20 Nov What Are Space Maintainers and Why Do Kids Need Them?
Your child just lost their first baby tooth, and the excitement is real. But then, during a routine dental checkup, the dentist tells you they might need a space maintainer.
You’re suddenly hit with questions: What is a space maintainer? Why would a young child need one? And how could it possibly help?
We’ve got the info you need. Read on to learn all about space maintainers.
Benefits of Space Maintainers: Guiding Permanent Teeth into Place
When a baby tooth is lost too early, the nearby teeth can move into the empty space. This can block the path for the new permanent tooth. This can lead to a host of alignment issues in tooth anatomy, including:
- Crowding
- Overlapping
A space maintainer acts as a placeholder. By keeping the space open, space maintainers help avoid more complex treatments later, supporting healthier dental alignment for children as they grow.
Preventing Crowding and Misalignment
When a child loses a baby tooth too early, nearby teeth often move into the empty space, which can cause crowding in that area. This movement can block the eruption path for the adult tooth that is supposed to fill that space, causing it to grow in at an angle or fail to erupt entirely.
A space maintainer keeps the area open. This device helps each tooth stay in the right place, allowing adult teeth to come in straight and aligned.
Reducing the Need for Orthodontic Treatment Later
Without early intervention, crowded or misaligned teeth can require extensive orthodontic treatment, which may include not only braces but also possible extractions to create enough space in the mouth.
Space maintainers help to avoid such complex interventions by supporting proper spacing from the outset, making it more likely that the permanent teeth will come in straight and aligned.
This proactive approach can help children avoid more intensive orthodontic treatments. It may shorten the time they need braces or even prevent them altogether.
Types of Space Maintainers
There are several types of space maintainers available, each tailored to suit a child’s specific dental needs. The choice between these types depends on factors such as the child’s age, the location of the missing tooth, and the expected time until the adult tooth emerges.
Fixed Space Maintainers
Unlike removable options, fixed maintainers are cemented in place, making them a stable and reliable solution for younger children or for situations where consistent wear is essential.
One common type is the band and loop maintainer, which is often used when a single baby tooth is lost. This device has a stainless-steel band that goes around a nearby tooth. A wire loop stretches across the empty space to keep it in place.
The band and loop maintainer is a simple yet effective option, commonly chosen for younger children and for spaces where a permanent tooth is expected to erupt soon.
Another type of fixed maintainer is the distal shoe maintainer, which dentists typically use when a back molar is lost. This type is special because it has a metal extension that goes just below the gumline. This helps guide the permanent molar to come in the right way.
The distal shoe is especially beneficial in cases where the permanent tooth is not expected to erupt for an extended period. It provides a more precise guide for the molar’s growth.
Removable Space Maintainers
Removable space maintainers are devices that can be taken out and put back in by the child or parent, similar in appearance to a retainer.
Removable space maintainers are typically made of acrylic and may have metal clasps to secure them around existing teeth.
These maintainers require a certain level of discipline from the child to be effective. Because they can be taken out, there is a risk of forgetting to wear them consistently, which could compromise the device’s ability to hold the space properly.
Regular wear is essential to prevent teeth from drifting. So, children need to be diligent about putting the maintainer back in after eating or brushing.
Dentists often recommend removable space maintainers for older children who can manage the responsibility, as they require a routine similar to that of wearing a retainer or orthodontic aligner.
Finding The Right Dentists
Finding a dentist who specializes in children’s dental care can make the process of fitting and maintaining a space maintainer smoother and more successful.
At McIlwain Dental specialists, we prioritize clear communication and collaborative care. Each of our experts takes time to explain every step. We answer questions and give instructions on how to care for the space maintainer. This helps both the child and parent feel confident in the treatment plan.
Space Maintainers: Invest Today
Clearly, there are a ton of reasons kids might need space maintainers. If you see any of these signs in your child, talk to one of our dentists.
McIlwain Dental Specialists is committed to providing our patients with exceptional dental care throughout their lifetime, to ensure your smile is protected at every age. Contact us to learn more about our pediatric dental services or to book an appointment.