dental space maintenance san antonio
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Space Maintenance

If your child's back tooth has fallen out prematurely due to decay or an accident, it is crucial to preserve the gap in order to avoid potential dental issues and space loss when their permanent teeth start to emerge. Failing to use a space maintainer can result in the surrounding teeth shifting, which can hinder the proper eruption of the permanent tooth. This may lead to a higher likelihood of requiring orthodontic treatment.
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Types of Space Maintainers

Space maintainers can be made of stainless steel and/or plastic, and can be removable or fixed (cemented to the teeth).

Removable

If your child is capable of following directions reliably and is older, a removable space maintainer can be a suitable choice. It resembles a retainer and includes plastic blocks to fill the gap left by the missing tooth.

Fixed

Fixed space maintainers come in many designs.

A band-and-loop maintainer is made of stainless steel wire and held in place by a crown or band on the tooth adjacent to the empty space. The wire is attached to the crown or loop and rests against the side of the tooth on the other end of the space.

A lingual arch is used on the lower teeth when the back teeth on both sides of the jaw are lost. A wire is placed on the lingual (tongue) side of the arch and is attached to the tooth in front of the open space on both sides. This prevents the teeth from shifting into the gap.

In the case of a lost second primary molar prior to the eruption of the first permanent molar, a distal shoe may be recommended. Because the first permanent molar has not come in yet, there is no tooth to hold a band-and-loop space maintainer in place. A distal shoe appliance has a metal wire that is inserted slightly under the gum and will prevent the space from closing.

Taking Care of Your Child's Space Maintainer

There are four basic guidelines to follow when caring for your child's appliance.

It is advisable for your child to steer clear of sticky foods such as candy and chewing gum.

Please remind your child to avoid pushing or tugging on the space maintainer using their fingers or tongue.

Ensure that your child's space maintainer remains clean by practicing thorough brushing and flossing.

It is important for your child to maintain regular dental visits with the pediatric dentist.

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