Space maintainers are orthodontic devices that hold space open for permanent teeth. While it can be exciting for children to lose a tooth, problems can occur if it happens too early. Our team at Myriam Cerezo, DMD, Pediatric Dentist in Holland, PA provides space maintainers to prevent these issues and help permanent teeth grow straight and even.
When Space Maintainers Are Needed in Holland, PA
Baby teeth play an important role in children, not only in their speech, chewing, and appearance but also in guiding the proper eruption of permanent teeth. If the baby tooth was lost too early, the remaining teeth might shift to fill the gap and cause permanent teeth to grow crooked or impacted. As a result, children with crooked teeth may require more extensive orthodontic intervention in the future. Space maintainers can help prevent dental problems linked to misaligned teeth. These devices allow teeth to erupt properly, which is beneficial to oral health since crooked or crowded teeth are harder to clean and more prone to decay. Taking this early step at our Holland, PA office can also help children reduce the time under orthodontic treatment later.
"Space maintainers can help prevent dental problems linked to misaligned teeth in children."
Types of Space Maintainers
There are three categories of space maintainers: fixed unilateral, fixed bilateral, and removable appliances. Fixed unilateral appliances go on one side of a child's mouth. These devices cement to a tooth with a loop or wire to preserve the space. Fixed bilateral appliances are appropriate for children who have prematurely lost teeth on both sides of the mouth. They may bridge the roof of their mouth or fit against the backs of their teeth. This type of space maintainer is usually a less visible option. Removable space maintainers look like a retainer with artificial teeth to fill in space or spaces that need to stay open.
"Our Holland, PA team will help each child choose the right space maintainer for their needs."
Choosing the Right Appliance
Measurements, X-rays, and impressions will help determine the right type of space maintainer for a child at our Holland, PA practice. Our team will discuss the possible options with the child's parents. While a removable space maintainer can be convenient, some children may not have enough discipline to wear them every day. If a child does not keep the space maintainer in place for enough time, it may not be effective. While compliance is not an issue for permanent space maintainers, they also have some challenges. Patients with permanent appliances will need to avoid certain foods. Chewing gum, sticky candies, and hard foods can damage the appliance.
"Measurements, X-rays, and impressions will help determine the right type of space maintainer."
Risks and Considerations
Space maintainers are safe for most children, but they are not right for everyone. Special needs children and children with swallowing or breathing issues may have trouble with these appliances. Children with sensory issues may also want to consider other options since they can find space maintainers distressing. Another risk associated with using a space maintainer is oral hygiene. Children with poor oral hygiene can develop inflamed gums. This inflammation can grow around the space maintainer and increase the risk of tooth decay. Our Holland, PA team can help determine whether a space maintainer is a good option for a patient's needs.
"Our Holland, PA team can help determine whether a space maintainer is a good option for your child."
Dental Care with Space Maintainers
Children with space maintainers must keep up with their dental care. Children should receive regular dental check-ups at our Holland, PA office to make sure that they are maintaining good oral health. Neglecting oral hygiene while wearing space maintainers can result in dental problems and increase the risk of complications. While space maintainers are not difficult to clean, children must be diligent with their oral hygiene routines. Space maintainers can catch extra debris and bacteria, so it is crucial to brush twice a day and floss daily to maintain healthy gums and teeth.
"Daily brushing and flossing will help keep space maintainers clean and help prevent gum problems."
Treatments We Offer
Fixed Unilateral Appliances
Cemented to a tooth on one side to preserve space for a single missing tooth.
Fixed Bilateral Appliances
Devices that bridge both sides of the mouth for multiple missing teeth.
Removable Appliances
Retainer-like devices with artificial teeth that can be removed for eating and cleaning.
Monitoring & Adjustment
Regular check-ups to ensure the space maintainer is working properly as teeth develop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Key Terms
Space Maintainer
Orthodontic devices that help leave enough space open for permanent teeth to erupt into.
Fixed Retainer
A retainer that is fixed permanently in the mouth behind the teeth.
Overbite
A type of malocclusion that occurs when the upper teeth jut out over the lower teeth.
Teeth Crowding
A lack of space in the mouth for all of the teeth to grow properly.
Tooth Alignment
Refers to how closely or widely spread apart the teeth are from each other.
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