Mind the Gap: Space Maintainers for Kids
It has been observed that some children lose their primary teeth too soon. An empty space in the mouth can cause your child’s permanent tooth to come in crooked. The baby teeth are meant to stay till the permanent ones push them out to take their place.
Unfortunately, a tooth may be knocked out accidentally or removed because of decay or abscess. In such a situation, the dentist in Taylor suggests getting a space maintainer to preserve the space for permanent teeth and prevent orthodontic problems in future. A common space maintainer is composed of the metal band which fits around a neighboring tooth and wire loop that spans the empty space and rests against the opposite neighboring tooth.
The dentist near Bloomfield says that just because the milk teeth have to fall out one day doesn’t mean parents take it lightly. Some baby teeth are not replaced until they reach 12 to 14 years of age.
Baby Teeth Are Important Because They:
- Save and guard the area where the permanent tooth will erupt
- Help your child chew and speak
- Encourage normal jawbone and facial muscle development
- Guide the permanent tooth into position
How Can a Space Maintainer Help?
A space maintainer will hold the empty space created by a lost or removed tooth. It is made for keeping the remaining teeth steady and preventing the drifting of other teeth till the permanent tooth takes its natural position in the jaw. It’s not noticeable and most children easily adjust to them after the first few days. The space maintainers are a lot more affordable than having to correct teeth back in place with extensive orthodontic treatments.
What Are the Steps for Space Maintainer Care?
- Make sure that your child avoids hard foods, sticky sweets, or chewing gum. These can loosen the band or get caught in the wires.
- Don’t tug or try to bend the wire with your fingers or tongue.
- You should brush your teeth after each meal and clean the teeth with bands.
- You need to continue visiting the dentist regularly.