SPACE MAINTAINERS

At Elmhurst Dental Studio, we specialize in pediatric dentistry, providing comprehensive care tailored to the unique needs of children. One of the essential services we offer in pediatric dentistry is space maintainers, which play a critical role in guiding the proper development of your child’s teeth.

What Are Space Maintainers?

Space maintainers are custom-made dental appliances designed to hold the space for a permanent tooth when a primary tooth is lost prematurely. Losing a baby tooth too early can lead to future dental problems, as the adjacent teeth may shift into the empty space, causing crowding and misalignment when the permanent tooth eventually erupts. Space maintainers help prevent these issues, ensuring that there is enough room for the permanent teeth to come in correctly.

Types of Space Maintainers

There are several types of space maintainers available, each suited to different situations. At Elmhurst Dental Studio, our pediatric dentistry experts will determine the best option for your child based on their specific needs. The main types of space maintainers include:

• Fixed Space Maintainers: These are cemented onto the adjacent teeth and are not removable by the child. They can be made from metal or acrylic and are designed to remain in place until the permanent tooth is ready to erupt.
• Removable Space Maintainers: These function similarly to orthodontic appliances and can be taken out for cleaning. They are typically made of acrylic and may include artificial teeth to fill the gap.
• Unilateral Space Maintainers: These are used to maintain space on one side of the mouth and are anchored to a single tooth.
• Bilateral Space Maintainers: These maintain space on both sides of the mouth and are anchored to multiple teeth.

Importance of Space Maintainers in Pediatric Dentistry

Space maintainers are a crucial component of pediatric dentistry, as they help ensure that your child’s dental development proceeds smoothly. Here are some key benefits of using space maintainers:

• Prevents Misalignment: By maintaining the space for permanent teeth, space maintainers help prevent crowding and misalignment issues, which can require extensive orthodontic treatment later on.
• Facilitates Proper Oral Function: Proper alignment of teeth is essential for effective chewing, speaking, and maintaining overall oral health.
• Minimizes Future Dental Problems: Early intervention with space maintainers can reduce the risk of more complex dental problems in the future, saving time and money on corrective treatments.

The Process of Getting Space Maintainers

The process of getting space maintainers at Elmhurst Dental Studio is straightforward and child-friendly. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Initial Consultation: During the first visit, our pediatric dentistry team will evaluate your child’s dental health and determine if space maintainers are necessary.
2. Custom Impressions: If space maintainers are needed, we will take custom impressions of your child’s teeth to ensure a perfect fit.
3. Placement: Once the space maintainers are ready, we will carefully place them in your child’s mouth. For fixed maintainers, this involves bonding the appliance to the adjacent teeth.
4. Follow-Up Visits: Regular check-ups will be scheduled to monitor the space maintainers and ensure they are functioning correctly. Adjustments may be made as needed.

Caring for Space Maintainers

Proper care and maintenance of space maintainers are vital to their effectiveness. Here are some tips to help your child take care of their space maintainers:

• Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Encourage your child to brush and floss regularly to keep their teeth and space maintainers clean.
• Avoid Sticky Foods: Sticky and chewy foods can dislodge or damage space maintainers. Advise your child to avoid these types of foods.
• Regular Dental Visits: Keep up with regular dental appointments so our team can monitor the space maintainers and make any necessary adjustments.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

At Elmhurst Dental Studio, we are committed to providing top-notch pediatric dentistry services, including the use of space maintainers to support your child’s dental development. If your child has lost a baby tooth prematurely, contact us today to schedule an appointment. Let us help ensure your child’s smile remains healthy and beautiful with our expert pediatric dentistry care.