Why does your child need a space maintainer? Space maintainer for children is used to keep teeth in place while they grow, heal, and straighten. A tooth space maintainer can also ensure that your child’s teeth don’t fall out or turn black due to crowding. A tooth space maintainer supports the roots of your child’s teeth from above with a wire mesh that fits over them like a cap worn at night. It keeps the roots of your child’s baby teeth from rubbing against each other when they come in through the gums during their first year at home. Start by getting the best pediatric dentist near Richmond and give your child a reason to smile.
What Is a Space Maintainer?
A space maintainer is a device for children who need to wear one. It’s a small, flexible plastic device that fits over the teeth and holds them in place. Space maintainers come in many different types: some have Velcro straps, while others use elastic bands or suction cups. The most common type of space maintainer is called an “overnight” or “weekender.” They’re made of rubber and attach by hooking on top of your child’s upper front teeth (the incisors). These are usually worn overnight before bedtime, so they don’t fall out during sleep; they’re also suitable for exams or travel plans that require nice-looking pearly whites.
Different types of space maintainers for children pediatric dentists may recommend
Crown and Loop
Crown and loop is the most common type of space maintainer for children. It’s a small plastic device that fits over the tooth, holding it in place for several months or years. A crown on a tooth is made from porcelain, which can be very sensitive to injury if damaged too much. This type of space maintainer for children doesn’t come with any adhesive; instead, they’re designed to hold your child’s teeth in place and prevent them from shifting around while wearing their new crowns.
Distal shoe
The distal shoe is a type of space maintainer for children used to treat the front teeth. This space maintainer can be worn by children who have lost their teeth or those with damaged ones. This appliance is made from two parts: a base plate and an arch support. These two pieces fit together over the affected area, holding it in place while allowing your mouth to open up again after tooth surgery on your child’s upper jaw (the maxilla).
Lingual
A lingual space maintainer is used in the front teeth. This type of space maintainer is made to keep your child’s teeth apart and prevent them from touching each other. They’re also helpful for kids who want their permanent adult-looking smile but still need the money or insurance coverage for braces (or any intention of getting them). Lingual space maintainers for children usually come in three parts: a base plate, an arch bar, and an archwire. The base plate fits into your child’s mouth where all three pieces come together so your child can wear them all day without causing discomfort or irritation. The arch bar then extends from this piece which attaches directly onto their jaw bone by way of several hooks—these hooks allow you to move it around if necessary (such as when eating).
And finally, there’s the archwire itself which extends outwards towards both sides of your child’s face until it reaches another hook near their ears so that you can adjust its height depending on how much room there is between teeth.
Unilateral
A unilateral space maintainer is for children with a single tooth that needs to be kept clean. They are used the same way as a toothbrush, except for the unique brush head. These types of brushes can be used by children of all ages and come in different sizes, so you can find one that fits comfortably in your child’s mouth. These dental procedures are easy for most parents to administer at home, requiring minimal training and supervision from their pediatric dentist or oral surgeon before they use them on their own.
When does an orthodontist or pediatric dentist recommend your child for the Space Maintainer?
The Space Maintainer is most often recommended if your child is under the age of 4, as they need to stay in a restricted area for long periods. For older children who have already had an orthodontic treatment done and are wearing retainers, this device can help keep their teeth aligned while at school or playing sports. If you have any questions concerning whether or not your child needs a Space Maintainer, consult with the kids dentist in Sugar Land Texas, before making any decisions about its use.
How to take good care of your child’s space maintainer.
Your child should avoid sticky foods
Avoid sticky foods. It is the most important thing you can do for your child’s space manager. Sticky foods like candy, gum, and mints will trap dirt in the sealer and make it hard to clean. Avoid peanut butter & jelly sandwiches because they can be messy if not done carefully. Chocolate cake frosting can also form a barrier that makes it hard to clean correctly and dirty when removing it from your child’s space maintainer.
Discourage your child from pushing or tugging on the space maintainer with the fingers
Tell your child that you don’t want them to pull on their space maintainer. If your child does not listen, tell them firmly not to pull on their space maintainer with their fingers and that they will get hurt if they do so again. Your child should have regular check-ups with the pediatric dentist. It includes having a dental exam, cleaning, and x-rays.
Keep your child’s space maintainer clean through brushing and flossing
You can help your child’s home care maintainer stay clean by following the steps below:
- Brush twice a day using fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss once per day.
- Use a soft toothbrush for children under six years old and an adult-sized brush for older children and adults.
If you’re using water containing fluoride, use only pea-sized amounts of fluoride toothpaste on your child’s space maintainer to avoid overdoing it and causing irritation.
What are spacers for braces?
Spacers for braces are small plastic or metal pieces that fit between your child’s teeth. They can keep braces in place during sports, school, and other activities. Spacers for braces also keep braces in place while you sleep at night and when the mount is not worn.
How long should a spacer stay in your child’s mouth?
The best way to determine if your child needs a space maintainer is by how much they use it. Space maintainer for children should be used for a short period, usually until the next day. If your child has been using the same space maintainer for several days, it may be time for them to get new ones. Space maintainers can also help prevent cavities and tooth decay because they keep foods from getting stuck between teeth while eating. If you use one regularly, try to use it sparingly, or else it could cause problems with your child’s gums and teeth.
Does a tooth spacer for child hurt?
The answer to this question is a yes. A tooth spacer for child can be very hurtful and painful when inserted or removed. A dental spacer for child also causes choking and dental damage if the teeth are damaged during insertion or removal.
Benefits of dental Space Maintainers to your child
Proper Growth Of Permanent Teeth
As your child grows up, their teeth will start to move out of alignment and need to be adjusted.
A dental spacer for child does it by filing down the sharp edges of your child’s teeth so they fit together better. If this is not done when they are young, they may experience some serious issues later on in life, such as:
- Poor chewing ability
- Difficulty speaking clearly
- Difficulty smiling easily
Keeps the adjacent teeth in a better position
Space maintainers are designed to keep the adjacent teeth in their correct position. It is essential because it helps ensure that your bite is healthy and comfortable, which can prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral problems.
Reduces The Need For Other Orthodontic Treatment
Dental space maintainers are a great way to help prevent the need for braces or other orthodontic treatment. They can also help prevent the need for further dental treatments like bleaching and whitening. They also help prevent the arch from sagging.
Conclusion
It is essential for your child to have a spacer after tooth extraction.
If your child needs a spacer after tooth extraction, visit a kids dentist in Sugar Land Texas, or try to get the best pediatric dentist near Richmond. They offer different services related to oral health care.
They can get it done professionally and quickly without charging extra fees over what’s typically set when someone visits their usual dentist’s office.