Space Maintainers
When primary (baby) teeth are lost prematurely, space maintainers are used to ensure there’s enough room for the permanent teeth to erupt in the right position.
How do space maintainers work and when are they needed?
How do space maintainers work?
Space maintainers are small devices, applied on the teeth surrounding a gap, formed by the loss of a baby tooth. A ring is attached to one of the teeth with a shaped wire leaning on the other. This allows space for the permanent teeth to erupt by ensuring that the surrounding baby teeth won’t move and close the gap.
Why are space maintainers needed?
If a baby tooth falls out and the surrounding teeth lean towards each other closing the gap, this will prevent the permanent tooth to erupt properly. This can cause a number of issues from simple pain and discomfort, through misalignment of teeth, to gum recession if the problem remains unaddressed.
Dr Maria Kalkani
Specialist Paediatric Dental Surgeon
DDS, MFDS RCPSG, MSc (Distinction), MPAed Dent, PGCert (UCL)
Dr Maria Kalkani is an experienced Paediatric Dentist with expertise in children’s dental care, complex cases, and advanced restorative treatments.
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