Primary (baby) teeth play a crucial role in a child’s oral health. Premature loss of primary teeth can prevent the proper alignment of permanent teeth. This is where space maintainers come in—special dental devices used to ensure proper tooth development following the early loss of baby teeth. So, what are space maintainers, how are they applied, and when are they necessary? Here are the details!

What Are Space Maintainers?

Space maintainers are devices used to preserve the space left after the premature loss of a primary tooth. Their primary function is to maintain the necessary space for the proper eruption of the permanent tooth. They are essential in ensuring healthy dental development by providing a temporary placeholder until the permanent tooth erupts.

When Are Space Maintainers Used?

Space maintainers should be used when a primary tooth is lost prematurely. If a baby tooth must be extracted and there is a risk of space loss before the permanent tooth erupts, a space maintainer becomes necessary. Leaving this space empty may cause the neighboring teeth to shift and erupt in the wrong position, disrupting proper dental alignment. A dentist may recommend a space maintainer based on a thorough evaluation after the loss of a baby tooth.

Types of Space Maintainers

Space maintainers are classified into two main types: fixed and removable. Both types are custom-made to suit the child’s dental structure and are designed to preserve oral health.

Fixed Space Maintainers

Fixed space maintainers are cemented onto the teeth by a dentist and remain in the mouth permanently until the permanent tooth emerges. Their main advantage is that the child does not need to remove and reinsert them daily, making them a convenient solution for both children and parents.

Removable Space Maintainers

Removable space maintainers are designed to be taken in and out by the child. They are custom-fabricated to the child’s dental anatomy and help prevent space loss. These maintainers must be worn consistently and should be removed for cleaning after meals. They provide an effective solution for avoiding complications during dental development.

Benefits of Space Maintainers

Space maintainers play a key role in ensuring the proper alignment of permanent teeth following the early loss of baby teeth. Their main benefits include:

🦷 Supports Proper Tooth Eruption: Space maintainers prevent neighboring teeth from shifting, allowing permanent teeth to erupt in the correct position for a healthy and aligned smile.

🦷 Protects Oral Health: Early loss of baby teeth can negatively affect the development of permanent teeth. Space maintainers help support proper oral development and prevent complications.

🦷 Enhances Aesthetics: Proper alignment of teeth improves not only function but also the overall aesthetic appearance of the child’s smile.

🦷 Enables Early Intervention: Timely use of space maintainers helps avoid future orthodontic issues and ensures healthy eruption of permanent teeth under the guidance of a dental professional.

How Long Are Space Maintainers Worn?

The duration of use for space maintainers depends on the child’s dental development. Once the permanent tooth erupts, the space maintainer is removed by the dentist. The exact duration may vary depending on the child's individual needs and the dentist’s recommendations.

Application Process of Space Maintainers

The application process begins with a dental examination and assessment. The dentist evaluates the child’s oral structure and determines which type of space maintainer is appropriate. An impression is then taken, and the appliance is custom-made by dental technicians. Once ready, the dentist places the device into the child’s mouth. Only a dental professional should apply and remove space maintainers. For expert support during this process, feel free to contact our Pendik dental clinic.