Hours
Mon 8:00AM - 5:00PM
Tue 8:00AM - 5:00PM
Wed 8:00AM - 5:00PM
Thu 8:00AM - 5:00PM
Fri 8:00AM - 12:00PM
Space maintainers are a crucial part of pediatric dentistry, especially when a child loses a tooth prematurely. These dental devices are custom-made by our Kyle orthodontists to keep the space open and allow the permanent tooth to erupt and come into its place. Space maintainers can be either removable or fixed and are made from metal or acrylic material. They help guide the growth and development of the jaw and teeth, ensuring a healthy and attractive smile in the future.
If your child loses a baby tooth too early due to decay or injury, a space maintainer should be considered. The primary purpose of a space maintainer is to keep the space open to allow the permanent tooth to erupt in the correct position. Without a space maintainer, the teeth can tilt or drift into the empty space, leading to alignment problems and the need for more extensive orthodontic treatment in the future. It's a proactive approach to your child's oral health that can save time, money, and discomfort in the long run.
Space maintainers can also help with speech and chewing development in children.
See real patient success stories.
Space maintainers are a preventive measure to avoid future orthodontic problems. When a tooth is lost prematurely, the neighboring teeth may start to shift into the open space, causing alignment problems. Space maintainers keep this space open, allowing the permanent tooth to erupt in the correct position, reducing the likelihood of needing extensive orthodontic treatment later on.
In addition to guiding the permanent teeth into their proper position, space maintainers also help in the proper growth and development of the jaw. They ensure that there is adequate space for the emerging teeth, contributing to a well-aligned and functional bite.
By ensuring that teeth grow in their correct position, space maintainers contribute to a more attractive smile. They also enhance the function of the teeth, aiding in proper chewing, biting, and speech. This can boost your child's confidence and overall quality of life.
This adult patient underwent a transformative journey with braces and four premolar extractions, achieving a beautiful result in just under three years.
This patient's path to a happy, healthy smile consisted of two distinct phases of treatment, with a break in between. Starting with the use of an expander and braces, he successfully completed his orthodontic journey before entering high school.
Utilizing an expander and braces.
This patient's story is one of improved sleep and a radiant, full smile. Thanks to treatment with an expander and braces, not only did her breathing issues while sleeping improve, but her smile also blossomed to its fullest potential.
The first step in the space maintainer process involves a thorough consultation and examination by Dr. Tessler. He will assess your child's dental health, the number and position of missing teeth, and determine whether a space maintainer is needed.
If a space maintainer is deemed necessary, an impression of your child's mouth will be taken. This will be used to create a custom-made space maintainer to fit perfectly and comfortably in your child's mouth.
The final step involves fitting the space maintainer in your child's mouth. Dr. Tessler will ensure it fits comfortably and provides the necessary space for the permanent teeth to grow in. Regular follow-up visits will be scheduled to monitor the progress and make adjustments if necessary.