SPACE MAINTAINERS
SPACE MAINTAINERS
Space maintainers are used when a child loses baby teeth early. They preserve the space(s) created so that the permanent teeth can erupt in the correct position. Without a space retainer, other baby teeth can move into the space and prevent adult teeth from erupting.
These appliances help prevent a malocclusion (misplaced teeth), crowding, and other orthodontic conditions.
Space-holding brackets cause pain because they don't move or move teeth. Children adapt to them reasonably quickly, although they may initially experience bleeding gums.
Monitoring children during the "mixed dentition stage," when both permanent and primary teeth are present in the mouth, is important because misaligned teeth are more likely to develop during this process.
Why are Space Maintainers Important?
If your child needs a space maintainer but doesn’t get one, complications can occur. These include:
• Baby teeth shifting into empty spaces, preventing the adult teeth from erupting
• Adult teeth erupting in an abnormal position in the mouth
Space Maintainer Types
These are of widely three types, removable and fixed space maintainer – fixed unilateral and fixed bilateral. They further have their own subtypes.
Removable Appliances
The removable space maintainer consists of removable partial dentures. Like standard dentures, they contain teeth and are used when there is more than one missing tooth. Moreover, their use is also for aesthetic purposes.
If your child does not have front baby teeth, they may be underconfident and conscious. Later, when they become adults, they can replace it with dental implants or a partial denture.
Fixed Unilateral
Fixed maintenance appliances are cemented on the tooth. As a result, you can't get rid of them, which helps them stay productive for longer. They only maintain space on one side, so it's great for a single tooth. The loop and band space maintainer are the most common form of a fixed unidirectional maintainer.
The first permanent molar must erupt for it to function correctly. As the name suggests, it has a band attached to the second molar and a contact ring with the distal surface of the canine. This help maintains space in a child's mouth as they lose their second molar and their first permanent molar erupts.
Another fixed unilateral retainer is the far shoe. As the name suggests, it also goes to one side. It also goes through a tooth. The stainless steel wire passes through the gap where the first permanent molar erupts. This helps guide it into its correct position before erupting. Therefore, doctors use them before the first molars erupt and after your child loses second molars, i.e., if your child loses teeth when it's too early for permanent molars to erupt.
FIXED BILATERAL
As the name suggests, they go not on one but on both sides. Therefore, your dentist will use a non-removable bilateral retainer if both sides are missing. One of them is the TransPalatal dome (TPA), a wire 36 million long. It goes above the roof of the mouth and connects with both primary molars on each side. Therefore, it makes room when missing teeth on both sides of the upper jaw. Using it, the permanent molars in the upper jaw grow straight into the gap because it prevents the forward movement of the teeth.
Next is the arch that holds the lingual surface that holds the space in the upper and lower jaws connecting the two primary molars. It is usually located behind your child's front teeth. Therefore, there is enough space in the lower and upper arches for permanent molars to grow.
In addition, a nance arch maintains the arch length and prevents the misalignment of the molars. However, it has a unique feature: An acrylic button!
It is located on the mouth's roof and helps carry out its function. Due to this feature, it can only work in the upper arch.
Consult your dentist to decide which type of space maintainer is better for your child.
HOW TO CARE FOR SPACE MAINTAINERS
It takes time for a child to adapt to wearing a device. The dentist monitors oral hygiene, jaw growth, and permanent teeth progression during this time. The maintainer needs adjustment periodically and requires immediate attention if it gets damaged.
Your child will have to brush twice daily and clean between their teeth once a day. They should also avoid chewing gum, biting hard candy and fruits, and pushing or pulling the device with fingers or other objects.
Whether your child has lost their baby teeth early or their permanent teeth are late to grow in, there's no reason for undue worry. With help from a dental professional and a space maintainer, you and your child can feel confident about a healthy incoming smile.
Request An Appointment
Have any questions?
Please contact us or call (310) 391-8787 today.
