Dental Space Maintainers

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What are dental space maintainers?

Dental space maintainers are custom-made appliances that are either fixed or removable. They are usually made of metal or acrylic and can have different designs and shapes depending on the location and number of missing teeth. Some of the common types of dental space maintainers are:

• Band and loop: This is a fixed appliance that consists of a metal band that is cemented around an adjacent tooth and a metal loop that extends into the space. It is used to replace one missing tooth, usually a molar.
• Crown and loop: This is similar to the band and loop, but instead of a metal band, a crown is placed over the adjacent tooth. It is used when the adjacent tooth is decayed or damaged and needs a crown anyway.
• Distal shoe: This is a fixed appliance that is used when the first baby molar is lost before the permanent molar has erupted. It has a metal band that is cemented around the second baby molar and a metal extension that goes under the gum and guides the permanent molar into place.
• Lingual: This is a fixed appliance that is used to replace several missing teeth on the same side of the lower jaw. It has metal bands that are cemented around the remaining teeth and a metal wire that runs along the inside of the lower teeth and holds the space.

• Transpalatal: This is a fixed appliance that is used to replace several missing teeth on the same side of the upper jaw. It has metal bands that are cemented around the remaining teeth and a metal wire that crosses the roof of the mouth and holds the space.
• Nance: This is a fixed appliance that is used to replace several missing teeth on both sides of the upper jaw. It has metal bands that are cemented around the first permanent molars and a metal wire that connects them with an acrylic button that rests on the roof of the mouth and holds the space.
• Removable: This is a removable appliance that is similar to a partial denture. It has artificial teeth that fill the space and metal clasps that attach to the remaining teeth. It can be taken out for cleaning and eating.

Why are dental space maintainers important?

Dental space maintainers are important because they help preserve the space for the permanent teeth to erupt and align properly. If a baby tooth is lost too early and the space is not maintained, the following problems can occur:

• The adjacent teeth can drift into the space and block the permanent tooth from coming in.
• The permanent tooth can erupt in a wrong position and cause crowding, overlapping, or gaps.
• The bite can be affected and cause difficulties in chewing, speaking, or breathing.
• The appearance of the smile can be compromised and affect the self-esteem and confidence of the child.

When are dental space maintainers needed?

Dental space maintainers are needed when a child loses a baby tooth prematurely due to various reasons, such as:

• Tooth decay or infection that requires extraction
• Dental trauma or injury that causes the tooth to fall out or break
• Congenital absence or hypodontia of a baby tooth
• Early exfoliation or shedding of a baby tooth

The dentist will evaluate the child’s dental development and determine if a dental space maintainer is necessary and which type is suitable. Generally, dental space maintainers are not needed for the front teeth, as they do not affect the space for the permanent teeth. However, some children may prefer to have a removable space maintainer for aesthetic reasons.

How to care for dental space maintainers?

Dental space maintainers require proper care and maintenance to ensure their effectiveness and durability. The child and the parents should follow these tips:

• Brush the teeth and the space maintainer twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Pay special attention to the area around the appliance and the gum line.
• Floss the teeth and the space maintainer once a day with a floss threader or an interdental brush. Clean the spaces between the appliance and the teeth and the gums.
• Rinse the mouth with water or a fluoride mouthwash after eating or drinking. This can help remove any food particles or plaque that may accumulate on the appliance or the teeth.
• Avoid eating hard, sticky, or chewy foods that may damage or dislodge the appliance. Examples include nuts, popcorn, candy, gum, or ice.
• Avoid biting or chewing on non-food items that may bend or break the appliance. Examples include pens, pencils, nails, or bottle caps.
• Avoid playing with or pushing on the appliance with the tongue or the fingers. This can loosen or move the appliance and affect its function.
• Visit the dentist regularly for check-ups and adjustments. The dentist will monitor the child’s dental growth and the condition of the appliance. The dentist will also remove the appliance when the permanent tooth is ready to erupt or has already erupted.
• Contact the dentist immediately if the appliance becomes loose, broken, or uncomfortable. The dentist will repair or replace the appliance as soon as possible.
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Summary

Dental space maintainers are devices that are used to keep the space open for the permanent teeth to grow in when a child loses a baby tooth prematurely.

They prevent the other baby teeth from shifting into the gap and causing problems such as crowding, misalignment, or bite issues. Dental space maintainers can be fixed or removable and can have different designs and shapes depending on the location and number of missing teeth.

Dental space maintainers are important because they help preserve the space for the permanent teeth to erupt and align properly. Dental space maintainers are needed when a child loses a baby tooth prematurely due to various reasons, such as tooth decay, dental trauma, congenital absence, or early exfoliation.

Dental space maintainers require proper care and maintenance to ensure their effectiveness and durability. The child and the parents should follow the tips for brushing, flossing, rinsing, eating, and visiting the dentist.

Dental space maintainers are removed by the dentist when the permanent tooth is ready to erupt or has already erupted.