One of the most common dental concerns parents should expect in their kids is premature tooth loss. Children may lose their teeth after a traumatic event or periodontal decay that may cause a tooth to loosen and fall out prematurely. However, tooth loss in children may not be a significant concern because permanent teeth will grow to replace any lost teeth. Regardless, kids must get space maintainers Brea to preserve the integrity of the gums and thus eliminate any problems that may hinder the successful development of permanent teeth.
What are space maintainers?
Whenever a tooth falls out, there is a gap in the mouth where the former teeth stood. Physicians recommend space maintainers preserve the void left behind when children lose their teeth. These appliances make it easier for permanent teeth to develop because they eliminate dental complications like subsequent gum tissue loss that may occur due to premature tooth loss.
Metal and acrylic are the primary materials physicians leverage when making space maintainers. Parents must understand that space maintainers can be removable, or dentists can fix them in the child’s mouth, depending on preference.
The process of fixing space maintainers involves the use of dental cement. Removable space maintainers are orthodontic appliances which may include an artificial tooth for esthetic appeal. When babies lose their teeth too soon, there is a chance that the surrounding teeth may shift into the space left behind. For this reason, it would be wise to discuss with a dentist preventative measures like the use of space maintainers to preserve the integrity of the gap and thus ensure permanent teeth develop in the correct position.
Your dentist will explain what space maintainers involve before your child begins the process. Although dentists can fix these appliances into the gap, you should expect a removal procedure when permanent teeth start coming in because the devices will no longer be necessary.
Complications of premature primary teeth loss
Primary teeth precede and thus influence the development of permanent teeth. When a child prematurely loses primary teeth, complications might occur, affecting the integrity of permanent teeth. For this reason, dentists recommend space maintainers to preserve the gal and prevent the following complications from occurring:
- Lack of space for permanent teeth to erupt
- Impacted and overcrowded teeth due to improper permanent teeth eruption
- Malocclusions
- Speech impediments
What are the different types of space maintainers?
It is essential to seek emergency care for your baby’s tooth loss. Your care provider will schedule a consultation with a dentist to understand your child’s oral status and thus determine the perfect type of space maintainers to recommend. The following are the four most common types of space maintainers that dentists recommend:
- Unilateral space maintainers
- Crown and loop space maintainers
- Lingual space maintainers
- Distal shoe space maintainers
If you are unsure about which space maintainers are ideal for your child, collaborate with a dental provider to receive an accurate recommendation. Contact Dental Kids Club to find out what type of space maintainers would benefit your young one to ensure proper permanent teeth eruption that will guarantee a beautiful smile for your child.
