Space Maintainers in Phoenix, AZ
Premature tooth loss of baby teeth, whether due to extraction, decay, or injury, can result in the adjacent teeth shifting toward the gap, leading to misalignment and spacing concerns. At Smiley Kids Dental, we offer custom-designed space maintainers to preserve the space left by missing teeth, promoting healthy oral development.
Reducing or even eliminating the need for future orthodontic treatment
- Prevent the adjacent teeth from shifting toward the gap.
- Preserve the space needed for the permanent tooth to erupt correctly.
- Reduce the risk of overcrowding or misalignment.
- Support proper jaw and facial development.
The Importance of Maintaining Healthy Baby Teeth
Baby teeth play a vital role in the healthy development of your little one's jawbone and facial muscles. They support chewing and speech development and hold the space needed for the permanent teeth to erupt in their proper alignment. Premature loss of a baby tooth can result in the remaining teeth drifting and shifting out of alignment, leaving crooked teeth, crowding, and problems with the bite. This usually means a child will need future orthodontic treatment.
What Are Space Maintainers?
Space maintainers are fixed or removable oral appliances made of metal or acrylic. As their name implies, they help maintain the space left by lost or extracted baby teeth, ensuring the adult teeth have the room they need to erupt correctly. By preventing the adjacent teeth from shifting, space maintainers help maintain the alignment of your child's teeth and significantly reduce the need for future orthodontic treatment. Your little one's space maintainer will stay in place until the permanent tooth is ready to come in.
When Is the Best Time for Space Maintainers?
Space maintainers are most beneficial in the first six weeks after losing a baby tooth. Otherwise, the teeth on either side of the gap can begin to shift and tilt toward the gap, leading to long-term alignment concerns. The sooner a space maintainer is placed, the better the chances of preventing this shifting and ensuring proper alignment.
Who Is a Candidate for Space Maintainers?
Not every child who loses a baby tooth will need a space maintainer. Several factors determine candidacy, including the location of the lost tooth. Front teeth may not always require space maintainers, unlike the molars, which play a critical role in maintaining alignment.
The timing of tooth loss is also important. If the lost tooth was close to falling out naturally, a space maintainer may not be required. The rate at which permanent teeth come in can also vary. If a tooth is expected to come in significantly later than the neighboring teeth, a space maintainer may be necessary to safeguard your child's smile.
Space Maintainers Near Me in Phoenix, AZ
If your child loses a baby tooth before its permanent replacement is ready to come in, don’t wait. Contact Smiley Kids Dental to schedule a consultation. We may recommend a space maintainer to safeguard your child’s smile. We strive to ensure our young patients enjoy long-term healthy and beautiful smiles.
Ready to experience the Smiley Kids Dental Difference? We invite you to call (602) 858-8400 to schedule your child’s appointment or request one online today. Our dedicated mom-dentists and team look forward to caring for your child’s smile.
Ready for your child's appointment?
Book your child’s dental appointment at Smiley Kids Dental in Phoenix, AZ, for a fun, stress-free visit! Our kid-friendly dentists provide gentle, expert care, ensuring bright smiles and healthy teeth. From routine checkups to cavity prevention, we make every visit comfortable and educational. Schedule today and give your child the best start for lifelong oral health!