Space Maintainers In Glendale, California in Glendale

Space maintainers are dental appliances designed to keep space open in a child's mouth after a primary (baby) tooth is lost prematurely due to decay or injury. By holding the space where the lost tooth was, these devices prevent neighboring teeth from shifting into the gap, ensuring that there is enough room for the permanent tooth to come in correctly.

What are Space Maintainers?

Space maintainers are custom-made dental devices. They are tailored to fit a child's specific needs and are used to maintain the proper spacing and alignment of teeth after a premature tooth loss.

Benefits of Space Maintainers

Prevents Shifting of Teeth
When a primary tooth is lost too early, neighboring teeth may shift into the empty space. Space maintainers hold the space open, preventing this shift and ensuring there is enough room for the permanent tooth to emerge correctly.

Supports Proper Dental Development
By maintaining the proper alignment of the remaining teeth, space maintainers help support overall dental development. This can prevent more severe orthodontic issues later on, such as crowding or misalignment.

Promotes a Healthy Smile
Using space maintainers helps maintain a healthy and well-aligned smile as the child grows. Proper spacing ensures that permanent teeth come in straight and correctly positioned.

Types of Space Maintainers

Fixed Space Maintainers
Fixed space maintainers are cemented into place and remain in the mouth until the permanent tooth begins to come in. There are several types of fixed space maintainers:

  • Band and Loop Maintainers: A metal band is attached to an adjacent tooth, with a loop extending into the gap to hold the space. It is for loss of a single tooth.

  • Lingual Holding Arch/ Upper Nance: Used for multiple missing teeth and missing teeth on both sides.

  • Distal Shoe Appliance: This is used for the missing second primary molar and guides the eruption of the adjacent first permanent molar.

  • Anterior Pedi Partials: Anterior pedi partials (pediatric partial dentures) are dental devices designed for children who have lost their anterior (front) teeth due to trauma, decay, or congenital issues. These temporary prosthetics are made from durable, child-safe materials and help maintain both function and psychological well-being.

    Key Reasons for pedo partials:

  • Speech Development: Missing front teeth can cause speech problems, especially with sounds like “th” and “f”. Pedi partials assist in clear speech by providing the necessary structure.

  • Tongue Positioning: Anterior teeth guide proper tongue placement for swallowing and speaking. Missing teeth can lead to improper tongue movements, which may cause future orthodontic issues.

  • Aesthetics and Self-Esteem: Missing teeth can negatively impact a child’s confidence and willingness to interact. Pedi partials help restore their smile, boosting self-esteem.

  • Maintaining Space for Permanent Teeth: Lost primary teeth can cause neighboring teeth to drift, leading to misalignment. Pedi partials maintain space for the permanent teeth, ensuring proper alignment.

The Process of Getting a Space Maintainer

Consultation and Examination
During the initial visit, the dentist will examine the child's mouth, take X-rays, and assess the need for a space maintainer. A treatment plan will be created based on the findings.

Chairside fabrication Some space maintainers (Band and Loop and Distal Shoe) can be fitted and placed in one visit.

Lab fabrication Some space maintainers (Lower Lingual Holding Arch, Nance Appliance, and Pedo Partials) must be made in the lab. The dentist will make an impression of the child’s mouth and send it to a lab for fabrication. At the next visit, once the space maintainer is ready, it will be fitted and cemented into place.

Follow-Up and Monitoring Regular dental check-ups are essential to monitor the space maintainer and ensure it remains effective. The dentist will check for any issues and make adjustments as needed.

Reach Out Today

If you’re looking for space maintainers in Glendale, Little Wonder Children's Dentistry is here to assist you. Contact us at 818-296-0204 to schedule an appointment and learn more about how space maintainers can benefit your child's dental health.