04
Mar
Dental Space Maintainers: Shaping Your Child’s Future Smile, Today
If your child has lost their baby tooth too soon because of decay or trauma, it can affect the eruption of the permanent tooth. Space maintainers near Laguna Hills, California, keep the space open, helping the adult teeth erupt into their correct positions. If you’d like to secure your child’s smile with space maintainers, schedule an appointment with SHN Orthodontics.
How does a space maintainer work?
A space maintainer is exactly what it sounds like. This appliance maintains the gap left by a baby tooth, allowing the adult tooth to erupt without problems. Without a space retainer, adjacent teeth may encroach into the space, causing overcrowding or misalignment of the erupting permanent tooth. Unfortunately, this means your child will need orthodontic care later in life.
Not every child needs a space maintainer. This appliance is often needed when a baby tooth is lost prematurely due to injury, decay, or other factors.
Are there different types of space retainers?
Space maintainers can be fixed or removable. Here’s a closer look:
- Removable space maintainers: They resemble orthodontic retainers, with plastic blocks that fill the toothless space. These appliances can be removed for cleaning and for eating. They are ideal for older children who can comply with treatment.
- Fixed space maintainers: These appliances are cemented in place and remain in the mouth until the permanent tooth erupts. They come in different sizes and shapes, including distal shoe, lingual arch, band-and-loop, and NANCE appliance.
Are you unsure of what space maintainer your child needs? Our orthodontist, Dr. Shannon Hilgers Nissen, will recommend the best option based on your child’s age, dental development, and ability to comply with the treatment plan.
What are the maintenance tips for space maintainers?
Good maintenance helps keep your child’s appliances strong and healthy. Here are some of the key tips:
- Avoid sticky, chewy foods: Your child should avoid caramel, chewing gum, and hard candies to avoid breaking the seals that hold the appliance in place.
- Observe good oral hygiene: Encourage your child to floss and brush their teeth diligently to avoid plaque buildup.
- Handle with care: Encourage your child not to push the maintainer with their tongue or fingers. If the appliance becomes loose or falls off, contact your orthodontist immediately.
- Stick to routine check-ups: Visit your dentist regularly to keep the appliance in good condition.
What are the benefits of space maintainers?
Space maintainers set the stage for a lifetime of healthy smiles. Here is a closer look at the benefits of space maintainers:
- Prevent future orthodontic problems: They reduce the need for braces later in life, saving time and money.
- Support healthy jaw development: They help maintain proper spacing and alignment, which supports healthy jaw growth.
- Confidence boost: A well-aligned smile helps your child feel and look their best.
- Improved healthy teeth: Straighter teeth are easier to brush and floss.
Do you need a space maintainer near Laguna Hills, CA?
Has your child lost a baby tooth too soon? Don’t wait for shifting or crowding to begin. Call (949) 830-4101 and schedule an evaluation today with SHN Orthodontics. We are located in Mission Viejo, CA, but we welcome patients from Laguna Hills and the nearby areas. Let’s protect your child’s growing smile with the right space maintainer solution.
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Dr. Shannon Hilgers Nissen, DMD, MS
Shannon Hilgers Nissen, DMD, MS, studied at St. Margaret’s in San Juan Capistrano and obtained her BS in Psychology from Santa Clara University. After completing her Doctorate of Dental Medicine at Tufts University in Boston, she returned to Southern California and Loma Linda University where she received her Master of Science degree in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics.Dr. Hilgers Nissen is a third-generation orthodontist, her father being Dr. James Hilgers. Her patients enjoy outstanding orthodontics, honest communication, and a friendly and professional atmosphere. She and her team enjoy treating their patients well and educating them about their oral health.
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