Losing a tooth is a big deal for most kids and parents, but sometimes one can fall out too soon. Our office can fabricate a space-maintaining appliance if your child has lost a primary tooth prematurely. This appliance holds the space for the future eruption of their permanent tooth.
A space-maintaining appliance is fabricated out of metal wire and a metal band. It is cemented onto an adjacent tooth and holds the space for your child’s adult tooth to grow in. Your child will wear it on the upper or lower teeth, depending on which primary tooth was lost. Our team will work with you to ensure that your child is comfortable wearing the space maintainer and that it fits properly.
If your child has lost a baby tooth prematurely, the best way to know if they need a space maintainer is to bring them in for an examination. Our team can evaluate your child’s mouth and make a recommendation based on their individual needs. If your child needs a space maintainer, they’ll only need to wear it until their permanent teeth begin to erupt.
There are many benefits to having a space maintainer. These devices can reduce the risk of various dental concerns for your child, including:
Space-maintaining appliances are an important part of pediatric dental care. If your child has prematurely lost a primary tooth, contact Premier Pediatric Dentistry to discuss whether a space maintainer is right for them.
