Space Maintainers at Dental Theory in Brandon, FL
At Dental Theory, we understand the importance of maintaining proper tooth spacing and alignment for your child’s developing smile. When a primary (baby) tooth is lost prematurely, a space maintainer may be necessary to prevent the surrounding teeth from shifting and causing orthodontic issues. Our experienced pediatric dentist, Dr. Priyanka Karapasha, specializes in providing custom-fitted space maintainers for children in Brandon, FL, and the surrounding areas.
What Are Space Maintainers?
Space maintainers are dental appliances designed to preserve the space left by a prematurely lost primary tooth. These devices help guide the permanent tooth into its proper position and prevent the need for more extensive orthodontic treatment in the future. Space maintainers can be fixed (cemented in place) or removable, depending on your child’s specific needs.
When Are Space Maintainers Necessary?
Space maintainers may be recommended when:
- A primary tooth is lost due to decay, injury, or other factors
- The permanent tooth is not ready to erupt
- There is a risk of the surrounding teeth shifting into the empty space
Dr. Pri will thoroughly evaluate your child’s oral health and dental development to determine if a space maintainer is the best course of action.
Types of Space Maintainers
At Dental Theory, we offer several types of space maintainers to address different situations:
- Band-and-loop: A metal band is placed around a tooth adjacent to the empty space, with a wire loop extending to hold the space open.
- Lingual arch: A wire is custom-fitted to the inside of the lower teeth, connecting two molars and preserving the space between them.
- Distal shoe: A metal appliance is inserted into the gum tissue to guide the eruption of the first permanent molar when a second primary molar is lost prematurely.
Frequently Asked Questions
The duration of space maintainer treatment varies depending on your child’s dental development. In most cases, the space maintainer will remain in place until the permanent tooth erupts or your child’s dentist determines it is no longer needed.
Space maintainers are generally not painful. Your child may experience some mild discomfort or sensitivity as they adjust to the appliance, but this typically subsides within a few days.
Encourage your child to maintain good oral hygiene habits, brushing twice daily and flossing carefully around the space maintainer. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are also essential to monitor the space maintainer and your child’s dental health.
Schedule Your Child's Consultation at Dental Theory in Brandon, FL, Today!
If your child has lost a primary tooth prematurely or has been told they need a space maintainer, contact Dental Theory today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Pri in Brandon, FL. Our compassionate team is here to help your child maintain optimal oral health and a beautiful, properly aligned smile!
