Space Maintainers In Lafayette
When children lose their primary teeth prematurely, whether due to decay, injury, or other reasons, space maintainers come to the rescue. These custom-made devices are designed to hold the space open, ensuring that the permanent teeth have the room they need to grow in properly. Dr. Rachel Forer and her team are dedicated to providing a comfortable and caring environment for your child, ensuring they receive the best possible care for their developing smiles.
Why Should I Get Space Maintainers?
Space maintainers are crucial for guiding the proper alignment and spacing of permanent teeth. Without them, adjacent teeth may drift into the empty space, leading to potential crowding or misalignment issues. By maintaining the space left by a missing tooth, these devices help prevent more complex orthodontic treatments in the future. At Little Cloud Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Rachel Forer emphasizes the importance of early intervention, as it can save time, money, and discomfort down the road. Ensuring your child’s teeth develop correctly is a vital step in promoting lifelong oral health.
The Benefits Of Space Maintainers
Preserves Space for Permanent Teeth
Space maintainers ensure that the gap left by a missing primary tooth is preserved. This prevents surrounding teeth from shifting, which can disrupt the natural eruption pattern of permanent teeth, leading to potential orthodontic issues.
Prevents Misalignment and Crowding
By holding the space open, these devices help maintain proper dental alignment and spacing. This can significantly reduce the risk of needing braces or other corrective measures as your child grows.
Encourages Healthy Oral Development
Proper spacing facilitated by space maintainers supports the natural development of your child's jaw and teeth. This can contribute to better oral health and function, making chewing and speaking easier as they grow.
Did You Know?
Space maintainers can be removable or fixed, depending on the child's needs.
The Space Maintainers Treatment Process
Consultation and Evaluation
The journey begins with a comprehensive consultation at Little Cloud Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Rachel Forer will conduct a thorough examination of your child's mouth, assessing the need for a space maintainer. This includes taking X-rays to evaluate the position of the underlying permanent teeth. During this visit, Dr. Forer will discuss the best type of space maintainer for your child, considering their specific needs and oral health status.
Custom Fabrication
Once the need for a space maintainer is confirmed, impressions of your child's teeth are taken. These impressions are sent to a dental lab where the space maintainer is custom-fabricated to fit your child's mouth perfectly. This personalized approach ensures comfort and effectiveness. The device can be either removable or fixed, depending on the specific requirements of your child's dental structure and the recommendation of Dr. Forer.
Placement and Follow-up
After the space maintainer is ready, Dr. Forer will carefully place it in your child’s mouth. She will ensure that it fits comfortably and functions as intended. Instructions on how to care for the space maintainer will be provided, including tips on maintaining oral hygiene. Regular follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor your child's progress and make any necessary adjustments to the space maintainer, ensuring it continues to serve its purpose effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
Check out these frequently asked questions, or call us to speak with our team.
