Space maintainers in Sunnyvale, CA

Ensuring Proper Dental Development with Space Maintainers

Understanding the Importance of Space Maintainers

When a child loses a baby tooth early, the surrounding teeth might shift into the space, leading to alignment problems when the permanent tooth comes in. A space maintainer dental device is crucial in these cases. It keeps the space open, preventing teeth from shifting and making sure there’s enough room for the permanent tooth to grow properly. This preventive measure avoids the need for more complex orthodontic treatments later on.

How Space Maintainers Support Your Child’s Oral Health

Pediatric space maintainers are essential for maintaining proper tooth alignment and overall oral health. They ensure that the surrounding teeth do not drift into the space left by a missing tooth, which could cause crowding and misalignment issues. By holding the space open, these devices ensure that the permanent tooth can erupt correctly, reducing the likelihood of needing extensive orthodontic work.

Types of Space Maintainers for Children

Our dentist in Sunnyvale, CA, offers various types of space maintainers to cater to different needs. Unilateral space maintainers are used when a child loses a tooth on one side of the mouth. They involve attaching a band to a permanent tooth with a wire loop extending across the gap. Crown and loop space maintainers come into play when a primary molar is lost. They use a crown with a stainless-steel loop over the adjacent tooth to keep the space open. Lingual space maintainers are ideal when multiple teeth are missing. They have a metal bar connected to the molars on both sides, holding the space open for future permanent teeth. Distal shoe space maintainers are more intensive, used when a primary molar without a permanent successor is lost, and are inserted under the gum line to maintain space. Removable space maintainers, similar to retainers and often made of acrylic, can include artificial teeth and are best for older children who can manage and care for the device.

When Does Your Child Need a Space Maintainer?

Your child may need a pediatric space maintainer if they lose a baby tooth prematurely, which can happen as early as age four. Persistent dental check-ups are essential for monitoring the development and alignment of your child’s teeth. If the dentist notices a missing tooth could lead to alignment issues, they will recommend a space maintainer to prevent future complications. Parents looking for space maintainers in Sunnyvale, CA, can trust our office to provide the necessary care and guidance.

The Process of Fitting Space Maintainers

The process of fitting space maintainers begins with a visit to our dental office. The dentist will scrutinize your child’s teeth and determine if a space maintainer is necessary. If needed, the dentist will take an impression of your child’s mouth, creating a custom-fit space maintainer. The dental lab then receives this impression to create the custom space maintainer. Once ready, you’ll return to the dentist for placement. The device is carefully fitted to hold the space effectively without causing discomfort.

Contact Us!

Space maintainers are vital in ensuring proper dental development in children who lose their baby teeth prematurely. Contact us today to learn more about space maintainers and other services for your child’s oral health.