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 adult tooth.
According to Mouth Healthy, space maintainers help hold space for permanent teeth. However, to fully understand their significance, one must understand the ramifications of premature tooth loss. Several factors can contribute to premature tooth loss, such as decay, infection, or trauma. Regardless, when a tooth is lost, it can result in the breakdown of oral function, impacting how one chews and speaks. Aside from the less-than-appealing aesthetics associated with a missing tooth, the new space can also cause the surrounding teeth to shift.
Space maintainers directly address the more pressing ramifications of premature tooth loss. The key benefits include:
When a tooth is lost, depending on its location, it can make it difficult to freely enjoy textured foods. Likewise, when teeth shift, they can twist and turn into undesirable locations. Coupled with the jawbone still developing, chewing can become difficult or intricate.
Baby teeth serve as a precursor for adult teeth. When one is prematurely lost, the space or route the adult tooth needs to properly erupt becomes narrowed or completely closed. This new structure can lead to impaction and other severe oral development issues. Space maintainers hold the necessary space open for proper adult tooth eruption.
Space maintainers prevent the adjacent teeth of the missing space from shifting. Naturally, when a tooth is lost, the teeth will try to fill the space. As the jawbone develops, it will also try to make up the space, as nothing communicates that it is occupied. Space maintainers communicate with the surrounding teeth and jawbones that the space needs to stay open.
It is no secret that a missing tooth can cause speech problems. However, they may have longer-lasting effects on those still building their vocabulary (e.g., children and teens). As individuals learn new words and their pronunciation, they are likely to keep the improper way they learned the word as they age and even after their smile is corrected—resulting in a speech impediment and, subsequently, needing a speech therapist to correct issues. Space maintainers prevent the latter from being necessary, as they allow the jaw and adult teeth to develop without hindrance.
If you or your child has lost a tooth, space maintainers are a viable solution for preventing the ramifications associated with the condition. Contact the Braces By Abbadent office to determine an appropriate course of action unique to your situation. We serve patients in and around the Dubuque area.
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: Space Maintainers in Dubuque, IA.
Sometimes, as they grow up, some children develop a narrow upper jaw. Having a narrow jaw can lead to dental problems down the road, such as bite problems or tooth decay. Palatal expanders may be able to help. Understanding narrow jaws can help your child receive the necessary care and improve the overall dental health…
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…
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…
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…
Sometimes, as they grow up, some children develop a narrow upper jaw. Having a narrow jaw can lead to dental problems down the road, such as bite problems or tooth decay. Palatal expanders may be able to help. Understanding narrow jaws can help your child receive the necessary care and improve the overall dental health…
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…