A space maintainer is a device specially made for your kid by My Tooth Fairy’s specialists. It can either be removed or cemented onto a tooth in the child’s mouth.
After your child has lost a tooth, it is necessary to maintain this space so that the permanent tooth can enter it. This is the place where the companions come, its purpose is to leave the space open to prevent the displacement of the permanent teeth in the future.
There are two types of accompanying spaces: removable and fixed.
Removable space maintainers are similar to orthodontic appliances and are usually made of acrylic. In some cases, an artificial tooth can be used to fill in the space that must remain open for an unladen tooth.
There are different types of fixed space maintainers:
- A band-and-loop maintainer made of stainless steel wire and attached to the crown or loop;
- A lingual arch is installed on lower teeth when the back teeth on both sides of the jaw are lost. A wire is placed on the lingual (tongue) side of the arch and is attached to the tooth in front of the open space on both sides.
- A distal shoe is recommended when the primary molar is lost before the eruption of the first permanent molar. A distal shoe appliance features a metal wire inserted under the gum, which prevents the space from closing.
To take care of your kid’s space maintainer, follow some general rules:
- Your child should avoid eating sticky foods like chewing gums and candies;
- Ask your kid not to push on the space maintainer with their tongue or fingers;
- Keep the space maintainer clean through effective brushing and flossing;
- Keep on visiting your kid’s dentist regularly for checkups.
At My Tooth Fairy’s, we will keep your kid’s smile nice and healthy. Do you need a professional consultation or need urgent help? Contact us to book an appointment and we’ll gladly provide you with the needed help.
