Introduction:
As parents, we want the best for our children, especially when it comes to their dental health. The use of space maintainers is a critical component of juvenile dental care. Space maintainers are dental devices that help to keep the space left by a missing tooth or teeth open until the permanent teeth grow in. They can protect your child’s grin while also preventing a variety of oral disorders.
In this blog, we’ll discuss why space maintainers are important and how they can benefit your child’s oral health.
What exactly are Space Maintainers?
Space maintainers are custom-made dental devices that can be fixed or removable. They are designed to keep the area between your teeth open so that your permanent teeth can properly grow. When a baby tooth is lost too soon, the teeth next to it can shift, leading the permanent teeth to become misaligned. By keeping the area open until the permanent tooth appears, space maintainers help to prevent this.
Why is Space Maintainers Necessary?
- Keep Your Child’s Smile –
Space maintainers keep your child’s beautiful smile in place by preventing teeth from shifting. Overcrowding or misalignment of permanent teeth may occur, which can be expensive and time-consuming to rectify later. Thanks to space maintainers, your child’s smile will be preserved, and they will have healthy, straight teeth.
- Preventing Dental Problems –
When a tooth is extracted prematurely, the neighbouring teeth can shift, resulting in a host of dental complications. This can involve biting, speech, and chewing problems. By keeping the region open until the permanent tooth appears, area maintainers help to avoid these problems.
- Reduce the Requirement for Braces –
If your child’s teeth shift out of place as a result of the loss of a baby tooth, they may need braces later on to correct the alignment. Space maintainers, on the other hand, will keep your child’s teeth in their normal position, eliminating the need for braces in the future.
Types of Space Maintainers
Space maintainers are classified into two types: Removable space maintainers and Fixed space maintainers.
Removable Space Keepers: Removable space maintainers are usually constructed of acrylic and resemble retainers. They are easy to clean and are a wonderful choice for older children who are responsible enough to keep them clean and wear them as recommended.
Fixed Space Keepers: Fixed space maintainers are glued to the teeth on either side of the lost tooth’s space. They are usually constructed of stainless steel and can stay in place for months or even years until the permanent tooth emerges.
Conclusion –
Space maintainers play an important part in keeping your child’s oral health and ensuring their smile remains lovely. They can help to avoid dental disorders, reduce the need for braces, and keep permanent teeth aligned. If your child has prematurely lost a baby tooth, you should talk with your dentist about the best option for space maintainers.
Dolphin Dental Clinic in Pune understands the significance of space maintainers in maintaining your child’s oral health. Our expert team of dental professionals can propose the best choice for your child’s needs and help them maintain good oral health. Contact us immediately to set up a consultation and begin the process of protecting your child’s lovely smile.