Maintaining the health and alignment of your child’s teeth is crucial for their long-term oral health. One important aspect of this care involves space maintainers, which play a vital role when a primary tooth is lost prematurely.
Primary teeth, commonly known as baby teeth, are essential not only for chewing and eating but also for guiding the eruption of permanent teeth. If a baby tooth is lost too early due to decay, injury or other conditions, it can disrupt the alignment of the permanent teeth. The adjacent teeth may shift into the empty space, potentially leading to crowding or misalignment issues when the permanent teeth begin to erupt.
At Preston Center Pediatric Dentistry, we understand the importance of maintaining these spaces to ensure your child’s teeth develop properly. Our pediatric dentist and team often recommend space maintainers when a primary tooth is lost prematurely. These devices are designed to hold the space left by the missing tooth, preventing neighboring teeth from shifting and allowing the permanent tooth to emerge in the correct position.
There are several types of space maintainers, including fixed and removable options. Fixed space maintainers are cemented onto the adjacent teeth and remain in place until the permanent tooth erupts. Removable space maintainers are similar to orthodontic appliances and can be taken out for cleaning. Dr. John Riehs will carefully assess your child’s needs and recommend the type of space maintainer that best suits their situation.
Using space maintainers can prevent more complex orthodontic issues in the future, saving time, discomfort and expense. Our goal is to ensure that your child’s smile develops correctly and healthily. If you have any questions or concerns about space maintainers in Dallas, Texas, or to schedule an appointment with our pediatric dentist, please reach out to us at 214-838-3210. We are here to provide the best possible care for your child’s dental health.
214-838-3210