When a tooth is lost prematurely in childhood, this could lead to major complications with the function and balance of your smile. Without treatment, this could lead to serious misalignment as their smile grows and develops, leading to more complications in the teen and adult years. But your Shirley, NY, pediatric dentist and orthodontist can help with space maintainers!
The Causes of Tooth Loss
Children will lose their primary teeth throughout their childhood, this is normal. However, these teeth will fall out on a specific schedule, ensuring there are teeth in place to guide the permanent ones into proper position. Losing teeth prematurely means issues with the eruption of permanent teeth and an increased risk of dental misalignment and other complications. Teeth could be lost prematurely due to an untreated cavity or infection, or possibly due to an injury. When this happens, we will need an orthodontic treatment to help prevent poor alignment. Fortunately, we have phase one orthodontics to help children as young as age seven.
The Benefits of a Space Maintainer
The space maintainer is an orthodontic device that helps keep the gap open from a lost tooth, preventing the surrounding teeth from drifting due to the gap in the smile, so permanent teeth can arrive without complications. This helps limit the risk of malocclusion and offers a balanced bite and more attractive smile. This means a reduced need for orthodontics, or less time wearing braces or aligners in their teen years. We could also discuss retainers and other options to help ensure even and healthy smiles in childhood and beyond.
Our Treatment Options
We have a few different kinds. A unilateral option is one that is attached to one side of the mouth, and a bilateral is attached to both sides of the mouth. We could also have ones that can be removed, or fixed ones that stay in place. A fixed option is often recommended as it prevents progress for being lost if the child misplaces or forgets to wear the space maintainers. Removable ones will need to be cleaned and soaked.
When your child wears them, makes rue he or she continues to brush and floss as recommended, and that they attend checkup and cleaning visits so we can monitor their smiles. These actions can ensure successful treatment and healthier smiles. If you have any questions about our space maintainers, then contact our team today to learn more.
Make Time to See Your Shirley, NY, Orthodontist and Pediatric Dentist
We would like to help prevent major misalignment and other complications with our treatment options. To learn more about our team can help ensure an even and healthy smile, then contact Shirley Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry in Shirley, NY, by calling (631) 399-1600.
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