Does My Child Really Need a Space Maintainer?

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As a parent, you may have heard about space maintainers and wondered if they are really necessary for your child. At Marshfield Pediatric Dentistry, we understand your concerns and aim to provide you with the necessary information to make informed decisions about your child's oral health.

What Are Space Maintainers and Why Are They Important?

Space maintainers are dental devices custom-made by our pediatric dentists, Dr. Julie Hantson and Dr. Amanda Alon. They are used to hold space for permanent teeth when a child loses a baby tooth prematurely, before the permanent tooth is ready to erupt. 

• Prevention of Dental Crowding: Without a space maintainer, the adjacent teeth may start to drift into the empty space, leading to crowding or misalignment when the permanent tooth tries to come in.
• Guiding Permanent Teeth: Space maintainers help guide permanent teeth into their correct positions, reducing the likelihood of needing orthodontic treatment in the future.

Types of Space Maintainers

There are several types of space maintainers, and the choice depends on the number and location of the missing teeth. 

• Removable Space Maintainers: These are similar to orthodontic appliances and are usually used when the space is visible and affects the child's appearance.
• Fixed Space Maintainers: These are cemented into place and can only be removed by a dentist. They are typically used when the child is too young or unable to cooperate with the care of a removable device.

When Does Your Child Need a Space Maintainer?

Not every child who loses a baby tooth early will need a space maintainer. The decision depends on several factors, including the child's age, which tooth was lost, and how soon the permanent tooth is expected to come in. 

• Age Factor: Older children who are close to naturally losing their baby teeth may not need a space maintainer.
• Tooth Factor: If the lost tooth is one that normally stays in place until around age 12-13, a space maintainer may be recommended.

Caring for Space Maintainers

Proper care of space maintainers involves regular cleaning and avoiding hard or sticky foods that can dislodge the device. 

• Regular Cleaning: Teach your child to clean around the space maintainer with a toothbrush and floss.
• Avoid Certain Foods: Hard or sticky foods can dislodge fixed space maintainers. Encourage your child to avoid these types of foods.

Schedule Your Consultation in Marshfield Today!

If you're still unsure about whether your child needs a space maintainer, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Hantson or Dr. Alon at Marshfield Pediatric Dentistry. They will examine your child's mouth, discuss your concerns, and provide personalized advice based on your child's specific needs. Call us today at (781) 205-1124 to request an appointment.