Space Maintainers for Premature Tooth Loss
What Are Space Maintainers?
When a primary tooth is lost prematurely or a permanent tooth is delayed in its eruption, space maintainers may be an appropriate intervention to preserve the gap for the developing tooth. These orthodontic appliances are designed to keep the surrounding teeth from shifting into the vacant space, helping to guide permanent teeth into their correct positions. Space maintainers are available in fixed and removable forms and are fabricated to fit each child individually.
Types of Appliances
The band-and-loop device, lingual holding arch, transpalatal arch, and distal shoe appliance represent some of the more frequently used space maintainer designs. The selection of a particular appliance depends on which tooth or teeth are absent. Depending on the clinical situation, these devices can be placed in the upper or lower jaw and on one or both sides. When a child is missing several teeth, partial dentures can serve as an effective means of maintaining the necessary space.
Does Your Child Need a Space Maintainer?
Whenever a child loses a tooth before it was loose, or if they lost it normally but the adult tooth is taking a long time to come in, it’s a good idea to bring them to see Dr. Donn so that he can determine whether a space maintainer is necessary and what type to use. If you have any questions about space maintainers or think your child might need one, give us a call at 856-424-7477 or send us an email.