What is a Dental Space Maintainer?
A space maintainer is an acrylic or metal appliance created on order by a dentist. It is available in both removable and cemented forms in the patient’s mouth, with the goal of keeping the area open for the permanent tooth to erupt and settle into position. When the primary molars are lost prematurely owing to trauma or disease, space maintainers are required. A space maintainer usually allows the permanent teeth to come up into the proper alignment with good tooth-to-tooth contact. In the case of premature front tooth loss, a space maintainer is usually not required. If multiple front teeth are lost and the patient’s appearance is suffering, removable partial dentures may be recommended as a space maintainer.
Space maintainers are used to keep the early molars from moving about and causing space loss for other teeth, such as the adult premolars and canines. If the permanent first molars are not properly positioned, they can migrate forward, preventing the bicuspid teeth from properly erupting. The earliest bicuspids may also shift forward, obstructing the proper eruption of the permanent canines.
When would your child need one?
When a child loses baby teeth early, an orthodontist or pediatric dentist should be consulted about utilizing a space maintainer. Especially in the back of the mouth, where permanent teeth have less area to form and erupt. You will come across the best dentist in Gurgaon that will help in catering to the needs of the clients.
How do space maintainers appear and feel?
Acrylic or metal space maintainers are custom-made. They resemble a retainer used after orthodontic treatment. Rubber bands or metal springs are used in some. They can be permanently attached or easily removed. Your child’s dentist will propose the best type for him or her. If the missing tooth or teeth are in the front of the mouth, a space maintainer appliance with a false tooth or teeth attached can be constructed to fill the gap (s). Consult your dentist about your alternatives.
Is it harmful to use a spacer?
Because spacers aren’t designed to displace or shift teeth, they normally cause minimal discomfort. They are usually immediately accepted by children.
When should a spacer be left in the mouth?
Adult teeth can force the spacer out, therefore space maintainers can stay in the mouth for a long time. It’s also possible to remove spacers before an adult tooth forces them out. When the adult tooth begins to grow in, metal spring-type spacers must be removed. Incoming permanent teeth drive acrylic spacers out on their own.
How do you maintain a space maintainer?
● Sticky candy, fruit snacks, taffy, and chewing gum should all be avoided.
● Brushing and flossing your teeth on a daily basis is essential for good dental hygiene.
● Continue to see your dentist biannually or more frequently if your dentist recommends it.
● Assist your child in not pressing the appliance with their fingers or mouth.
If your child’s primary teeth begin to fall out earlier than expected, the first important thing to do is to see a dentist. A dental space maintainer may be beneficial to your child. It is preferable to err on the side of caution rather than taking chances. If your child needs a spacer but is never fitted for one, he or she may require braces after all of the adult teeth have emerged. Parents have been consulting The best child dentist in Gurgaon Continue reading “What Are Dental Space Maintainers And How Are They Used?”