Understanding the dental health of your child can sometimes be as complex as deciphering a new language. One term you might come across in your research or during a visit to the pediatric dentist is 'space maintainer'. But what does this mean, and when does a child need one? Your Maple Grove pediatric dentist will unravel this dental jargon and provide you with the information you need.
Space maintainers are dental devices custom-made by pediatric dentists. They can be either removable or cemented in a child's mouth. Their primary purpose is to keep the space open to allow the permanent tooth to erupt and come into place. Baby teeth are essential to the development of the teeth, jaw bones, and muscles and help to guide permanent teeth into position when the baby teeth are lost too early.
Space maintainers might be metal or plastic and can be made to look like natural teeth. They are not needed for all children or in all situations. A pediatric dentist will recommend a space maintainer only if they believe it's necessary for the child's oral development.
A child may need a space maintainer if they lose a baby tooth prematurely, before the permanent tooth is ready to erupt. If a baby tooth is lost too early due to dental decay or an accident, the other teeth can start to move into the empty space, causing spacing problems for the permanent teeth. If left untreated, this could lead to overcrowding or crooked teeth.
Also, if a child has a baby tooth that isn't loosening naturally, a dentist might recommend extraction and the use of a space maintainer to ensure the path is clear for the permanent tooth to come in.
Space maintainers come in various types, including removable and fixed ones. Removable space maintainers are similar to orthodontic appliances and are usually made of acrylic. They can be used when the space is apparent to others and can be removed for cleaning.
Fixed space maintainers come in several designs. A band-and-loop maintainer is made of stainless steel wire and held in place by a crown or band on the tooth adjacent to the empty space. A lingual arch is used when back teeth are lost on both sides of the lower jaw.
Whether a space maintainer is removable or fixed, it's essential to keep it clean through good oral hygiene practices. This includes brushing around the space maintainer twice a day and flossing daily. Regular dental visits will ensure the space maintainer is doing its job, and it isn't causing problems with the child's bite.
Although a space maintainer might feel unusual at first, most children quickly get used to them. It's crucial to avoid sticky and hard foods that can dislodge the space maintainer and to discourage habits like thumb sucking that can distort it.
If you're concerned about your child's dental health or think they might need a pediatric space maintainer in Maple Grove, don't hesitate to reach out to us at Maple Grove Pediatric Dentistry. Our experienced team, led by Dr. Matt, is dedicated to providing comprehensive and compassionate dental care for your little ones. Contact us today at (763) 390-8575 to schedule an appointment. We're here to answer any questions and guide you through your child's dental health journey.
