Modesto Kidz Dental has a state-of-the-art office conveniently located in Modesto that specializes in all aspects of pediatric dentistry. When our young patients lose a tooth too early due to trauma or decay, it may be necessary for a space maintainer to be utilized to keep the remaining teeth in place in these developing smiles. Space maintainers help children develop healthy smiles, and the dentists at Modesto Kidz can help determine if this is the right course for your child’s smile.
When a tooth is extracted or lost due to an accident or decay, or even when a tooth does not come in for an unknown reason, it can lead to many dental issues in the future. When a tooth is missing, the existing teeth shift to fill in the gap causing them to become crooked, crowded and even affect speech or chewing function. This shifting can also crowd the area where the permanent teeth will eventually erupt.
Space maintainers are devices meant to fill the space left by a missing tooth. They are custom fitted to your child’s mouth using a mold and are effective in keeping the other primary teeth in place, so permanent teeth erupt in the proper position. The appliance is applied and removed (when ready) by your dentist. Young children may have a space maintainers that stay in place for years since some permanent teeth don’t emerge until later into the development stage.
Many varieties of space maintainers exist. The dentists at Modesto Kidz Dental will customize a treatment and recommend a space maintainer that works best for your child’s unique smile. Made of plastic or metal, space maintainers may consist of a band or a temporary crown that attaches to one side of the open space with a loop or bar contacting the tooth on the other side of the space.
Contact Modesto Kidz Dental for an appointment to discuss space maintainers or any need related to caring your child’s smile today at (209) 578-3131.
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