Lake Forest Smiles believes in preserving oral health for patients of all ages, especially children. Losing baby teeth is a right of passage for all children. But, in some cases, a child may lose a tooth too early due to decay or injury. A space maintainer is a perfect solution. Find out what space maintainers are, and when and why they might be needed.
WHAT ARE SPACE MAINTAINERS?
Usually, when baby teeth are lost, a permanent tooth emerges to take its place. However, if a baby tooth is lost too soon, this could create tooth alignment problems for your child. To hold the missing tooth’s space, a custom-made oral appliance known as a space maintainer is designed to fit in your child’s mouth. There are fixed and removable space maintainers. Drs. David Schmidt and Tracey Hughes will determine which type of space maintainer is best for your child.
WHEN DOES MY CHILD NEED A SPACE MAINTAINER?
It is natural for your child to shed their baby teeth as each tooth becomes loose on its own. However, if your child experiences tooth decay that cannot be repaired, or has a facial injury that knocks out a baby tooth, he or she will likely need a space maintainer. Usually, a child does not need a space maintainer when they lose their baby teeth naturally.
WHY ARE SPACE MAINTAINERS NECESSARY?
Failing to preserve the natural space after a primary tooth is removed could result in the child’s permanent teeth emerging crooked, or improperly, causing crowding of the other teeth.
HOW LONG WILL MY CHILD NEED TO WEAR A SPACE MAINTAINER?
This will depend on how long it will take for your child’s permanent tooth to emerge. Drs. David Schmidt and Tracey Hughes will recommend that your child have regular visits to our Lake Forest family dental practice so that we can monitor the progression of their dental development. Dental X-rays reveal the underlying tooth structure below the gum line. During your child’s consultation, the dentist may be able to estimate how long your child may need to wear his or her space maintainer.
HOW SHOULD MY CHILD CARE FOR THEIR SPACE MAINTAINER?
Your child should avoid eating sticky or chewy candies, as this could dislodge or damage the space maintainer. Also, encourage your child to clean their space maintainer often, and practice good oral hygiene. Your child should avoid picking, pushing, or disturbing the space maintainer, or it could become dislodged.
SPACE MAINTAINERS FOR KIDS IN LAKE FOREST, LAKE BLUFF, AND LINCOLNSHIRE
If you would like to learn more about space maintainers or see if it is the right fit for your child, call (847) 234-4800 or schedule an appointment today. We are here for your child’s oral health needs. At Lake Forest Smiles, we believe that a healthy mouth means a healthy life. Drs. David Schmidt and Tracey Hughes have been providing elite dental care to the communities of Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, and Lincolnshire for more than 30 years. We welcome you to our practice.