At our dental practices, we believe in preserving the natural development of your child’s smile. One of the specialized services we offer to support this mission is the use of space maintainers. These devices play a crucial role in dental health, especially for young patients who lose their baby teeth prematurely or have missing teeth due to other factors.
Space maintainers are custom-made dental appliances designed to keep the space open for permanent teeth to erupt correctly. When a child loses a tooth early, whether due to decay, injury or natural loss, the adjacent teeth can shift into the empty space, causing potential issues for the eruption of permanent teeth. Space maintainers help prevent this shifting, ensuring the path remains clear for future teeth.
Our primary goal is to ensure the healthy development of your child’s permanent teeth. Space maintainers are vital in avoiding the need for more extensive orthodontic treatments in the future. They help maintain the integrity of your child’s dental arches, supporting proper jaw development and the correct spacing of adult teeth.
Dr. Bart Sloan, Dr. Matthew Jacobsen and Dr. Daniel Ford offer both removable and fixed space maintainers, tailored to each child’s specific needs. Fixed space maintainers are attached to the teeth, while removable ones can be taken out for cleaning. During your consultation, we will assess your child’s situation and recommend the best type of space maintainer for them, ensuring comfort and effectiveness.
If a space maintainer is recommended, we will start by taking impressions of your child’s mouth to create a custom-fit appliance. Our team ensures the fitting process is quick and comfortable and we provide all the necessary guidance for care and maintenance.
Proper care is essential for the effectiveness of space maintainers. We recommend regular dental visits to monitor the progress and adjust the appliance as needed. Good oral hygiene practices are crucial, and we will guide you and your child on how to best care for the space maintainer, including brushing techniques and foods to avoid.
Our dental team is dedicated to providing a welcoming and supportive environment for you and your child. We understand the importance of early intervention in dental health and are committed to guiding you through the process of using space maintainers. Together, we can ensure the healthy development of your child’s smile.
Ensuring your child’s dental health is a journey we are excited to embark on with you. Space maintainers in Highland and Lehi, Utah, are just one of the many ways we can support your child’s dental development, paving the way for a beautiful, healthy smile that lasts a lifetime. If you have any questions or concerns about space maintainers or any other dental matters, please feel free to reach out to us. Our pediatric dentists and team are here to provide the information and care you need.