Have you wondered what really happens after tooth loss in children? How does the child go on to chew and bite his/her food and how is the space maintained for new tooth to erupt after removal of primary or milk teeth. There are devices called space maintainers specifically for the purpose of maintaining space after loss of primary teeth and before permanent erupt.
Space maintainers are dental devices used in children to preserve space within the mouth after losing a primary (baby) tooth prematurely. They serve a crucial role in maintaining proper alignment and preventing adjacent teeth from shifting into the empty space.
Advantages of space maintainers include:
When a baby tooth is lost prematurely, neighboring teeth can start to shift, leading to issues with permanent teeth eruption and alignment. Space maintainers prevent this by holding the space until the permanent tooth is ready to erupt.
By maintaining the proper spacing, these devices help ensure that permanent teeth emerge in their correct positions, reducing the need for orthodontic treatment later.
Maintaining proper spacing supports the development of a healthy bite and occlusion, reducing the risk of bite problems that could impact chewing, speech, and overall oral health.
Timely placement of space maintainers is critical for proper occlusion development because:
After a child loses a primary tooth prematurely, we examine the mouth to assess the space and surrounding teeth. X-rays may be taken to evaluate the situation more precisely.
To create a space maintainer that fits the child's mouth perfectly, impressions or molds of the upper and lower dental arches are taken. This is typically done using dental putty or a digital scanner, depending on the dentist's preference and available technology.
We use the impressions to create a precise model of the child's mouth. Using this model, they design the space maintainer, taking into account the specific space that needs to be preserved and ensuring a comfortable fit.
Space maintainers can be made from various materials, such as stainless steel, acrylic, or a combination of both. The dentist selects the appropriate material based on the child's needs and the location of the missing tooth.
The actual fabrication of the space maintainer is done either in-house by the dentist or sent to a dental lab for construction. For traditional space maintainers, stainless steel wires are bent and shaped according to the design, and acrylic or other materials may be added for stability and comfort.
Once the space maintainer is ready, the dentist fits it into the child's mouth. They ensure that it fits comfortably and securely, providing instructions on how to care for it and what to expect during the adjustment period.
Regular check-ups are scheduled to monitor the space maintainer's effectiveness and the child's oral health. Adjustments may be made if necessary to accommodate any changes in the mouth's structure as the child grows.
