Index
1. What is a space maintainer?
2. Why is it performed?
3. What does it consist of?
4. Preparation for the space maintainer
5. Care after the procedure
What is a space maintainer?
A space maintainer is an appliance that serves to preserve the space between teeth when a tooth is lost or extracted early.
Space maintainers are made of a metal or acrylic material and are custom-made.
The space maintainer preserves the space between teeth.
Why is it performed?
It is used in pediatric dentistry when a child loses a baby tooth prematurely, either due to trauma, infection or severe decay. In this way, the space maintainer allows the space to be conserved until the permanent tooth grows in, helping to guide the teeth into the correct position and the development of the jaw bones and muscles.
A dental specialist must examine the patient’s case and determine the need for a space maintainer.
What does it consist of?
There are two types of space maintainers:
– Removable: they are held in place with clasps, which allow them to be removed when necessary. It is important to wear them long enough each day, otherwise the treatment may fail.
– Fixed: they are placed on the teeth adjacent to the space we want to preserve. There are four types: unilateral, crown and rim, distal and lingual footwear.
Once the fixed space maintainer has been custom-made, it is placed by attaching a crown or band to nearby teeth, which will prevent crowding while the permanent tooth erupts.
Preparation for the space maintainer
Good dental hygiene should be maintained, especially in the teeth to which the space maintainer will be attached.
Care after the procedure
With regard to the fixed space maintainer, it is important not to eat food that can get stuck, such as chewing gum or candy. It is also important not to press or push with the tongue, as this can loosen or deform the appliance, and to maintain proper daily dental hygiene after each meal.
On the other hand, in addition to the above recommendations, removable space maintainers should be cleaned with baking soda and brushed gently.