How Space Maintainers Help Protect Your Child’s Future Smile

It’s common for parents not to pay too much attention to their child’s baby teeth. After all, they’re not permanent, so they can’t have much impact on a child’s future smile, right? In fact, early orthodontic care for kids is very important for their future smile. 

A baby tooth that falls out because of decay or trauma can cause lasting issues. Early tooth loss can rapidly lead to alignment problems that can affect your child’s smile. 

If your child loses a tooth too early, one of the options to consider is a space maintainer. Here’s what you should know about these devices and why they can make a difference for your child’s future smile. 

What are space maintainers?

Pediatric space maintainers are custom-made dental appliances used to hold space in a child’s mouth if they lose a baby tooth too early. By doing this, space maintainers prevent nearby teeth from shifting toward the gap created by the missing tooth. 

There are two main types of space maintainers: fixed and removable. Fixed devices are cemented to your child’s teeth and provide durability. They can be a good option if you worry that your child could lose the appliance or that they won’t wear it as much as needed. 

Removable space maintainers are acrylic devices that your child can remove as necessary. They are typically a better option for older and more responsible children. 

When Space Maintainers Are Recommended

Not all children require space maintainers. These devices are particularly useful if your child has lost a baby tooth prematurely because of illness, injury, or decay. When a tooth falls out, nearby teeth can start shifting toward the empty space. This creates potential problems for the permanent tooth that needs to erupt. 

If there isn’t enough space, all manner of misalignment issues can begin. Not only does misalignment affect the smile’s appearance, but it can also cause bite problems that could lead to further tooth decay and other structural problems.  

How Space Maintainers Support Healthy Development

Nearby teeth will often attempt to take up some of the empty space left behind when a tooth prematurely falls out, but a space maintainer can prevent them from doing so. These appliances can also guide the eruption of adult teeth by keeping the necessary gap open. That allows the permanent tooth to emerge correctly and without erupting crookedly or becoming impacted. 

Additionally, space maintainers can help prevent future orthodontic needs. If your child experiences crowding, for example, orthodontic care later on can mean tooth extractions and the need for braces. 

Space maintainers can also protect jaw development and function. They help preserve the dental arch, allowing the jaw to develop in a healthy manner so that your child can chew normally and speak without issues. 

What Parents Can Expect

If your child needs a space maintainer, what can you expect from the process? It will generally take two appointments for your child to obtain the device, with the first appointment beginning with an assessment and X-rays. The dentist will check to see where the problem is and determine whether a space maintainer is necessary. 

The dentist will then scan or take impressions of your child’s tooth structure, which will be used to create the custom-fit device. During the next appointment, the device is fitted in place with dental cement (if your child needs a fixed maintainer) or checked for comfort if your child receives a removable option. 

There will usually be a few follow-up visits to check for comfort and stability, and to monitor how the appliance is working. During these visits, your dentist will check the development of your child’s adult teeth and decide whether further adjustments need to be made. 

It’s normal for your child to experience a bit of discomfort during the first few days of wearing the space maintainer. A feeling of mild pressure is also common. 

Correctly caring for the device is important for its longevity. Your child will need to brush their teeth with extra care to prevent plaque buildup. Flossing is necessary, as well. There will be a few dietary restrictions, including the avoidance of chewy or hard foods, which can damage the appliance. 

Turning to an Experienced Wilson, NC, Orthodontist 

If your child has lost a baby tooth because of decay or trauma, a space maintainer may be the safeguard they need to protect their teeth. These appliances can help prevent nearby teeth from shifting into the empty space, while at the same time preserving healthy jaw development. At Dixon, Boles & Associates, we offer orthodontics to help children and adults of all ages get the smile they have always wanted. With our team of friendly dentists, your child’s smile is in good hands. Ready to schedule an assessment? Contact us to speak with our team today.