Space maintenance is a critical procedure in pediatric dentistry designed to preserve the space in a child's mouth for the proper eruption of permanent teeth. It is typically necessary when a child loses a baby tooth prematurely, due to decay or injury. Without a space maintainer, the remaining teeth can shift into the empty space, leading to crowding or misalignment when the permanent teeth try to come in. Dr. Albert Soulema at Soul Orthodontics is a skilled practitioner of this preventative treatment, ensuring your child's dental health is on the right path.
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Why Should I Get Space Maintenance?
Space maintenance is an essential preventative measure that can save you and your child from more complex and costly dental treatments in the future. When a baby tooth is lost too early, it can disrupt the natural progression of your child's dental development. The baby tooth serves as a guide for the incoming permanent tooth, and without it, the other teeth may shift, leading to a lack of space for the permanent tooth to erupt correctly. This can result in crooked or crowded teeth, and potentially, the need for orthodontic treatment later on. By opting for space maintenance, you're investing in your child's long-term oral health.
Did you know…
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Space maintainers are not a permanent fixture and are removed once the permanent tooth starts to erupt.
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The Benefits Of Space Maintenance
Prevents Future Orthodontic Issues
Space maintenance helps prevent the development of dental issues like crowding, misalignment, and impaction that can occur when a baby tooth is lost prematurely. By keeping the space open for the incoming permanent tooth, it ensures the tooth has enough room to grow in correctly.
Promotes Proper Dental Development
Baby teeth play a crucial role in your child's dental development, guiding the permanent teeth into their correct positions. Space maintenance ensures that this guidance is not lost when a baby tooth is lost prematurely.
Simple And Painless Procedure
The procedure for placing a space maintainer is relatively simple and painless. It involves taking an impression of your child's mouth, creating a custom-fitted appliance, and then cementing it into place.
The Space Maintenance Treatment Process
Assessment And Planning
The process begins with a thorough examination of your child's mouth to assess the need for a space maintainer. This includes taking X-rays to get a detailed view of the teeth and jaw. If a space maintainer is deemed necessary, your orthodontist in Simi Valley will discuss the treatment plan with you, explaining the procedure and answering any questions you may have.
Creating The Space Maintainer
Next, an impression of your child's mouth is taken. This mold is sent to a dental lab, where the space maintainer is custom-made to fit your child's mouth precisely. This ensures the appliance is comfortable and effective in preserving the space for the incoming permanent tooth.
Placing The Space Maintainer
Once the space maintainer is ready, it is cemented onto the adjacent teeth to hold the space open. Dr. Soulema will carefully check the fit and make any necessary adjustments to ensure your child's comfort. Regular check-ups will be scheduled to monitor the appliance and the progress of the incoming permanent tooth.
Before & Afters
A smile is worth 1,000 words.
Frequently Asked Questions
