When it comes to pediatric dental health, prevention is key. One such preventive measure is space maintenance. Space maintainers are custom-made oral appliances, usually made of metal or acrylic materials, and are used when a baby tooth is lost too early. Space maintainers aim to keep the space left behind by the missing tooth open to allow the permanent tooth to erupt properly.
The primary reason space maintainers are recommended is to help prevent future dental problems. When a baby tooth is lost, the surrounding teeth tend to shift and fill the space, which can block the eruption of incoming permanent teeth. Space maintainers keep that space open, helping to guide the permanent tooth into its correct position. In the long run, this can save time, money, and the discomfort of more extensive orthodontic treatment when your child gets older. If your little one loses a tooth early, Dr. Reesha Shah of Fresh Pediatric Dentistry can assess the situation and see if a space maintainer is right for your child.
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Space maintainers can help prevent the need for braces in the future!
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Space maintainers are a preventive measure that can save your child from future dental issues. When a baby tooth is lost prematurely, the adjacent teeth can shift into the empty space, leading to crooked or crowded teeth. By using a space maintainer, this space is preserved, allowing the permanent tooth to grow in correctly.
Getting a space maintainer now can save you money in the future. It is a cost-effective solution compared to orthodontic treatments that may become necessary if the permanent teeth come in crooked or crowded. It's a proactive step that can result in less extensive dental work down the line.
Space maintainers not only help with the proper growth of permanent teeth, but they also help with a child's comfort and confidence. They can help prevent difficulties with chewing and speech that can occur when a tooth is missing. Plus, they can help maintain a child's self-esteem by preventing visible gaps in their smile.
During the initial consultation, Dr. Shah will evaluate your child's dental health and determine whether a space maintainer is necessary. She will consider factors such as the child's age, which tooth is missing, and whether the permanent tooth is close to erupting.
If a space maintainer is recommended, the next step is to create the device. This involves taking an impression of the child's mouth, which will be used to custom-make the space maintainer. The device is usually ready within a few days to a week.
Once the space maintainer is ready, your child will return to the office for fitting. Dr. Shah will ensure the device fits properly and comfortably in your child's mouth and will make any necessary adjustments. She will also provide instructions on how to care for the space maintainer.
Schedule an appointment online or by phone!
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