space Maintainers
What is a Space Maintainer?
Sometimes, children lose their baby teeth earlier than expected, whether due to tooth decay, injury, gum disease, or certain medical conditions. When baby teeth are lost prematurely, it can cause issues for the developing permanent teeth. A space maintainer, a small metal appliance, helps keep the gap open, preventing surrounding teeth from shifting into the empty space.
Wondering if your child needs a space maintainer? Contact Tiny Teeth today to schedule a consultation with our team. We are here to answer all your questions and ensure your child's smile stays healthy.
Does my kiddo Need A Space Maintainer?
Losing a baby tooth early might seem like no big deal, but it’s actually important to keep those spaces open! Your child’s baby teeth act like little guides for their adult teeth, helping them grow in the right spot. When a baby tooth falls out too soon, nearby teeth can shift into that space, making it harder for adult teeth to come in properly. This could lead to issues like a misaligned bite, crowded teeth, or even the need for braces later on.
Thankfully, space maintainers are here to help! These tiny devices hold the space open until the permanent tooth is ready to arrive. Your child will only need it for a little while, and with regular check-ups, Dr. Anya Preece will let you know when it's time to take it out.
Sometimes, space maintainers aren't needed—like when front teeth are lost, since the other teeth won’t move into that space. Or if the adult tooth is about to come in soon, a space maintainer might not be necessary. Dr. Preece will guide you through what’s best for your child’s growing smile!
Different Types of Space Maintainers
Space maintainers can either be fixed in place or removable. For little ones, removable space maintainers aren’t the best option because they might take them out (or even accidentally swallow them!). That’s why we usually recommend fixed space maintainers for younger kids. These are carefully secured with tiny metal bands or wires around the nearby teeth, so they stay put until Dr. Anya Preece decides it’s time to take them out. Your child won’t have to worry about it, and their smile will stay on track as their adult teeth grow in!
Distal Shoe
This fixed space maintainer features a metal wire that gently runs along your child's gums, helping to guide those important first permanent molars into the right position as they erupt. To keep everything on track, it’s essential to have regular checkups with our team, who will monitor your little one's progress and make sure everything is coming in just right!
Band And Loop
This is the most popular kind of fixed space maintainer! It uses a sturdy stainless steel wire to keep the space open, and it's secured with a band that fits snugly over the tooth right next to the gap. This way, we can help ensure your child's teeth grow in just as they should!
Lingual Arch
This type of fixed space maintainer is perfect for kids who have their first permanent molars! We’ll fit bands around these molars and connect them with a metal wire that runs along the four lower front teeth. It’s designed to help hold the space open when multiple teeth are missing on one side or both sides of the mouth, ensuring everything stays in place as your child’s smile develops!
How Long Do Space Maintainers Stay In?
This depends on several factors, including:
Your kiddos Age
When The Baby Tooth Fell Out
When The Permanent Tooth Is Expected To Come In
How long your little one will need to wear a space maintainer can vary from just a few months to a couple of years. During your visit, we will chat with you about what to expect and will keep you informed about the perfect time to take off your child's space maintainer!
How Long Do Space Maintainers Stay In?
Taking care of fixed space maintainers is super important! Regular brushing and flossing are a must, along with keeping an eye on what your little one eats. It's best to steer clear of hard, sticky, chewy, crunchy, or sugary foods, as these can hurt the space maintainer and lead to tooth decay from trapped food. Plus, remind your child not to play with their space maintainer to keep it safe and sound!
