Space Maintainers
Serving Flower Mound, TX, and Surrounding Areas
Baby teeth are essential to your child's oral health and development. If one is lost too early due to decay or trauma, our team at Happy Pediatric Dental of Flower Mound may recommend placing a dental space maintainer. But what exactly are space maintainers, and how do they safeguard your little one's smile?
Baby Teeth Matter
Baby teeth help in the development of the jawbone and facial muscles. They also play a role in speech development and support chewing, ensuring your child gets the nutrients they need to grow up healthy and strong.
One of the most important functions of baby teeth is saving space for the permanent teeth developing behind the scenes to make their debut in their proper places. The premature loss of a baby tooth due to extensive decay or trauma may result in the neighboring teeth shifting toward the empty space, leading to crooked teeth and problems with the bite. That can dramatically impact the health and alignment of the adult teeth when it is time for them to come in.
What Are Space Maintainers?
Space maintainers are fixed or removable oral appliances made of stainless steel or plastic. As the name implies, a space maintainer helps maintain the space left by a lost or extracted tooth, ensuring the permanent teeth have all the room they need to erupt in the correct position. Space maintenance also prevents the neighboring teeth from moving out of place, dramatically reducing the need for orthodontic treatments down the road.
Dental Hygiene with Space Maintainers
A space maintainer may feel awkward at first, but after a few days, your child won't notice that it is there. Make sure to encourage daily brushing and flossing and limit the consumption of sugary, chewy, or hard foods to keep your little one's teeth and gums in tip-top shape and prevent damage to the space maintainer.
Make sure to visit Happy Pediatric Dental of Flower Mound for your child's routine dental exams and cleanings. Dr. Harman will ensure that the development of your child's baby teeth and incoming adult teeth stays on track.
Space Maintainers Near Me in Flower Mound, TX
If you're looking for a pediatric dentistry practice offering gentle, kid-friendly care, we invite you to visit Happy Pediatric Dental of Flower Mound. Dr. Harman and his team will do everything they can to ensure your child is comfortable and happy while receiving the best possible care.
To learn more about preventing complications related to tooth loss with a space maintainer, we invite you to call our office at 469-240-5128 or fill out our online form to request an appointment today. We look forward to caring for your child's smile!
Schedule Your Child's Appointment Today!
Follow the link to request an appointment that best fits your busy schedule. One of our friendly team members will get back to you to confirm your selection. We can’t wait to meet you and your child.