems can lead to orthodontic treatment or oral surgery.
Space maintainers are not permanent appliances. They will be removed once the permanent tooth erupts from the gums or once the surrounding teeth become loose. There are many types of space maintainers available, and they are generally made of stainless steel or plastic. You can also find fixed or removable maintainers that can preserve space both in the front and back of the mouth.
If your child has lost a tooth prematurely, we ask that you call our office today and schedule an appointment. We also invite you to call and talk to a member of our team if you have any questions about space maintainers. We are here to help you in any way we can!