Space Maintainers in La Marque, TX
Has your little one lost a baby tooth too early? That may have an effect in the development of their permanent teeth. At South Star Dental, we are happy to offer different types of space maintainers in La Marque, TX so the space stays open for the permanent tooth to grow properly.
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What Are Space Maintainers and How Do They Work?
Space maintainers are small appliances that keep the gap for a permanent tooth after the early loss of a baby tooth. Baby teeth usually fall out in a natural sequence, allowing permanent teeth to erupt at the right time. But if your child suffers from tooth decay or a dental injury, baby teeth may be lost earlier than expected.
As a result, the gap left by your child’s primary teeth may shrink over time, possibly leading to teeth misalignment in the future. For this reason, our dentist may recommend space maintainers to keep the gap open so that the permanent teeth can grow in their ideal positions when it’s the right time.
Types of Space Maintainers
After performing an orthodontic exam, we will choose which type of space maintainer will work best for your child. There are typically three types:
Fixed Unilateral
This type is perfect if your child has lost just one tooth on one of the sides. It has a metal band that fits around a nearby tooth and a wire loop that reaches across the gap.
Fixed Bilateral
This space maintainer, such as a lower lingual holding arch, works if your child has lost two or more baby teeth on both sides of their mouth. It has metal bands that fit around the teeth on both sides of the gap and a wire that connects them across the arch.
Removable
These maintainers have an acrylic base that fits over your child’s gums and artificial teeth that cover the gap. They may also have clasps that loop around the adjacent teeth for stability.
Although they are meant for temporary use, we rarely recommend them because most children may have a harder time with removable appliances than fixed ones.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does my child really need a space maintainer?
If they have lost a baby tooth early on, then yes. Wearing a space maintainer will keep the space open for the permanent tooth that will appear later on.
What if my child doesn't get one?
Without a space maintainer, the gap starts to shrink when the nearby teeth move, which can block or delay your child’s permanent tooth from growing in.
Can my child eat normally with a space maintainer?
Most children get fixed ones, and they can eat their routine diet. We just suggest avoiding sticky or chewy foods like gum or caramel taffy that can tug on the maintainer.
Schedule a Space Maintainer Consultation in La Marque, TX
If your child has lost a baby tooth too early, a space maintainer can help protect the space for their permanent tooth. Schedule a consultation with South Star Dental in La Marque, TX today. Call us at (409) 777-0930 to book your appointment.