Space Maintainers

Dental space maintainers ensure the proper development of a child’s mouth and teeth. These devices, also known as orthodontic appliances, are used to hold space for permanent teeth when a primary tooth is lost prematurely. By preventing the surrounding teeth from shifting, space maintainers help maintain dental alignment and guide the eruption of permanent teeth. Unilateral space maintainers, designed to fit on one side of the mouth and wrap around an existing tooth, are one of four types of space maintainers that our team may recommend. Count on The Downtown Dentist in downtown Colorado Springs for all your oral health needs.

Understanding Dental Space Maintainers

Dental space maintainers are for children who lose baby teeth early. These devices preserve space for permanent teeth to erupt properly and are crucial for oral development. They prevent surrounding teeth from shifting into the space, which can cause problems with permanent teeth eruption, leading to crowding or misalignment.

These devices guide permanent teeth into their correct positions, ensuring proper development and preserving dental alignment and oral health.

Types of Fixed Space Maintainers

Fixed space maintainers, as the name suggests, are fixed or semi-permanent appliances that are bonded or cemented to the child’s teeth. They are usually recommended for space maintenance involving multiple teeth or when the space maintainers need to stay in place for an extended period. Here are three types of fixed space maintainers:

• Band-and-loop maintainers: These maintainers consist of a metal band that goes around the tooth adjacent to the space and a loop wire that connects the band to the tooth on the other side of the space. The loop wire holds the space, preventing the teeth from shifting.
• Crown-and-loop maintainers: This type of space maintainer is similar to the band-and-loop maintainer, but instead of using a metal band, it involves placing a crown over the tooth adjacent to the space. The loop wire is then attached to the crown, holding the space and maintaining dental alignment.
• Lingual arch space maintainers: Lingual arch maintainers are placed on the roof of the mouth and use a wire that runs along the lingual side (tongue side) of the teeth. This type of space maintainer prevents the molars from migrating forward, ensuring the proper development of the child’s teeth.

Removable Space Maintainers and How They Work

Removable space maintainers, as the name implies, can be taken out of the mouth for cleaning, oral hygiene, and adjustments. They are recommended for certain cases where the child needs space maintenance but may have difficulty with fixed space maintainers. Here’s how removable space maintainers work, including how they can be customized with a fake tooth, and what you need to know about their role in preventing the need for future orthodontic care.

• These space maintainers are custom-made appliances that fit the child’s dental structure and oral needs.
• Removable space maintainers consist of artificial teeth or bands connected by wires.
• The artificial teeth or bands fill the space left by the missing tooth, while the wires help maintain the space.
• Some removable space maintainers use rubber bands to apply gentle pressure, encouraging the new permanent tooth to move into the correct position.
• It’s important to follow instructions for inserting, removing, and cleaning removable space maintainers to ensure their effectiveness and hygiene.

The Process of Space Maintainer Placement

Dental space maintainer placement involves steps for optimal oral health and development. It starts with a consultation and assessment at The Downtown Dentist and is followed by the placement procedure.

Initial Consultation and Assessment

The first step in placing a dental space maintainer is an initial consultation and assessment with The Downtown Dentist. Our team of professionals evaluates the child’s oral structure, focusing on the missing tooth and surrounding teeth to determine the need for a space maintainer. Our team will explain the process and expectations, and address any concerns during this crucial consultation.

The Placement Procedure

Once the need for a space maintainer is confirmed, The Downtown Dentist experts will place it in the child’s mouth, ensuring proper and comfortable positioning. Considerations include the gum line, adjacent teeth, and oral development. The procedure is minimally invasive and usually does not require anesthesia.

The space maintainer is secured in place, and care instructions are provided. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to monitor progress.

Aftercare for Dental Space Maintainers

After a dental space maintainer is placed, proper aftercare is crucial for its longevity and effectiveness. Maintaining good oral hygiene with regular brushing, flossing, and rinsing is essential to keep the space maintainer and surrounding teeth clean.

Regular dental check-ups at The Downtown Dentist are necessary to monitor the device’s condition and address any arising issues. With proper care, the space maintainer can effectively preserve space and support the child’s oral development.

Foods to Avoid When Using Space Maintainers

When your child uses a dental space maintainer, it is important to encourage them to maintain good oral hygiene habits to prevent damage to the appliance. This includes brushing their teeth twice a day and flossing daily. It is also important to avoid certain foods that can cause the spacer to become loose or dislodged. These foods include sticky items like caramel and sticky foods, hard foods like nuts, chewy snacks like taffy, and crunchy treats like popcorn. Instead, opt for softer options such as pasta, yogurt, and cooked vegetables.

What To Do if a Space Maintainer Falls Out?

Despite proper care and maintenance, there may be instances when a dental space maintainer falls out. If this happens, it’s important to take immediate action to address the issue and protect your child’s dental health.

• Store the fallen space maintainer safely and do not attempt to reinsert it.
• Rinse your mouth gently with water to ensure cleanliness.
• Contact The Downtown Dentist promptly to schedule a visit and discuss the situation.
• Avoid eating sticky or hard foods until the space maintainer can be fixed or replaced.
• Be cautious while speaking and avoid putting unnecessary pressure on the area without the space maintainer.

Does Adult Dentition Benefit from Space Maintainers?

Dental space maintainers are primarily used for children but can also benefit adults, especially those with missing teeth. Losing a permanent tooth can cause surrounding teeth to shift, leading to dental issues and possibly requiring orthodontic treatment. Space maintainers help preserve adult teeth alignment by preventing neighboring teeth from moving into the gap and leaving enough space for permanent teeth to grow in. Consulting The Downtown Dentist can help determine if a space maintainer is needed for adult teeth and explore available treatment options.

Schedule a consultation, today

Count on our team at The Downtown Dentist in downtown Colorado Springs to help you and your family maintain proper oral health. Schedule an appointment by calling (719) 260-0216 for our Tejon Street location or (719) 633-3711 for our Willamette Avenue location.