Space Maintainers

When a child loses a baby tooth prematurely due to decay, trauma, or other dental issues, it can lead to a variety of complications that impact their oral health. Our dentists in Colorado Springs, CO, can help address these concerns through space maintainers, a crucial procedure preventing the misalignment of permanent teeth yet to come in.

A space maintainer is a dental device that holds the space open in the event of early tooth loss, ensuring that the remaining teeth don’t shift into the space. For parents of children needing space maintainers, understanding the benefits and procedures of this treatment can help provide a lasting foundation for their child’s oral health. 

What Are Space Maintainers for Kids? 

Pediatric dentistry plays a key role in ensuring that children’s teeth and oral health develop properly. Space maintainers are dental devices designed to maintain the space left behind after a baby tooth is lost prematurely. This procedure is necessary when a child loses a tooth before its permanent counterpart is ready to emerge.

The space maintainer ensures the gap remains open, preventing the neighboring teeth from moving into the space. This can cause alignment issues and potentially require more extensive orthodontic treatments later. 

There are different types of space maintainers, and the specific one recommended by our dentist will depend on the child’s age, the type of tooth lost, and their overall oral development. These devices are typically made from stainless steel or other durable materials and are custom-fitted to each child’s unique needs. Our dentists ensure that these pediatric dentistry devices are carefully selected to achieve the best possible outcome for your child’s long-term oral health. Contact us to learn more. 

Why Are Space Maintainers Important? 

Space maintainers play a crucial role in a child’s oral development. Here are some of the primary reasons why they are important: 

Preventing Crowding and Misalignment

When a baby tooth is lost prematurely, the neighboring teeth may shift into the gap, leading to misalignment or crowding. This can result in the permanent teeth becoming crooked or out of place, which may require orthodontic treatment like braces later. A space maintainer helps preserve the space necessary for the permanent teeth to come in properly. 

Ensuring Proper Bite Alignment

Losing a tooth too early can also affect the child’s bite. When the permanent teeth emerge out of alignment, it can result in an overbite, underbite, or other bite issues. Using a space maintainer ensures the proper alignment of the bite and helps the child avoid additional dental problems in the future. 

Promoting Proper Speech Development

Tooth loss can affect how a child speaks. If the teeth shift into the space, it can impact the pronunciation of certain sounds. A space maintainer helps the child maintain normal speech patterns and avoid potential speech impediments by maintaining the proper space.

Preventing Overcrowding in the Future

If the gaps left by missing teeth aren’t preserved, the permanent teeth may struggle to find space and grow in incorrectly. This can result in future overcrowding and the need for costly dental treatments. Maintaining the space early on can save time, money, and effort in the long run. 

Types of Space Maintainers

Our dentist at Kids Rock Dentistry and Orthodontics may recommend different types of space maintainers based on the child’s age, the type of tooth lost, and other factors. The two main categories are fixed and removable space maintainers. 

• Fixed Space Maintainers: These are attached to the teeth and cannot be removed by the child. Fixed space maintainers are ideal for children who have lost a back tooth or when multiple teeth are lost. The most common types include:
  
  
  • Band and Loop: This is the most common type of space maintainer for a single lost tooth. A metal band is placed around the adjacent tooth, and a loop is used to maintain the space where the lost tooth once was.
  
  
  
  • Distal Shoe: Used when a child loses a primary molar. This device is designed to maintain space for the first molar still developing in the jaw.
  
  
  
  • Fixed Crown and Loop: This is used when the child has lost a tooth towards the back of the mouth and requires a more durable device.
  
  
  
  • Bilateral Spacers: Common space maintainer that is used on older children who have the eruption of both anterior (front teeth) and 6-year molars. 
    
    
• Removable Space Maintainers: The child can take these in and out of the mouth. Removable space maintainers are often used in cases where a child has lost one or two teeth in the front of the mouth. While they can be easier to clean, they are less stable than fixed devices.
• Retainers: These devices may be used if a child has lost a tooth in the front. Retainers are typically made from acrylic or plastic and feature a wire that opens the space.

The Space Maintainer Procedure 

When a child needs a space maintainer in Colorado Springs, CO, the process typically begins with a consultation with our qualified dentist. During the consultation, the pediatric dentist will evaluate the child’s oral health and determine if a space maintainer is necessary.  

• Evaluation and Planning: The pediatric dentist will examine the child’s mouth and take X-rays to determine the best course of action. They will discuss the options for space maintainers and recommend the most appropriate type of device.
• Fitting the Space Maintainer: The pediatric dentist will take impressions of the child’s teeth and use these molds to create a custom-fitted device for fixed space maintainers. The fitting is typically done during a second visit. For removable devices, the pediatric dentist will ensure the child understands how to use and care for the appliance.
• Follow-Up Appointments: After the device is placed, follow-up appointments may be necessary to check the fit and ensure that the space is properly maintained. These visits also allow the pediatric dentist to monitor the growth and eruption of the permanent teeth.

Caring for Space Maintainers

Space maintainers are generally easy to care for but require some attention to be kept in good condition. Here are some tips for parents to ensure their child’s space maintainer remains effective: 

• Regular Oral Hygiene: Encourage your child to brush and floss regularly, even around the space maintainer. Good oral hygiene is essential to prevent cavities and gum disease.
• Dietary Considerations: Limit sticky and hard foods that could damage or dislodge the space maintainer.
• Monitor for Damage: Keep an eye on the space maintainer and look for any signs of loosening or breakage. If the device becomes damaged, visit the pediatric dentist immediately for a repair or replacement.
• Routine Check-Ups: Regular dental check-ups will allow the pediatric dentist to assess the condition of the space maintainer and make adjustments as needed.

Conclusion

Space maintainers are essential dental devices that help preserve the integrity of a child’s developing smile. By preventing crowding, misalignment, and bite issues, space maintainers can save children from needing more invasive treatments later. If your child has lost a tooth prematurely, consulting  our pediatric dentist in Colorado Springs, CO for a space maintainer could be the key to ensuring their future dental health and preventing long-term complications. With the right care and attention, space maintainers can provide lasting benefits and help children achieve healthy, beautiful smiles as they grow. 

For the best dental care, visit Kids Rock Dentistry and Orthodontics.