What are dental space maintainers?
Dental space maintainers (or spacers) are devices used for children who have lost some baby teeth but their permanent teeth have a while before they will grow in.
They hold space for the appropriate adult teeth to grow in. They also prevent the remaining adjacent primary teeth from moving into the open space.
When your orthodontist or dentist may recommend a space maintainer:
It is important to consult with an orthodontist or pediatric dentist about using a space maintainer appliance anytime a child loses their baby teeth early. Especially in the back of the mouth where there is often less room for adult teeth to develop and erupt.
Timeline for children’s teeth:
- At 6 months to 1 year, your child’s primary teeth should start to emerge
- Around 3 years old your child should have most of their baby teeth
- Around 6 years old your child’s teeth should start to fall out, and this can continue until around age 12. Teeth tend to fall out in the order they grew in.
- If your child’s primary teeth begin to fall out early, consult a dentist to discuss the possible need for a spacer
- If you are looking for a specialist to evaluate your child, call DoctorBuchheit at Town and Country Cosmetic Dentistry and Implant Centers
What do space maintainers look and feel like?
Space maintainers are custom-made of acrylic or metal. They look somewhat like a retainer used after orthodontia. Some have rubber bands or metal springs. They can be fixed or removable. Your dentist or orthodontist will recommend the most appropriate type for your child.
If the missing tooth or teeth are in the front of the mouth, you can request a spacer to be fabricated with a false tooth or teeth attached to fill the space(s). Discuss the options with your dentist.
Does a spacer hurt?
Spacers are not meant to move or shift any teeth, so there is usually no pain associated with them. Kids generally get used to them quickly.
How long should a space maintainer appliance stay in the mouth?
Space maintainers can remain in the mouth until the permanent teeth push the spacer out. Spacers can also be removed before an adult tooth pushes it out. Metal spring-type spacers need to be removed when the adult tooth starts growing in. Acrylic spacers are pushed out on their own by incoming permanent teeth.
How to care for a space maintainer appliance:
- Avoid sticky candy, fruit snacks, taffy, and chewing gum
- Practice proper dental hygiene including daily brushing and flossing
- Continue twice-yearly dental visits or more if your dentist advises
- Try to help your son or daughter not push on the device with their fingers or tongue
The bottom line:
The most important thing is to consult a dentist if your child’s baby teeth begin to fall out earlier than expected. Your youngster may benefit from a dental space maintainer. It is better to be on the cautious side rather than leaving things to chance. If your child needs a spacer but is never fitted for one, he or she could be more likely to need braces when all the permanent teeth emerge.
Contact Town and Country Cosmetic Dentistry and Implant Centers:
314-576-0088
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
14377 Woodlake Dr Ste 205
Chesterfield, Missouri
28036
