Essential Treatment for Healthy Dental Development
Space Maintainers in Palo Alto
At Beckstead Dental Group, we are dedicated to providing the highest standard of pediatric dentistry as part of the family dental care Palo Alto trusts. One of the key treatments we offer to support the healthy dental development of children is space maintainers. These small but critical devices can make a significant difference in your child’s oral health by ensuring that their permanent teeth have the proper space to emerge correctly.
What Are Space Maintainers?
Space maintainers are appliances made of metal or acrylic, designed to keep a space open in the mouth. They are used when a child loses one or more baby teeth prematurely, whether due to decay, injury, or other causes. Without a space maintainer, the existing teeth can shift into the open space, potentially causing alignment problems and obstructing the proper eruption of permanent teeth. This can lead to crowding or impaction, which will require a lengthier treatment period with braces and, in the case of impaction, oral surgery to correct. By holding space in the jaw, space maintainers help ensure that future orthodontic problems like these are minimized or avoided.
Types of Space Maintainers
There are several types of space maintainers that can be utilized, depending on the specific needs of each child:
- Fixed Unilateral: These are used when one tooth is missing on one side of the mouth. They are attached to the adjacent tooth and extend across the gap to hold space for the missing tooth. This type is fixed, meaning it is cemented into place, providing a stable and durable solution to prevent neighboring teeth from shifting into the open space.
- Fixed Bilateral: Similar to unilateral maintainers, these are used when there are multiple missing teeth on both sides of the mouth. Fixed bilateral space maintainers often involve a wire connected across the roof of the mouth or along the lower jaw to keep spaces open on both sides, ensuring proper alignment across the wider span of the mouth.
- Removable: These are more like orthodontic appliances and are suitable for older children who can manage their care. Removable space maintainers are designed for easy removal and cleaning, offering a convenient option for maintaining space while also being easy to adjust as the child grows or as their dental needs change.
At Beckstead Dental Group, part of the family dental care Palo Alto loves, we customize each space maintainer to fit comfortably and effectively, ensuring that your child’s dental development proceeds optimally.
The Importance of Space Maintainers
The primary benefit of space maintainers is their role in a child’s dental development. These devices not only prevent the shifting of teeth but also aid in the proper alignment and spacing of permanent teeth as they erupt. This can reduce the need for extensive orthodontic treatments later in life. Early intervention with space maintainers can contribute to a healthier bite and better overall oral health, highlighting their importance in preventive dental strategies.
Procedure and Care
The process of getting space maintainers typically involves a few visits to our office. During the initial consultation, we will take detailed impressions of your child’s mouth, which are then used to craft the custom-fit appliance. Once the space maintainer is ready, it is fitted and adjusted to ensure comfort and effectiveness.
Caring for space maintainers involves regular cleaning as part of daily oral hygiene practices. It’s important for children to brush around the maintainers to prevent plaque buildup and to avoid sticky candies or chewing gum that can dislodge or damage the appliance. Regular check-ups at Beckstead Dental Group, the center for family dental care Palo Alto trusts, are essential to monitor the health of the surrounding teeth and the effectiveness of the space maintainer.
Why Beckstead Dental Group for Space Maintainers?
Choosing Beckstead Dental Group means trusting a team that is committed to the long-term dental health of your child. Our experienced pediatric dentists understand the intricacies of dental growth and development, and we are equipped to provide tailored treatments that meet the unique needs of each young patient. Our gentle approach and child-friendly environment make us a favorite among families seeking reliable and compassionate dental care in Palo Alto.
Secure Your Child’s Smile Future
If your child has lost a tooth prematurely, consider the benefits of space maintainers to safeguard their future smile. At Beckstead Dental Group, we offer the specialized pediatric dental care that your family needs to ensure healthy, beautiful smiles for life. Contact us today to learn more about space maintainers and the comprehensive family dental care Palo Alto loves. Let us be a part of your child’s journey to a lifetime of good oral health.