Space maintainers are essential dental appliances that preserve the gap left by a prematurely lost baby tooth. At London Dental Specialists, we understand parents' concerns about their child's dental development. These custom-made devices—available in fixed or removable options—prevent adjacent teeth from shifting into empty spaces, ensuring proper alignment for permanent teeth. Whether your child needs a unilateral, crown and loop, distal shoe, or lingual maintainer, our specialists provide personalised care for children typically aged 5-14. Our process involves digital imaging, careful preparation, and precise placement. Browse our frequently asked questions below to learn more about how space maintainers can protect your child's developing smile.
What is a space maintainer?
A space maintainer is a dental appliance designed to preserve the space left by a prematurely lost baby tooth. These custom-made devices prevent adjacent teeth from drifting into the empty space, ensuring proper alignment for permanent teeth when they erupt. At London Dental Specialists, our space maintainers are typically crafted from metal or acrylic materials and can be either fixed (cemented in place) or removable depending on your child's specific needs.
Why might my child need a space maintainer?
Your child might need a space maintainer if they've lost a baby tooth earlier than expected due to decay, trauma, or other dental issues. Without a space maintainer, the surrounding teeth can shift into the empty space, potentially causing alignment problems when permanent teeth attempt to emerge. This preventive measure helps avoid future orthodontic complications and maintains proper dental development, saving time and resources on extensive treatments later.
What types of space maintainers are available at London Dental Specialists?
At London Dental Specialists, we offer several types of space maintainers tailored to your child's specific needs:
- Unilateral space maintainer: Wraps around a tooth with a metal loop to hold the space intact, used when a single tooth is missing on one side.
- Crown and loop space maintainer: A stainless steel crown fitted over a tooth with an attached loop to preserve adjacent space.
- Distal shoe space maintainer: Used when a baby molar is lost before the permanent first molar erupts, extending into the gum to guide the emerging tooth.
- Lingual space maintainer: A bilateral device that connects to molars on both sides of the lower jaw, preserving space for multiple missing front teeth.
At what age are space maintainers typically needed?
Space maintainers are most commonly used for children between the ages of 5 and 14, which is a crucial period for dental development. The specific timing depends on your child's individual development and when they lose their baby teeth. Younger children might need to keep their space maintainers for a longer period if their permanent teeth are still several years away from erupting. Our specialists at London Dental Specialists will evaluate your child's specific needs to determine the appropriate timing.
How is a space maintainer fitted?
The process of fitting a space maintainer at London Dental Specialists involves three main steps:
- 3D digital imaging of your child's teeth to create a precise treatment plan
- Placement of separators (spacers) between the back teeth approximately one week before the appliance fitting to create sufficient space
- Removal of the separators and installation of the appropriate space maintainer (such as a Nance appliance for upper teeth or a Lingual Arch for lower teeth)
Are space maintainers uncomfortable for children?
Most children adapt to space maintainers within a few days. Initially, your child might experience mild discomfort or a feeling of pressure, but this typically subsides quickly. The appliances are custom-designed to fit comfortably in your child's mouth. If discomfort persists or if the device causes irritation to the gums or cheeks, please contact London Dental Specialists for an adjustment appointment.
How long will my child need to wear a space maintainer?
The duration for wearing a space maintainer varies depending on your child's dental development. Typically, the device remains in place until the permanent tooth is ready to erupt into the space, which could range from several months to a few years. With proper care and regular check-ups at London Dental Specialists, space maintainers can effectively serve their purpose until they're no longer needed, ensuring optimal dental development for your child.
How should my child care for their space maintainer?
Proper care of a space maintainer includes:
- Maintaining excellent oral hygiene with regular brushing and flossing
- Avoiding sticky sweets, chewing gum, and hard foods that could damage the appliance
- Not pushing or pulling on the space maintainer with fingers or tongue
- Attending all scheduled check-up appointments at London Dental Specialists
- For removable appliances, cleaning them as instructed and storing them safely when not in use
What happens if a space maintainer breaks or comes loose?
If your child's space maintainer becomes damaged, breaks, or feels loose, contact London Dental Specialists immediately for an appointment. Continuing to use a damaged space maintainer could cause discomfort or oral injuries. Never attempt to adjust or repair the device at home. Our specialists will assess the situation and either repair the existing appliance or create a replacement if necessary to ensure your child's dental development stays on track.
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