Three Things to Know About Space Maintainers
Space maintainers are great resources that are used in dentistry and orthodontics. They are small, metal dental pieces that are placed where a tooth once was, whether it be an adult or baby tooth. Keep reading to find out more about space maintainers.
A quick guide to space maintainers
Outlined below are a few things to know about space maintainers, including what they do, who they are recommended for, and how they work.
1. Not just for children
There is a common misconception that space maintainers are only for children; however, that is actually far from true. Although space maintainers are commonly used for children's premature tooth loss, they actually do wonders for adult teeth too. When an adult experiences extraction or dislodgement, the result is still an empty space that is at risk. A space maintainer can keep the gap open and intact until an implant can be placed.
2. The role in oral health
Space maintainers play a large role in oral health. Although they are small in size, space maintainers greatly benefit the entire oral cavity. They prevent gaps from closing and teeth from shifting, both of which can cause problems when an adult tooth erupts or when a missing adult tooth is to be replaced by an implant. If the gap is closed or if the adjacent teeth have even slightly shifted, an incoming adult tooth can become impacted, which can be painful, cause crowding, and even infect the gums. On the other hand, if the gap closes or adjacent teeth start to shift, it may be challenging to place a dental implant later on down the line.
3. Oral hygiene
While it may seem like a missing gap between teeth may not require oral hygiene attention, that is actually far from true. Once a space maintainer is placed in the missing gap, oral hygiene is still extremely important. Although it may be challenging to chew on the side of the mouth that has a space maintainer, it is still possible, which means food debris can get stuck. Even if there is no tooth present, the gums and surrounding teeth can still be poorly affected by food debris.
Left behind food debris can lead to irritation and bacterial growth, both of which can cause infection of the gums or surrounding teeth. Because of the risk, it is key to still practice good oral hygiene every day. Individuals wearing space maintainers should brush and floss regularly, and rinse with salt water or a gentle mouthwash to ensure that anything left behind is dislodged.
Learn more about space maintainers
When wanting more information on space maintainers, it is best to consult with an orthodontist. A consultation allows patients to ask questions while being evaluated by the orthodontist. The evaluation will help determine the appropriate course of action. To find out more or to get scheduled for a consultation, reach out today.
Request an appointment here: https://universalcity.ucsmilesortho.com or call UC Smiles Orthodontics at (210) 593-7623 for an appointment in our Universal City office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Related Posts
If you are considering teeth straightening treatment, ceramic braces are one of the options available for you. An orthodontist may suggest braces for many reasons. Thanks to innovations in dental technology, braces, especially more modern versions like ceramic braces, are much more comfortable to wear. Compared to traditional metal braces, ceramic braces are less noticeable…
Curious about orthodontic treatment? Read on to learn more. Straight teeth and properly aligned jaws make for a healthy and functional smile. Many people are lucky to have naturally straight teeth, but others require orthodontic intervention to correct overcrowding, gaps, or misalignment. In some cases, orthodontic therapy can extend far beyond repositioning the teeth in…
Looking for a braces specialist? Read on to learn more. You might be hesitant to see a braces specialist if you already see a general dentist regularly. In some cases, patients have an individual situation that requires consulting a specialist. Generally, these professionals have more experience in orthodontics and a consultation with them might make…
Invisalign® is a modern teeth-straightening option that serves as an alternative to metal braces. Invisalign eliminates the need for brackets and wires; instead, it uses a series of clear plastic aligners to realign the teeth. Although lots of individuals are aware of the aesthetic advantages of Invisalign, like a straighter smile, there are also health…