Has your child recently lost a baby tooth? While it might seem like a small thing, premature tooth loss can have a significant impact on your child’s oral development. At Smiles at Southgate in Edmonton, we understand the importance of preserving space for the eruption of permanent teeth. That’s why we offer high-quality space maintainer solutions to help ensure your child develops a healthy, beautiful smile.
What are Space Maintainers?
Space maintainers are orthodontic devices designed to prevent the shifting of surrounding teeth after a baby tooth is lost prematurely. When a baby tooth falls out early, the adjacent teeth may naturally drift into the empty space, which can lead to:
- Crowded Teeth: This can make it difficult for your child to bite, chew, and speak properly.
- Misaligned Bite: Crowding can affect the proper alignment of the upper and lower jaws, potentially leading to bite problems.
- Increased Risk of Cavities and Gum Disease: Crowded teeth can be more difficult to clean thoroughly, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
The Importance of Space Maintainers
- Prevent Crowding and Misalignment: By maintaining the space for the erupting permanent tooth, space maintainers help ensure proper alignment and may prevent the need for more extensive orthodontic treatment like braces in the future.
- Promote Healthy Jaw Development: Preserving space allows for the natural and healthy development of your child’s jaw, contributing to a balanced and functional bite.
- Boost Self-Confidence: A straight, healthy smile can significantly boost your child’s self-esteem and confidence, helping them feel good about themselves.
What to Expect During Your Child's Appointment
- Comprehensive Examination: Our experienced pediatric dentists will conduct a thorough examination of your child’s mouth to assess the need for a space maintainer and determine the best treatment option for their specific situation.
- Creating the Space Maintainer: We will take an impression of your child’s teeth to create a custom-fitted space maintainer that is comfortable and effective.
- Placement and Instructions: Our team will carefully place the space maintainer and provide you with detailed care instructions, including proper cleaning techniques and dietary recommendations. We’ll also answer any questions you may have.
Post-Treatment Care
- Regular Checkups: Regular dental checkups are essential to monitor your child’s progress and ensure the space maintainer is functioning correctly.
- Oral Hygiene: We will provide specific instructions on how to maintain good oral hygiene while your child is wearing a space maintainer, including proper brushing and flossing techniques.
- Dietary Considerations: Depending on the type of space maintainer, your child may need to avoid certain foods like sticky candies or hard foods.
Why Choose Smiles at Southgate for Space Maintainers?
- Experienced Pediatric Dentists: Our team of highly qualified and compassionate pediatric dentists specializes in providing gentle and comprehensive care for children of all ages. We understand that visiting the dentist can be a new experience for some children, and we strive to create a warm, welcoming, and fun environment to make dental visits enjoyable.
- Child-Friendly Atmosphere: We go the extra mile to make your child feel comfortable and relaxed during their visit. Our office is designed with children in mind, and we offer a variety of distractions to help them feel at ease.
- State-of-the-Art Technology: We utilize the latest dental technologies and techniques to ensure the most accurate diagnosis and effective treatment for your child.
- Personalized Approach: We believe in providing personalized care tailored to your child’s individual needs and concerns.
- Commitment to Community: As a trusted member of the Southwest Edmonton community, we are dedicated to providing exceptional dental care for children and families.
Frequently Asked Questions
A space maintainer is typically recommended when a baby tooth is lost prematurely, before the permanent tooth is ready to erupt.
There are two main types:
- Fixed Space Maintainers: These are cemented to the adjacent teeth and remain in place until the permanent tooth erupts.
- Removable Space Maintainers: These are similar to retainers and can be removed for cleaning and care.
The duration varies depending on the individual child and the timing of permanent tooth eruption. Your dentist will determine the appropriate time frame.1 the complexity of the procedure, and 2 whether additional procedures are required. We will provide you with a personalized cost estimate during your consultation.
- Yes, in most cases. However, your dentist will provide specific dietary guidelines depending on the type of space maintainer.
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Related Services
- Orthodontics: Explore our orthodontic services, including braces, Invisalign®, and other options for achieving a beautiful smile.
- Pediatric Dentistry: Learn more about our comprehensive range of pediatric dental services, including checkups, cleanings, fillings, and more.