Space Maintainers
When a baby tooth is lost too soon, the teeth beside it may tilt or drift
into that empty space. Teeth in the other jaw may move up or down to fill
the gap. As teeth beside the gap shift into the empty space, they create a
lack of space in the jaw for the permanent teeth. When that happens, permanent
teeth are crowded and can come in crooked. If left untreated, the condition
may require extensive orthodontic treatment.
Space maintainers are used to prevent any drifting of teeth and loss of space
in your child’s teeth. They keep the remaining teeth in place until a
permanent tooth is in that natural position. Space maintainers are appliances
made out of metal or plastic and are custom fit to your child’s mouth.
They are small and unobtrusive in appearance. Using space maintainers is more
affordable and easier on your child than having to move those teeth back in
place with orthodontic treatment. The appliance often feels different and may
cause minor discomfort while biting for a few days following insertion, but
this will improve over time.
If your child has had a space maintainer placed, here are some helpful instructions
to follow:
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Avoid sticky foods and sweets or chewing gum.
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Maintain good oral hygiene, keeping the appliance clean by brushing twice
daily. Don’t forget to brush around the bands of the space maintainer.
-
Avoid “playing” with the space maintainer with the tongue or fingers. This
may loosen or even break the appliance.
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Continue regular dental visits where the doctors and hygienists will check
the space maintainer often.
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New Location Opening in Fall
Our new office at Cedar Crest will be open on October 5, 2010.