Space maintainer is a method used in children for various reasons. Tooth loss can occur due to various reasons. A device called a space maintainer is placed around the empty tooth area to prevent adjacent teeth from shifting into the gap.
Types of Space Maintainers
1. Fixed space maintainer appliances:
Fixed space maintainers are non-moving metal retainers mounted with adhesive. They can only be inserted and removed by the dentist.
2. Removable space maintainer appliances:
Removable space maintainers, like fixed retainers, can be used without the need for insertion and removal by the dentist. They are easier to clean and maintain. Removable space maintainers can be inserted and removed as desired.
Is a Space Maintainer Necessary for Every Baby Tooth Loss?
If root formation has passed halfway in the permanent tooth underneath the prematurely lost baby tooth, a space maintainer may not be necessary. Additionally, depending on the occlusion relationship, there may be situations where the dentist does not consider a space maintainer necessary.
What Should Be Considered When Using a Space Maintainer?
Children using space maintainers need to pay attention to oral and dental hygiene. Otherwise, food accumulation around this appliance can lead to new cavities. If problems such as oral ulcers occur when first starting to use it, immediate consultation with the dentist is necessary. It is important to use it regularly every day. If use is interrupted, the fit of the appliance in the mouth may be compromised. It should be removed before sleep, cleaned, and stored in water. If left dry for a long time, it may lose its fit with the mouth.
How Long Should Space Maintainer Appliances Be Used?
For early lost baby teeth, they can be used for a longer period. Space maintainer appliances should be used until the permanent teeth erupt. In cases of early loss, as the age progresses, the jaw structure grows and develops. Therefore, the space maintainer may become small for the tooth, the distance may shorten, and expansion or narrowing may occur. In such cases, you should immediately consult your dentist. A new space maintainer appliance will be made.
What to Watch Out for After Placing the Space Maintainer
After the space maintainers are placed, there are some points to be considered. Failure to pay attention to these may cause problems in using the space maintainer.
- Space maintainers should not be pushed or moved with fingers or tongue.
- The area around the teeth to be placed should be thoroughly disinfected to avoid causing damage to the teeth.
- Fixed space maintainers are removed under the supervision of the dentist. However, removable space maintainers can be removed while eating.
- In case of breakage, stretching, etc., they should be replaced without delay.
- Teeth should be brushed regularly.
- Dental check-ups should be done every 6 months.
Benefits of Space Maintainer Appliances
- The use of space maintainer appliances is important for children's dental development and healthy chewing functions.
- Prematurely lost baby teeth leave gaps in their place. If this space is not preserved, adjacent teeth will shift into the gap.
- Thus, the area for the erupting permanent tooth narrows. It shifts to a different area than where it should emerge. This leads to the formation of a misaligned dentition.
- A space maintainer appliance prevents this formation.
- It aligns the teeth in their normal position.
- It prevents damage to permanent teeth.
- One of the most important functions of baby teeth is to maintain the positions of the permanent teeth underneath until they erupt. Shedding of baby teeth and the eruption of permanent teeth are very delicate processes, and any wrong intervention during this process can lead to serious orthodontic problems in the future. Therefore, preserving baby teeth, preventing cavities, and preserving their positions in case of early loss are particularly important for dental aesthetics.
Article by: Dt. Sinem Batur Kara
