When is a Space Maintainer Needed?
When a child loses a baby tooth prematurely and the permanent tooth has not yet emerged, a space is created and can cause neighboring teeth to drift. Space maintainers prevent this, ensuring that your child’s smile is as beautiful as possible!
Because young children and adolescents are prone to losing removable space maintainers, we recommend using fixed space maintainers. A bilateral space maintainer can be used if a child is missing more than one tooth.
How are Space Maintainers Placed?
At Kids Choice Pediatric Dentistry, we make sure that space maintainers are custom-made to fit the mouth comfortably. If a unilateral space maintainer is required, we may be able to create one on the same day as the appointment. If your child requires a bilateral space maintainer, impressions of his or her teeth must be taken and sent to a dental lab where the space maintainer will be custom made.
When your child’s permanent tooth begins to erupt, bring him or her into the office so we can determine if the space maintainer is ready to be removed.
Your child may experience some gum irritation after receiving a space maintainer, which is completely normal. It is also critical that your child practice good oral hygiene habits in order to maintain healthy teeth.
Contact our office today for more information on space maintainers!