Space maintainers are essential dental devices designed to hold the space left by a prematurely lost baby tooth. By maintaining the proper spacing, these appliances help ensure that permanent teeth grow in correctly, avoiding alignment and bite issues later on.

What Are Space Maintainers?

Space maintainers are small, custom-made devices created to fit your child’s mouth. They are designed to prevent neighboring teeth from shifting into the empty space left by a missing baby tooth, preserving room for the permanent tooth to erupt properly.

The Process:

1. Initial Consultation and Assessment: We’ll evaluate your child’s dental development and determine if a space maintainer is necessary.

2. Impressions: Digital or physical impressions of your child’s teeth are taken to ensure a custom fit.

3. Fabrication: The space maintainer is crafted from durable materials such as stainless steel.

4. Placement:  Once the space maintainer is ready, it is fitted and secured in your child’s mouth.

5. Follow-Up and Monitoring: Regular dental check-ups are scheduled to monitor your child’s oral health and the space maintainer’s effectiveness.

Indications:

• Premature loss of baby teeth due to decay, trauma, or extraction

• Preventing misalignment of permanent teeth

• Ensuring proper dental arch development

Contraindications:

• Severe dental infections that require additional treatment before placement

• Lack of space for the permanent tooth due to overcrowding (alternative orthodontic solutions may be needed)

• Poor oral hygiene habits that may increase the risk of cavities or gum issues

The Problem Space Maintainers Solve:

When baby teeth are lost too early, neighboring teeth can drift into the open space, leading to crowding or misalignment of permanent teeth. Space maintainers preserve the necessary room for permanent teeth to grow in properly, preventing more extensive orthodontic issues in the future.

Pros:

• Helps maintain proper alignment and spacing for permanent teeth

• Custom-made for a comfortable fit

• Durable and easy to care for

Cons:

• Requires good oral hygiene to prevent decay around the device

• May cause temporary discomfort on the gums

• Needs regular monitoring by a dentist

Why Choose Nook Dental for Space Maintainers?

At Nook Dental, we prioritize your child’s dental health and comfort. Our expertly designed space maintainers are tailored to fit perfectly and function effectively. With a modern, spa-like atmosphere, your child’s visit will be as stress-free and pleasant as possible.