Space Maintenance

Premature loss of baby teeth can cause severe shifting of neighboring teeth, which results in the need for extensive orthodontic treatment later in life. When the teeth begin to shift above the gums, the permanent adult teeth underneath will come up at any angle just to get through the gums. Space maintainers can help to prevent this from happening by offering adult teeth adequate space to erupt and fill in the child’s smile.

What is Space Maintenance?
Space maintenance involves creating room for adult teeth to come up through the gums in a way that prevents extensive orthodontic treatment. To prevent crowding from happening, space maintainers can be used to keep surrounding teeth in place and promote an open space for teeth to come up in alignment.

What is a Space Maintainer and What to Expect?
The most common space maintainer involves a band that is placed around one tooth and a metal loop that pushing against a neighboring tooth to prevent shifting. This encourages an open space for an underlying adult tooth to come up into the mouth without it causing overcrowding or crookedness. Space maintainers are cemented into the mouth, so they are durable and long-lasting. They can also be easily removed once they no longer serve a purpose. These dental appliances are easy to apply to the teeth and can save you and your child from years worth of comprehensive orthodontic treatment.

In order to determine if your child will benefit from space maintainers, it is important to bring them in for an exam and x-rays. We at Bright Star Sapphire Dental can help with determining if this appliance is right to ensure there is enough space for future permanent teeth.