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Space Maintainers

space maintainers kids' dentist Fort Collins

Keeping Room for Growing Smiles

Space Maintainers at The Toothzone Network

At The Toothzone Network, we understand that every child’s smile is unique and sometimes requires specific interventions to ensure optimal dental development. One such intervention is the use of space maintainers, a preventive treatment that can play a crucial role in dental health. As the kids’ dentist Fort Collins patients trust, we are committed to providing specialized care, including the application of space maintainers, to protect your child’s smile as they grow.

 

What Are Space Maintainers?

Space maintainers are small appliances made of metal or plastic that are custom-fitted to your child’s mouth. They are designed to hold space open in the jaw that is left by the premature loss of a baby tooth. When a child loses a tooth early due to decay or injury, space maintainers are used to prevent other teeth from shifting into the open space until the permanent tooth is ready to erupt. This is crucial as shifting teeth can lead to misalignment and other orthodontic problems later on.

 

Types of Space Maintainers

At The Toothzone Network, we offer several types of space maintainers to suit different needs:

  1. Fixed Unilateral Space Maintainers: These are used when one tooth is missing on one side of the mouth. They are cemented to an adjacent tooth and can be made from stainless steel or a more aesthetic ceramic material.
  2. Fixed Bilateral Space Maintainers: These are used when there are multiple missing teeth on both sides of the mouth. This type can be attached to both sides of the jaw to maintain space symmetrically.
  3. Removable Space Maintainers: These are similar to orthodontic appliances and can be taken out for cleaning. They are often used when an aesthetic solution is preferred or when several teeth are missing in different areas of the mouth.

 

The Importance of Space Maintainers

The primary goal of space maintainers is to ensure the proper alignment of permanent teeth by preventing migration and tilting of adjacent teeth into empty spaces. This preemptive approach helps in reducing the need for extensive orthodontic treatments later in life. Space maintainers help maintain the integrity of your child’s future smile by:

  • Preserving Space: They ensure that there is adequate room for permanent teeth to erupt correctly, which is vital for proper bite alignment.
  • Preventing Misalignment: By keeping the space open, they prevent neighboring teeth from shifting, which can lead to crooked or overcrowded teeth.
  • Promoting Healthy Oral Development: They help maintain the natural development of the jaws and muscles, which might otherwise be compromised due to missing teeth.

 

Why Choose The Toothzone Network?

Choosing the right kids’ dentist in Fort Collins is crucial when it comes to interventions like space maintainers. The Toothzone Network is the kids’ dentist Fort Collins loves for several reasons:

  • Expertise: Our pediatric dental team is highly trained in both diagnosing the need for and fitting space maintainers. We have years of experience in handling pediatric dental issues with the utmost care and professionalism.
  • Customized Care: We believe that every child deserves personalized dental care. Our space maintainers are custom-made to fit perfectly and comfortably in your child’s mouth, ensuring effectiveness and ease of adaptation.
  • Family-Centric Approach: We take the time to explain the need and benefits of space maintainers to parents and caregivers, ensuring you are fully informed and comfortable with the treatment plan.

 

Caring for Space Maintainers

While space maintainers are generally low maintenance, proper care is essential to ensure their effectiveness. We provide comprehensive guidance on how to care for them, including:

  • Oral Hygiene: We instruct children on how to brush and floss with space maintainers, emphasizing the importance of keeping the appliance and surrounding gums clean.
  • Regular Check-ups: Routine visits to our office allow us to monitor the health of the treatment area and make adjustments to the space maintainer as needed.
  • Dietary Advice: We advise on foods to avoid, such as sticky candies and overly hard foods, which can damage the appliance.

 

Get Started with Space Maintainers

If your child has lost a tooth prematurely, or if you are concerned about the potential shifting of their teeth, contact The Toothzone Network today. As the trusted kids’ dentist in Fort Collins, we are here to provide you with all the information you need about space maintainers and other preventive dental options. Let us help your child maintain a healthy, beautiful smile with our expert care and dedicated service.

 

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