Children’s dental treatment includes far more than just professional teeth cleaning and dental assessments. Sometimes, losing teeth early can have negative consequences if the space is not maintained for the adult tooth to erupt. If you are unsure if your child may require the use of a space maintainer, here are five indications:
1. Premature Loss of Baby Teeth
Children sometimes lose their baby teeth early because of trauma or tooth decay, which is the most common reason children use their space maintainers. After losing a tooth unexpectedly, the space that was once occupied by that tooth may not remain open long enough for the permanent tooth to come in, unless the space is kept open with a space maintainer. This will allow the child to grow their new teeth properly and help with their alignment.
2. Misaligned Teeth or Crowding
Losing baby teeth can create insufficient space for permanent teeth to grow in, leading to misalignment. Space maintainers in Bradley, IL, create a space large enough for the permanent teeth to grow into, allowing them to grow in straight.
3. Delayed Tooth Eruption
A baby tooth can fall out before the permanent tooth is ready to erupt. If a baby tooth is lost and the neighboring teeth do not remain in their normal positions, a new space will be created. This can prevent the permanent tooth from reaching its correct position.
4. Tooth Pain or Discomfort
If your child is suffering from pain in a specific area in the mouth due to the misalignment of the teeth, that may be because of the shifting of the teeth caused by the loss of the baby tooth. A space maintainer through orthodontic treatment will keep the necessary space available for the new permanent tooth to be in the correct position, and also allow for the correct alignment of the other teeth around it.
5. Difficulty Chewing or Speaking
When teeth are out of place, it can make chewing and speaking difficult for your child. Space maintainers in Bradley, IL, help maintain proper tooth spacing so teeth can function normally and ensure your child’s bite remains effective.
Conclusion: Protect Your Child’s Smile With A Space Maintainer
If your child has any of these symptoms, you should contact your pediatric dentist for an appointment. At Joyful Smiles Dentistry, we help protect your child’s healthy smile through preventative care, including space maintainers. Please get in touch with us today to schedule an appointment and ensure that your child’s teeth come in properly!
FAQs
What is a space maintainer?
A space maintainer is a dental appliance that maintains the space lost when a baby tooth is removed prematurely, ensuring the permanent tooth has enough room to grow.
At what age is it appropriate for my child to use a space maintainer?
Depending on when you lose your child’s baby tooth, space maintainers in Bradley, IL, are often recommended for children ages 5 to 7.
Are space maintainers uncomfortable for children?
Absolutely not, space maintainers are not painful. They are made to be comfortable and supportive in your child’s dental growth.
How long is a space maintainer worn?
In most cases, the space maintainer remains in place until the permanent tooth begins to emerge, which can take several months to a year.
Are space maintainers appropriate for adults?
Space maintainers are primarily used in children, as their teeth are still developing. Adults with missing teeth may need dental implants or bridges.
Is it possible to adjust space maintainers?
Certainly, your dentist can adjust space maintainers to fit the new locations of your child’s teeth.
