When a primary tooth 🦷👶🏼is lost prematurely due to decay or trauma, a space maintainer should be placed. It is a metallic appliance (like the one in the photo) that helps maintain space for permanent teeth as they erupt.
These appliances can be removable or fixed in the child's mouth; they are usually fixed and maintain space for a single tooth.
‼If the space is not maintained, the primary teeth shift, and the space needed for permanent teeth to erupt correctly closes.‼
This would lead to complications in the dental eruption of permanent teeth and could cause problems with chewing and speech, as well as the need for orthodontic treatments to solve the problem.
✅BENEFITS
- Through space maintainers, we will prevent tooth crowding.
- Maintain proper eruption guidance.
- Allow for the establishment of correct occlusion.
- Maintain the primary functions of dentition.
- And prevent the appearance of harmful oral habits.
🔹WHEN IS IT REMOVED?
The space maintainer must be removed at the dental clinic. It does not fall out on its own, and the time to remove it is when the permanent tooth is erupting.
👀✅ Remember, it is very important that check-ups are every 6 months to assess if your little one needs any type of functional appliance that helps with the correct development of their permanent dentition.