Space Maintainers
Wylie, Texas
Baby teeth serve an important function by reserving positions for adult teeth. When primary teeth are lost too early, neighboring permanent teeth may drift into spaces meant for other teeth, potentially causing alignment problems.
Fixed Types
- Crown and Loop - A stainless steel loop attached to an existing crown maintains spacing
- Unilateral - Uses wrapped wires connected to a metal loop between teeth
- Distal Shoe - Positioned at the gum line for molars; requires more maintenance and check-ups to ensure it is working properly
- Lingual - Used for multiple missing teeth; commonly used in congenital defects, like in cases where the adult teeth never develop
Removable Types
Deployed when teeth are erupting soon; sometimes fabricated to resemble artificial teeth.
Care and Maintenance
Both varieties are customized to fit individual patients. They remain in place until radiographs indicate readiness for natural eruption. Maintaining excellent oral hygiene and attending professional cleanings regularly proves essential during treatment.
