Baby teeth usually stay in place until “pushed out” by a permanent tooth that takes its place. Unfortunately, some children lose baby teeth too early due to injury or extensive decay. When this happens, it can cause problems, making it necessary to use a space maintainer.
A space maintainer is a custom-fit device that saves room in the mouth for the adult teeth when the baby teeth come out too early. Ideally, baby teeth should be preserved until the adult teeth push them out naturally because they are important for comfortable eating and crucial for saving space for the adult teeth.
Space maintainers hold open the empty space left by a lost tooth by preventing movement in the remaining teeth until the permanent tooth takes its natural position.
This treatment is much more affordable and much easier on your child than having to move teeth back later with complex orthodontic procedures.
Space maintainers can be either permanent or removable. They are an appliance made of plastic or metal custom fit to your child’s mouth.
The space maintainer should then be evaluated by Dr. Lee, your pediatric dentist. He can check it at every check-up appointment and will remove it when the adult teeth are visible and have poked through the gum.
Ask About Space Maintainers for Your Child!Timely intervention saves time and expense later on.
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