Space maintainers are dental devices custom-made by a pediatric dentist in Costa Mesa. They are used when a child loses a baby tooth early to keep the space open so the permanent tooth can erupt properly. Baby teeth are essential guides for the permanent teeth that replace them, and if a baby tooth is lost too early, the nearby teeth can shift or tilt into the space left behind. This can lead to a variety of dental complications like crooked teeth and overcrowding. Space maintainers prevent this from happening, ensuring a healthy and beautiful smile for your child.
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Why Should I Get Space Maintainers?
Space maintainers are crucial for maintaining the correct alignment and spacing of your child's teeth. If a baby tooth is lost prematurely due to decay or injury, it can cause the surrounding teeth to shift into the space, leading to misalignment when the permanent teeth start to come in. This can result in a variety of orthodontic problems, including crooked teeth, crowding, and improper bite. By getting a space maintainer, you're not just preserving a space for the incoming permanent tooth, but you're also potentially saving time and money on extensive orthodontic treatments in the future.
Did you know…
Space maintainers can be either removable or fixed and are usually made of metal or acrylic material.
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The Benefits Of Space Maintainers
Prevents Orthodontic Problems
Space maintainers are designed to keep the space open for the permanent tooth to erupt in its correct position. Without a space maintainer, the surrounding teeth can move into the vacant space, causing the new tooth to come in crooked or in the wrong place. This can lead to a variety of orthodontic issues, such as crowding, misalignment, and improper bite. By using a space maintainer, you can prevent these problems and ensure a straight and healthy smile for your child.
Preserves Facial Structure
A full set of well-aligned teeth is crucial for maintaining the proper facial structure. Premature loss of baby teeth can lead to shifting of the remaining teeth, which can distort the shape of the face. Space maintainers help preserve the facial structure by preventing such shifting, ensuring that your child's face develops properly.
Cost-Effective Solution
While the cost of a space maintainer may seem like an extra expense now, it could save you a lot of money in the long run. Without a space maintainer, your child could end up needing extensive orthodontic treatment to correct the problems caused by early tooth loss. Space maintainers are a cost-effective solution to prevent these expensive treatments.
The Space Maintainers Treatment Process
Dental Examination
The first step in the space maintainer process involves a thorough dental examination. The pediatric dentist will examine your child's mouth to determine the need for a space maintainer. This will include checking the condition of the teeth, gums, and jaw, and taking X-rays if necessary.
Custom-Made Space Maintainer
If a space maintainer is needed, the dentist will take an impression of your child's mouth. This impression will be used to create a custom-made space maintainer that fits your child's mouth perfectly. The space maintainer could be removable or fixed, depending on the child's age, dental condition, and personal preference.
Fitting and Adjustment
Once the space maintainer is ready, the dentist will fit it in your child's mouth. This step involves cementing the device onto the adjacent teeth to hold it in place. The dentist will then make any necessary adjustments to ensure a comfortable fit. Regular follow-up visits will be scheduled to monitor the progress and make any adjustments as needed.
Before & Afters
A smile is worth 1,000 words.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should a child care for a dental space maintainer?
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Proper care for a dental space maintainer includes maintaining good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly, avoiding sticky or hard foods that can damage the appliance, and attending regular dental check-ups to monitor the space and the appliance. It's also important to inform the dentist if the maintainer becomes loose or causes any discomfort.
