Pediatric Space Maintainers
in Sacramento, CA
Space Maintenance at Bubbles Dental
In instances where a child's back tooth is prematurely lost due to decay or an accident, preserving the gap becomes imperative to prevent potential dental complications and avoid space loss when permanent teeth begin to emerge. Without a space maintainer, adjacent teeth may shift, impeding the proper eruption of permanent teeth and potentially increasing the need for orthodontic treatment.
Types of Space Maintainers
Space maintainers come in various forms, including stainless steel and/or plastic materials, and can be either removable or fixed (cemented to the teeth).
- Removable: If your child is capable of following directions reliably and is older, a removable space maintainer can be a suitable choice. It resembles a retainer and includes plastic blocks to fill the gap left by the missing tooth.
- Fixed: Fixed space maintainers come in many designs.
A band-and-loop maintainer comprises stainless steel wire and is anchored by a crown or band on the neighboring tooth to the vacant space. The wire connects to the crown or loop and rests against the adjacent tooth.
When the back teeth on both sides of the jaw are absent, a lingual arch is employed on the lower teeth. This arch features a wire positioned on the lingual (tongue) side and attached to the tooth ahead of the open space on both sides, preventing tooth migration.
In scenarios where a second primary molar is lost before the first permanent molar erupts, a distal shoe may be advised. This appliance, lacking a tooth to support a band-and-loop space maintainer, includes a metal wire inserted slightly under the gum to maintain the space.
Caring for Your Child's Space Maintainer
When caring for your child's appliance, adhere to these four fundamental guidelines:
- Avoid sticky foods such as candy and chewing gum.
- Remind your child not to push or tug on the space maintainer using their fingers or tongue.
- Keep the space maintainer clean by practicing thorough brushing and flossing.
- Maintain regular dental visits with the pediatric dentist.
