Healthy baby teeth are important to your child's present and future dental health. They encourage proper growth and development of the jaw bones and muscles, aid in eating, and preserve space for permanent teeth. A baby tooth usually stays in place until a permanent tooth takes its place. Some children may lose a baby tooth early if it has been injured in an accident or if it has dental disease. When a baby tooth is lost too early, your child may benefit from a space maintainer. Without the use of a space maintainer, teeth that surround the open space can shift, resulting in more extensive orthodontic treatment in the future.
Space maintainers are typically made of stainless steel and/or acrylics and are cemented to the teeth (fixed) or removable. Space maintainers come in various designs depending on the location or size of the space.
Caring for Your Child’s Space Maintainer
There are four general rules for taking care of your child’s appliance.
- Your child should avoid sticky foods, including candy and chewing gum
- Encourage your child not to push or tug on the space maintainer with his fingers or tongue
- Keep your child’s space maintainer clean through effective brushing and flossing
- Your child should continue to see his pediatric dentist for regular dental visits