Space Maintainers: Protecting Your Child’s Future Smile
When baby teeth are lost too early, space maintainers play a crucial role in preserving proper alignment for permanent teeth. At Children’s Dental Centre of York, our pediatric dentists use custom space maintainers to ensure your child’s smile develops correctly.
Understanding Space maintainers are custom-made dental appliances that hold open the space left by a prematurely lost baby tooth. These appliances prevent neighboring teeth from shifting, ensuring proper space remains for permanent teeth to erupt correctly. They’re especially important for maintaining proper bite alignment and preventing future orthodontic issues.
Types of Space Maintainers
Unilateral Space Maintainers
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- Band and loop design
- Custom-fitted to your child’s mouth
- Maintains space for a single missing tooth
- Ideal for premature loss due to decay
- Preserves space on one side of the mouth
- Comfortable and easy to maintain
Bilateral Space Maintainers
- Lower Lingual Holding Arch
- Preserves space on both sides
- Used when multiple baby teeth are missing
- Maintains proper arch width
- Prevents tooth shifting
- Ensures proper permanent tooth eruption
- Nance Space Maintainer
- Upper arch space preservation
- Maintains symmetry of dental arch
- Supports proper bite development
- Custom-designed for comfort
Care and Maintenance
Our team will provide detailed instructions for:
- Proper cleaning techniques
- Foods to avoid
- Regular monitoring
- Signs that adjustment may be needed
- Maintenance schedule
When your child needs a space maintainer, trust the experienced pediatric dental team at Children’s Dental Centre of York. Call (717) 741-0848 to schedule a consultation and learn how we can protect your child’s developing smile.
Trust Your Child's Smile to York's Premier Pediatric Dental Team
Schedule your child’s dental appointment today – where expert care meets gentle treatment for healthy, growing smiles.
Call (717) 741-0848
