Space maintainers are great resources that are used in dentistry and orthodontics. They are small, metal dental pieces that are placed where a tooth once was, whether it be an adult or baby tooth. Keep reading to find out more about space maintainers.
Outlined below are a few things to know about space maintainers, including what they do, who they are recommended for, and how they work.
There is a common misconception that space maintainers are only for children; however, that is actually far from true. Although space maintainers are commonly used for children's premature tooth loss, they actually do wonders for adult teeth too. When an adult experiences extraction or dislodgement, the result is still an empty space that is at risk. A space maintainer can keep the gap open and intact until an implant can be placed.
Space maintainers play a large role in oral health. Although they are small in size, space maintainers greatly benefit the entire oral cavity. They prevent gaps from closing and teeth from shifting, both of which can cause problems when an adult tooth erupts or when a missing adult tooth is to be replaced by an implant. If the gap is closed or if the adjacent teeth have even slightly shifted, an incoming adult tooth can become impacted, which can be painful, cause crowding, and even infect the gums. On the other hand, if the gap closes or adjacent teeth start to shift, it may be challenging to place a dental implant later on down the line.
While it may seem like a missing gap between teeth may not require oral hygiene attention, that is actually far from true. Once a space maintainer is placed in the missing gap, oral hygiene is still extremely important. Although it may be challenging to chew on the side of the mouth that has a space maintainer, it is still possible, which means food debris can get stuck. Even if there is no tooth present, the gums and surrounding teeth can still be poorly affected by food debris.
Left behind food debris can lead to irritation and bacterial growth, both of which can cause infection of the gums or surrounding teeth. Because of the risk, it is key to still practice good oral hygiene every day. Individuals wearing space maintainers should brush and floss regularly, and rinse with salt water or a gentle mouthwash to ensure that anything left behind is dislodged.
When wanting more information on space maintainers, it is best to consult with an orthodontist. A consultation allows patients to ask questions while being evaluated by the orthodontist. The evaluation will help determine the appropriate course of action. To find out more or to get scheduled for a consultation, reach out today.
Request an appointment here: https://www.loveortho.com or call Lovrovich Orthodontics at (206) 525-7000 for an appointment in our Seattle office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
A dentist might recommend clear braces for kids if your child has developed orthodontic issues. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends bringing in your child for their first appointment with an orthodontist by the time they are 7 years old.At this point, their smile should be developed, even if they still have some of their…
Any parent or guardian looking for a pediatric orthodontist will need to do a bit of legwork. You have to find an orthodontist that both you and your child can stick with for the long term. The good news is that your child will benefit from timely and effective treatment.To help with your search, here…
A properly aligned smile comes from quality orthodontic care. A braces specialist helps fix misalignments, including crowding, gaps, bite issues, and crooked teeth. When pursuing teeth straightening orthodontic treatment, it is important to choose an experienced braces specialist for effective and long-lasting treatment.An orthodontist who focuses on braces treatment undergoes additional years of education and…
Invisalign® for teens improves the alignment of your child’s teeth without them having a mouthful of metal brackets and wires. Metal braces have been the standard way to fix teeth alignment problems and have been used since the 1800s.While braces remain one of the most effective ways to straighten teeth, these devices are highly visible…
While it might seem like taking a child to a dentist for orthodontic evaluation at…
Pediatric orthodontists usually treat very young children. Such patients often need treatments for severe oral…
Selecting a qualified and experienced braces specialist is crucial to achieving an improved smile.
With Invisalign for teens, your child gets an effective teeth straightening treatment without compromising their…
Having an orthodontist treat your teeth can be a long and sometimes difficult journey, but…
Space maintainers should not cause discomfort, and it only takes a few days for most…
