Secure the Space, Preserve the Smile
Space Maintainers at Sheila L. Brush, DDS, PC
At Sheila L. Brush, DDS, PC, we understand the importance of maintaining a healthy, well-aligned smile from childhood through adulthood. That’s why we offer space maintainers as a crucial part of our pediatric dental services. As the family dentist Olney loves, we are dedicated to ensuring that every young patient receives the best possible care in preserving the proper spacing in their mouths after premature tooth loss. Here’s everything you need to know about space maintainers and how they can benefit your child’s dental development.
What Are Space Maintainers?
Space maintainers are orthodontic devices made of metal or acrylic, used to hold space for permanent teeth when a child loses a baby tooth prematurely. Without a space maintainer, the remaining teeth can shift into the empty space, potentially causing alignment problems and impacting the development of permanent teeth. Implementing space maintainers helps to prevent these issues, ensuring that the space remains open until the permanent tooth is ready to erupt.
Types of Space Maintainers
There are several types of space maintainers, each tailored to meet different needs. These include:
- Fixed Unilateral Space Maintainers: These are used when one tooth is missing on one side of the mouth. They are attached to the adjacent tooth and extend across the space where the tooth is missing.
- Fixed Bilateral Space Maintainers: These are used for missing teeth on both sides of the mouth and are attached to teeth on both ends of the dental arch.
- Removable Space Maintainers: Made from acrylic, these maintainers are similar to orthodontic appliances and can be an option when several teeth are missing. They also have the added benefit of looking more natural, as they can be made to match the color of the child’s gums.
Why Choose Space Maintainers?
Choosing space maintainers can have a long-term positive impact on a child’s oral health. Some of the key benefits include:
- Preventing Misalignment: By holding space for permanent teeth, space maintainers prevent neighboring teeth from shifting, which could lead to crowding, misalignment, or more complex orthodontic problems in the future.
- Cost-Effective: Using space maintainers to prevent movement of teeth can reduce the need for more extensive orthodontic treatments later on, making it a cost-effective option for managing dental health.
- Supports Healthy Dental Development: Space maintainers support the natural eruption pattern of permanent teeth, facilitating better oral health and dental functionality.
Our Approach to Space Maintainers
As the family dentist Olney patients rely on, we at Sheila L. Brush, DDS, PC take a personalized approach to dental care. When it comes to space maintainers, we start with a thorough examination to assess your child’s unique needs. Our team will discuss with you the most suitable type of space maintainer based on the number and location of missing teeth, as well as your child’s overall dental health.
The process for fitting a space maintainer typically involves taking an impression of the child’s mouth, which is then used to create a custom device. Once ready, the space maintainer is fitted and checked for comfort and proper fit. We ensure that both parents and children receive detailed instructions on how to care for the maintainer, including how to clean it and what foods to avoid.
Long-Term Care and Monitoring
Once a space maintainer is placed, regular check-ups with our team are essential. These visits allow us to monitor the progress of the treatment and make any necessary adjustments to the device. We also monitor the development of the new permanent teeth to determine the ideal time to remove the space maintainer. Our commitment to comprehensive care and ongoing communication makes us the family dentist Olney families trust for their children’s dental needs.
Why Sheila L. Brush, DDS, PC?
At Sheila L. Brush, DDS, PC, we are committed to providing exceptional dental care for the whole family. Our use of advanced dental technology combined with a compassionate approach ensures that every visit is comfortable, effective, and tailored to meet the needs of our patients. As the family dentist Olney loves, we pride ourselves on creating a welcoming environment where every child can feel at ease.
Ready to Protect Your Child’s Smile?
Space maintainers play a crucial role in managing your child’s dental health and developmental needs. If your child has lost a tooth prematurely and you are considering space maintainers, Sheila L. Brush, DDS, PC in Laytonsville is here to help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and learn more about how our tailored orthodontic solutions can benefit your child. Trust us, the family dentist Olney relies on, to keep your child’s smile healthy and bright for the future.
