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Why Does My Child Need a Space Maintainer?
By age three, most children have their full set of 20 primary teeth. The baby teeth generally begin to "shed" about age six. The first of the 32 permanent teeth begin to appear about the same time.
A primary tooth sometimes is prematurely lost because of tooth decay or injury. If that happens before the permanent tooth is fully developed and ready to emerge, the nearby teeth can "tip" or shift into the space formerly occupied by the primary tooth.
When the permanent tooth tries to grow into the spot, there may not be enough room for it. The new tooth may emerge lopsided or be unable to erupt, leading to malocclusion (crooked teeth). The vacant spot also may cause a permanent tooth to prematurely erupt.
Teeth that are crooked or crowded are more difficult to clean, which can increase the risk oftooth decay. They can make chewing difficult and crooked teeth can negatively affect appearance. And teeth that are out of their proper position are likely to wear down more quickly than others.
A space maintainer holds open the spot left by a lost primary tooth until the permanent tooth is ready to emerge. It generally is a device that is firmly fixed in the mouth. The dentist will later remove this device once the permanent tooth is in its proper position.
The space maintainer may consist of a band or a temporary crown attached to the tooth on one side of the space. A wire loop or spring bridges the gap to the tooth on the other side.
The early loss of primary teeth can lead to more complicated problems later if left untreated. Therefore, if your child loses a primary tooth, see your dentist.
As the permanent molars appear, your dentist also may recommend that sealants be applied to their chewing surfaces. Sealants form a thin barrier that helps protect the chewing surfaces from the effects of decay-causing bacteria.
Your child's permanent teeth can last a lifetime with thorough brushing and flossing each day, regular dental checkups and eating a balanced diet.
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