Space maintainers prevent teeth shifting in Children
What is a space maintainer?
A space maintainer is an appliance that is custom-made in acrylic or metal material. It can be either removable or cemented in a child's mouth. Its purpose is to keep the space open to allow the permanent tooth to erupt and come into place. If the space is not maintained, then teeth can shift into the open space and orthodontic treatment may be required.
Once the space maintainer is made, it may take the child a few days to get accustomed to wearing the appliance. If the space maintainer is fixed, it will be important to avoid chewy and sugary foods, and gum or candy, which may loosen or get caught on the appliance. Also, the space maintainer should not be pressed or pushed with the tongue or fingers because it could loosen or bend the appliance.
The child should be seen on a regular basis to monitor the progress of treatment with the space maintainer and continue to receive a regular six-month professional cleaning appointment with your dental professional.
Dr. Elseweifi was trained in children dentistry at the University of Southern Illinois.
Bucktown Dental Associates