Space Maintainers

Space Maintainers

Space maintainers are a common tool in pediatric dentistry. They are helpful devices that maintain the space where a baby tooth was lost early. When your child loses a primary tooth prematurely — from injury or other external causes — there is a gap until their adult tooth comes in. For various reasons, the existing teeth can move around and shift which can end up crowding the gap, making it more difficult and causing complications for the adult tooth’s eruption. The space maintainers ensure that there is enough space for the adult tooth to come in unhindered.

Different Types

There are several kinds of space maintainers. Unilateral are attached to one side of the mouth and bilateral are attached to both. Moreover, maintainers can be fixed or removable. Fixed ones ensure that your child doesn’t remove them — on purpose or accidentally — and hinder the work that is being done. Removable ones can be taken out for cleaning or other purposes. Most of the time our dentists will suggest fixed space maintainers. To care for them, just make sure your child brushes and flosses as they normally would. It is also essential to visit our office every six months, so we can make sure their mouth is looking good and healthy.

If You Have Questions About Space Maintainers, Schedule An Appointment

You may not have heard of space maintainers before, and we are happy to answer questions you have about these helpful tools. To schedule an appointment, please call Shirley Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry in Shirley, NY, at 631-399-1600. We proudly serve all nearby areas as well.