Some children lose their primary teeth too soon. A prematurely empty space in the mouth can cause your child’s permanent tooth to grow in crooked. Primary teeth normally stay until the permanent teeth push them out and take their place. Unfortunately, a tooth may be knocked out accidentally or removed due to tooth decay or abscess.
When this happens, your pediatric dentist may advise a space maintainer to ‘save’ the space for permanent teeth and prevent future orthodontic problems.
A space maintainer will hold open the empty space left by a lost or removed tooth. It’s made to keep the remaining teeth steady, preventing movement (drifting or tipping) until the permanent tooth takes its natural position in the jaw.
For more information on how space maintainers can help your child’s oral health, call us today!