When would a space maintainer be used?
It is used when a child loses the baby tooth in front of a 6-year molar that has not yet come into the mouth. The 6-year molar is also called the first permanent molar.
Why should age be considered in the placement of space maintainer?
Placing the space maintainer at the right age and time can prevent the child’s need for orthodontics in the future. An appropriate space maintainer should be placed as soon as possible after tooth extraction because the gap is gradually reduced in the first months of tooth extraction.
When should space maintainer be removed?
Do space maintainers need to be removed? Yes, a dental space maintainer should be removed when the permanent tooth is ready to come into place. Your dentist will know when the time is right to remove the space maintainer.
What type of orthodontics is a space maintainer?
Are you looking for more information on space maintainers? A space maintainer is an orthodontic appliance made out of metal or acrylic material that is custom-made by dentists to hold a space for permanent teeth when children prematurely lose their baby teeth.
What is the most preferred type of space maintainer and why?
Hence it is rightly quoted that primary teeth serve as best space maintainers for permanent dentition. However, if premature extraction or loss of tooth is unavoidable due to extensive caries or other reasons, the safest option to maintain arch space is by placing a space maintainer.
Are space maintainers effective?
So, they are not painful and are very safe. With thorough brushing, flossing, general oral health care, and regular dental check ups, space maintainers are effective at maintaining the natural gap between teeth and are safe to use with children.
Are spacers necessary?
Spacers push your jaw forward by adding space at the back of your mouth. They also make room for your braces if the back of your mouth is too tight to fit them properly. Not everyone needs spacers. They’re typically only used for a week or two at a time.
How long do metal spacers stay in?
The spacers stay between the teeth for one to two weeks and move the teeth apart slowly until they are far apart enough so that orthodontists can fit a tooth brace or molar band in between them or fit an expander with metal rings.
What is the difference between unilateral and bilateral space maintainer?
Unilateral space maintainers are fixed to one side of the mouth and bilateral space maintainers are fixed to both sides of the mouth.
Which is the purpose of the space maintainer appliance in the oral cavity?
To stop the movement of adjacent teeth, our pediatric dentists will recommend your child receive a space maintainer. In a nutshell, a space maintainer is a dental appliance that manages the premature loss of baby teeth. It also prevents the onset of problems regarding the development of your child’s jaw.
What is the best space maintainer?
Hence it is rightly quoted that primary teeth serve as best space maintainers for permanent dentition.