Space maintainers are essential tools in the prevention of dental decay. When a child loses a tooth, it is often necessary to place a space maintainer to ensure that the teeth surrounding the space do not drift together and create an even greater space. There are several different types of space maintainers, and your dentist will be able to help you choose the best one for your child. When selecting a space maintainer, it is crucial to consider the child’s age, tooth loss, and jaw alignment. This article looks at the different types of space maintainers a dentist specializing in space maintainers in Brea can recommend.
- Band-and-Loop Space Maintainer
The band-and-loop space maintainer is the most common type of space maintainer. It is a band of metal attached to the tooth on one side and a small loop around the tooth next to the space on the other side. This type of space maintainer is often recommended for children who have lost a baby tooth. It comes with several benefits, including the following:
- It is easy to use and clean.
- It is comfortable for the child to wear.
- It is effective in preventing teeth from drifting together.
- It does not require any surgical procedures to be installed.
- Fixed Bracket Space Maintainer
A fixed bracket space maintainer is a more permanent option often recommended for children who have lost a permanent tooth. It consists of a metal bracket bonded to the teeth on either side of the space and a wire that spans the gap between the brackets. This type of space maintainer is more effective than the band-and-loop space maintainer in preventing teeth from drifting together. Still, it is also more difficult to clean and uncomfortable for the child to wear. On the upside, it does not need to be replaced as often as the band-and-loop space maintainer.
- Removable Space Maintainer
A removable space maintainer is a less permanent option often recommended for children who are likely to lose more teeth in the future. It consists of a metal wire fitted into a plastic or rubber mold that fits over the teeth on either side of the space. This type of space maintainer is easy to clean and can be removed for eating and brushing teeth. However, it is less effective in preventing teeth from drifting together than the other types of space maintainers.
- Transpalatal Arch
The transpalatal arch is a type of space maintainer often recommended for children who have a narrow jaw or are undergoing orthodontic treatment. It consists of a metal band fitted around the top of the child’s teeth and two metal arches that fit over the molars on either side of the space. This type of space maintainer effectively prevents teeth from drifting together and is comfortable for the child to wear.
To summarize, your dentist specializing in space maintainers in Brea can recommend several different types of space maintainers. It is crucial to consider the child’s age, tooth loss, and jaw alignment when selecting a space maintainer, and your dentist will be able to help you choose the best option for your child.
