At The Orchid Dental Clinic, we offer specialized solutions for space maintainers, essential for ensuring proper dental development in children. Space maintainers are devices used to hold space in the mouth when a primary (baby) tooth is lost prematurely, allowing the permanent teeth to erupt in the correct position.

What are Space Maintainers?

Space maintainers are dental appliances designed to preserve the space left by a lost primary tooth. When a primary tooth is lost early due to decay or injury, it can lead to misalignment of the permanent teeth if the space is not maintained. Space maintainers help to:

1. Prevent Shifting: Maintain the position of adjacent teeth to prevent them from shifting into the empty space.

2. Ensure Proper Eruption: Allow permanent teeth to come in correctly, reducing the need for orthodontic treatment later.

3. Promote Healthy Dental Development: Ensure that the child's dental development proceeds normally and without complications.

Types of Space Maintainers

There are several types of space maintainers, each designed to address different needs:

1. Fixed Space Maintainers: These are cemented in place and are not removable by the patient. Examples include:

    - Band and Loop Maintainer

    - Nance Appliance

    - Distal Shoe Maintainer

2. Removable Space Maintainers: These can be taken out by the patient and are usually used for specific cases. Examples include:

    - Partial Denture

The Space Maintainer Procedure

The process for fitting a space maintainer involves several steps:

1. Examination and Assessment: We conduct a thorough examination to determine the need for a space maintainer and select the appropriate type.

2. Impression and Fitting: Impressions of the child's teeth are taken to create a custom-fitted appliance.

3. Placement: The space maintainer is placed in the mouth and adjusted for a proper fit.

4. Follow-Up: Regular follow-up visits ensure that the appliance is functioning correctly and the space is being maintained.