When Are Space Maintainers Recommended?

Space Maintainers Dubuque, IA

Space maintainers are often thought to only be needed for children; however, that is actually not true. They are provided by professionals who treat both children and adult patients. Keep reading to find out when space maintainers may be recommended to help patients ensure future good oral health. 

A guide to needing space maintainers

Below is a quick overview of when space maintainers are recommended by professionals . Review this information when trying to determine if and when they are necessary.

Children's teeth

Space maintainers are recommended by pediatric professionals when children lose a tooth or multiple teeth at a young age. The tooth loss may be a result of an accident, injury, or infection; however, the cause is irrelevant, as most of the time, a space maintainer will be required. 

To better determine when a recommendation will be made, it is necessary to understand that children who lose their teeth prematurely will almost always need space maintainers. This is because, when baby teeth are lost too early on, the empty space that is left becomes at risk of closing. The teeth on either side of the gap can shift and close the empty space, which can lead to a serious problem when the adult tooth starts to erupt. 

The natural process of losing baby teeth only occurs when the adult teeth are already starting to erupt, as this ensures that the space is only empty for a short period of time, making it impossible for the gap to close. 

Adult teeth

While space maintainers are rarely recommended for adult teeth, they are sometimes required. Professionals that treat adults may recommend space maintainers if a tooth has been extracted or lost. Just like with children's teeth, space maintainers can also help to prevent adult teeth from shifting and eventually closing over the empty gap. This can be especially helpful as it relates to dentistry because some adults want to undergo braces or aligners treatment to address shifting. Additionally, tooth replacement may want to be done, such as with implants. In order for the implant to be evenly placed, a series of professional treatment may be needed in order to ensure exact results. 

What else to know

When being recommended space maintainers, it is important for both children and adults to know that the placement procedure is very necessary to ensure good oral health in the future. These small metal pieces can do wonders for the surrounding teeth and the entire oral cavity. It is always best to follow the professional's recommendation to avoid problems from developing later on. 

Find out more

Looking for more information on space maintainers? Consulting with a professional is the best place to start. An evaluation can be done to determine whether or not space maintainers would be helpful. Additionally, the patient, whether a child's parent or an adult, can ask questions to get a better idea of what to expect. To learn more or to get scheduled for a consultation, contact us today!

Request an appointment here: https://www.bracesbyabbadent.com or call Braces By Abbadent at (563) 484-5202 for an appointment in our Dubuque office. 

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.

 

Recent Posts

Understanding Space Maintainers: Benefits For Growing Smiles

As their name suggests, space maintainers preserve the space in the gum tissue after a tooth is prematurely lost. We reserve them primarily for children who lose a primary or baby tooth to prevent the ramifications of tooth loss from impacting their still-developing smile. However, they also benefit anyone who has lost a secondary or…

What To Expect The First Week Of Invisalign Treatment

Thinking that Invisalign® clear aligners are a good choice for you? While there are different types of teeth straightening options available for you to choose from nowadays. If you are taking this option, it means that you want to experience the benefits of Invisalign. Ready to learn more about what to expect for the first…

How Do I Know If Braces Treatment Is Right For Me?

Understanding the types of braces available is one of the first things you must do when considering undergoing orthodontic treatment. Modern dental technologies allow for a few different choices, which means you can choose the type of braces you feel will fit in with your lifestyle. Three common braces chosen nowadays include lingual braces, clear…

The Difference Between Braces And Invisalign For Teens

If your child has extensive dental malalignment, Invisalign® for teens may not be appropriate. However, if the malalignment is relatively mild, you and your child may have the option of choosing between clear aligners and traditional braces. Comparing and contrasting the two treatments can help you decide which would most benefit your teen.There are few…

Recent Posts

Understanding Space Maintainers: Benefits For Growing Smiles

Understanding Space Maintainers: Benefits For Growing Smiles

As their name suggests, space maintainers preserve the space in the gum tissue after a tooth is prematurely lost. We reserve them primarily for children who lose a primary or baby tooth to prevent the ramifications of tooth loss from impacting their still-developing smile. However, they also benefit anyone who has lost a secondary or…

What To Expect The First Week Of Invisalign Treatment

What To Expect The First Week Of Invisalign Treatment

Thinking that Invisalign® clear aligners are a good choice for you? While there are different types of teeth straightening options available for you to choose from nowadays. If you are taking this option, it means that you want to experience the benefits of Invisalign. Ready to learn more about what to expect for the first…