How to Get a Great Smile

Posted on: 11 July 2018

Most babies suffer from premature loss of baby teeth, which can lead to problems with the development of permanent teeth in the future. Notably, loss of baby teeth causes a delay in the formation of permanent teeth because adjacent baby teeth tend to occupy the space that is left by the missing teeth. Notably, space maintainers are installed in the spaces to pave the way for the normal eruption of permanent teeth.  

Here are some useful facts for parents to know about dental space maintainers.

Baby Teeth Act as Natural Space Maintainers 

Primary dentition plays a vital part in growth and development of a child regarding speech, appearance, chewing, and guiding the growth of permanent teeth. Notably, premature loss of baby teeth or removal due to decay can disrupt normal exfoliation of baby teeth and subsequently the development of permanent teeth. The phenomenon is called impaction of the permanent tooth. Affected babies exhibit teeth malposition which affects natural teeth development. Therefore, parents should pay particular attention to the dental health of their kids to prevent premature loss of baby teeth, which act as natural space maintainers. Dental care should be provided until the eruption of secondary teeth is complete.

Do All Children Require Dental Space Maintainers?

Notably, dental space maintainers are not necessary for every tooth loss problem. The teeth lying along the sides of the mouth should be the primary concern for parents because these teeth are susceptible to impaction. However, since every child is unique concerning their dental structure, you should discuss the best course of action with your dentist. A rule of thumb is to watch out for delays in the eruption of permanent teeth, especially after your child has lost their teeth prematurely.

Types of Dental Space Maintainers 

Dental space maintainers are usually made out of plastic, metal, or a combination of both materials. Dentists customise or mould space maintainers to fit a child's mouth. Parents can either choose removable space maintainers or fixed space maintainers with the latter being cemented to teeth. Notably, a bilateral space maintainer is cemented on both sides of a child's mouth using bands. Bilateral space maintainers are ideal if a child is missing more than one tooth. On the other hand, an unilateral space maintainer is used to replace one tooth. Most importantly, parents should seek professional advice regarding the most effective type of dental space maintainer for their children.