The primary function is to prevent the adjacent teeth from shifting into the space left by the missing baby tooth. This helps prevent space loss and unwanted tooth movements, ensuring that the permanent tooth has enough space to come in correctly.
Space maintainers are essential for maintaining oral health and avoiding complex orthodontic issues later in life.
Fixed Space Maintainers
Fixed space maintainers are cemented onto the teeth adjacent to the gap, making them a permanent fixture in the mouth. They can be either unilateral (on one side of the mouth) or bilateral (on both sides). Examples include:
- Crown and loop (band and loop): A metal band is fitted around the tooth next to the missing tooth, and a wire loop extends across the gap to hold the space open.
- Distal shoe: This type is placed in the gap left by a missing first primary molar and extends below the gumline to guide the permanent molar into place.
- Lingual holding arch: A metal wire is attached to the back of the teeth on either side of the gap and held in place by a lingual arch to maintain space.
Care and Maintenance
It is important to practice good oral hygiene while wearing a space maintainer. Food particles can get stuck under and around the wire, causing tooth decay. Follow these tips to keep the appliance and your child’s teeth clean:
- Brush and floss daily: Keep the area around the space maintainer clean. Floss using a floss threader to reach underneath the wire.
- Avoid hard or sticky foods: These types of foods can cause damage to the space maintainer.
- Attend regular dental check-ups: The dentist will monitor the progress of the permanent tooth and make any necessary adjustments to the space maintainer.
🔑Key Takeaway
Space maintainers are an effective way to prevent unwanted tooth movements and ensure proper dental development in children who lose a baby tooth early. With proper care and maintenance, these appliances can prevent more complex orthodontic issues later on.
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Is a space maintainer really necessary?
Yes, space maintainers are necessary to prevent unwanted tooth movements and ensure proper dental development in children who lose a baby tooth early.
Will my child need to wear the space maintainer forever?
No, once the permanent tooth has erupted fully into place, the space maintainer is removed by your pediatric dentist.
Can my child eat normally with a space maintainer?
Yes, your child can eat normally with a space maintainer. However, it is important to avoid hard, sticky or chewy foods that may damage the appliance.