Space maintainers are dental devices used to fill the gaps left by missing teeth in children's mouths. They help keep the teeth in their proper positions and prevent any surrounding teeth from shifting or becoming misaligned. Space maintainers can be customized to fit a child's specific dental needs, and they are typically used for children who have lost their baby teeth prematurely or due to injury.
Are you in Naperville and looking for a dental clinic that offers excellent Space Maintainers dental services? Pinky Promise Pediatric Dentistry is here for you and your child. Contact us today at (630) 687-9292.
The only sure way to tell if your child needs space maintainers is to visit a dentist. That said, there are signs you can look out for at home. For example, if your child loses a tooth prematurely, that’s a red flag. Baby teeth act as placeholders for permanent teeth, so when one falls out too soon, adjacent teeth can shift into the empty space. This can lead to crowding and misalignment, making it difficult for permanent teeth to grow in properly.
In addition to losing teeth prematurely, if you notice your child's teeth shifting or becoming misaligned, it may be time to consider space maintainers. As mentioned, when baby teeth are lost too soon, neighboring teeth can start to shift. This can create uneven spacing, causing permanent teeth to come in crooked or at odd angles. Space maintainers can help keep the proper distance between teeth, making room for permanent teeth to grow straight and aligned.
Another sign your child may need space maintainers is difficulty biting or chewing food. When teeth are not properly spaced, it can be challenging for children to eat certain foods. If you notice your child avoiding certain foods or struggling to eat, it's worth considering space maintainers.
Space maintainers offer several benefits for children's dental health:
Space maintainers prevent the remaining teeth from shifting, which can lead to further dental issues such as misalignment, crowding, and bite problems.
When children lose their baby teeth prematurely, they may experience difficulty speaking clearly. Space maintainers can help maintain proper alignment and improve speech clarity.
By using space maintainers, you can avoid the need for more extensive dental treatment in the future, such as braces or other orthodontic procedures.
Dr. Neelon Patel will examine your child's teeth and determine whether space maintainers are necessary. If so, he will discuss the various types of space maintainers available and help you choose the best option for your child's needs.
Dr. Neelon Patel will take impressions of your child's teeth and use them to create custom space maintainers. These devices will be designed to fit snugly in your child's mouth and stay in place while they eat, speak, and play.
Your child will need to return to our office for follow-up appointments to ensure the space maintainers are working effectively and to make any necessary adjustments.
Once your child's permanent teeth have grown in, the space maintainers will no longer be necessary and can be safely removed by Dr. Neelon Patel.
We accept all PPO insurance plans. We do not accept Medicaid or HMO policies. For our uninsured patients, ask us about our Membership Plan, Pinky Perks!
