Are you noticing gaps in your child's smile due to premature tooth loss? Space maintainers might be a great solution. These custom-made dental devices are designed to keep the space open, allowing the permanent tooth to erupt and come into place. Children might lose their teeth prematurely due to tooth decay, injury, or disease, and if left unattended, the teeth can become crowded, twisted, or tilted, leading to complications later. This is where space maintainers come in. They ensure the proper growth and alignment of your child's teeth, contributing significantly to their oral health.
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Why Should I Get Space Maintainers?
If your child has lost a tooth prematurely, you might be wondering if space maintainers are necessary. The answer is yes. Space maintainers are essential to prevent potential dental issues that can occur due to premature tooth loss. Without a space maintainer, the adjacent teeth might start to drift into the empty space, leading to misalignment and crowding when the permanent tooth starts to come in. This can result in a need for extensive orthodontic treatment later. By opting for a space maintainer, you're investing in your child's future oral health, saving time, money, and potential discomfort down the line.
Did you know…
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Space maintainers are not permanent; they're removed once the new tooth comes in!
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The Benefits Of Space Maintainers
Prevents Misalignment
One of the main benefits of space maintainers is that they prevent misalignment of teeth. When a tooth is lost prematurely, the remaining teeth can shift to fill the empty space, causing misalignment. Space maintainers hold the spot left by the lost tooth, preventing other teeth from moving into that space and ensuring the new tooth has room to grow in correctly.
Reduces Future Orthodontic Treatment
Another significant advantage of space maintainers is that they can reduce the need for more extensive orthodontic treatment in the future. By maintaining proper spacing and alignment from the beginning, you're less likely to need braces or other orthodontic treatments down the line.
Custom-Made for Comfort
Space maintainers are custom-made for each child for a comfortable fit. They are designed to fit your child's mouth perfectly and are generally easy for children to get used to. This custom fit also makes them more effective at keeping the space open for the incoming tooth.
The Space Maintainers Treatment Process
Consultation and Evaluation
The first step in the space maintainers treatment process is a consultation and evaluation with Dr. Alli Beth Blanchard. During this appointment, she will examine your child's teeth and determine whether a space maintainer is necessary.
Creating the Space Maintainer
If a space maintainer is deemed necessary, the next step is creating the device. This involves taking an impression of your child's mouth to ensure the space maintainer will fit. This mold is then sent to a dental lab where the space maintainer is created.
Fitting the Space Maintainer
Once the space maintainer is ready, you will return to Blanchard Orthodontics for the fitting. Dr. Blanchard will carefully fit the space maintainer in your child's mouth and make any necessary adjustments to ensure comfort and effectiveness.
Before & Afters
A smile is worth 1,000 words.
Frequently Asked Questions
