A space maintainer is an appliance that is either removable or fixed, specifically designed to fit into the mouth and fill the space created by a premature loss of a primary (baby) tooth. Its role is to ensure that the permanent tooth that is supposed to erupt in that space has sufficient space and erupts in the correct position.
Indications
- Premature Tooth Loss : This occurs when the primary tooth is lost far before its normal exfoliation period as a result of extreme decay, sickness, or unintentional injury.
- Risk of Space Closure : There is a high chance that the neighbouring teeth will either drift or incline into the space, and the adjacent permanent teeth will erupt shortly.
- Requirement for Eruption Guidance : It is essential to maintain the space to guide the succeeding permanent tooth into a proper position and alleviate the problem of alignment.
Effects
- Maintenance of Arch Length : The device ensures that the surrounding teeth are not forced out of the arch, thereby maintaining adequate space for the underlying permanent tooth to erupt correctly.
- Less Future Orthodontics : Space maintainers, by providing adequate eruption space, can diminish the future crowding and may even limit the complexity or length of subsequent orthodontic therapy.
- Restoration of Function : Certain designs (particularly removable) appliances may contain a prosthetic tooth, which aids in restoring partial chewing capability and enhancing speech and appearance of the child.
Why Choose This Clinic
We also offer well-measured and comfortably crafted space maintainers made from long-lasting, biocompatible materials, which effectively guide your child along the dentinal course.
Get in touch with us.