Most children get their first full set of baby teeth by around 3 years old, according to the American Dental Association. These primary teeth enable them to eat their first solid foods and serve an important function as placeholders for permanent teeth. When baby teeth are lost prematurely or permanent teeth are late in erupting, dentists may recommend space maintainers to support the child's mouth until the gaps are filled with permanent teeth.
Space Maintainers For Premature Tooth Loss
Why Maintainers Are Needed
Children lose baby teeth earlier than expected for several reasons. Some experience trauma to the mouth, such as from accidents like tripping or getting whacked in the mouth by a ball. Others develop early childhood cavities, known as "baby bottle tooth decay." This often happens when babies fall asleep at either breast or bottle, or walk around with a bottle for extended periods of time. The sugar content in the milk causes enamel to decay, which may result in tooth loss. Occasionally, some primary teeth may be absent because of a genetic condition. It's unusual for children to suffer from oral infections severe enough to cause tooth loss, although it's not impossible.
When to Consider Space Maintainers
Regardless of why a child has missing primary teeth, it's important to consider space maintainers to ensure he or she develops permanent teeth in correct locations. If one primary tooth is missing for more than a short period, the child risks other teeth becoming loose because they aren't properly supported. When this happens, the loose teeth can move into the spaces intended for other teeth. This affects permanent teeth when they erupt by guiding them into incorrect positions. If your child loses primary teeth to make way shortly for permanent ones, it might not be necessary to fit maintainers. If permanent teeth are some time away, however, consult with your dentist to determine whether maintainers are a suitable option.
Types of Appliances
Space maintainers come in two types: removable and fixed. Removable devices are made of acrylic and use artificial teeth or blocks of dental material to hold open the spaces. This device works better in an older child, who can remove the appliance to clean and care for it. Partial dentures are suitable removable maintainers for children with several missing teeth.
Fixed maintainers are attached with dental cement to teeth beside the gap. These are more suitable for young children or those who have lost a back tooth. Unilateral maintainers are fixed on one side, while bilateral appliances are fixed on both sides. They can be fitted on the upper or lower jaw to maintain space for front or back teeth. The device your dentist recommends depends on the number and location of missing teeth.
- Band-and-loop device. Composed of stainless steel wire, it is held in place by orthodontic bands that allow the permanent tooth to erupt without blocking it. It is used when one or more baby molars are lost in one dental arch.
- Lingual holding arch. This is used to maintain space for lower back teeth on both sides.
- Transpalatal arch. A transpalatal arch is fitted on the upper jaw to preserve space on both sides of the dental arch and held in place by wire fastened around the adjoining teeth.
- Distal shoe appliance. This fixed appliance is fitted over the baby first molar and will maintain the space for the first permanent molar once the tooth is lost.
Oral Care for Appliances
It takes time for a child to adapt to wearing a device. During this time the dentist keeps an eye on oral hygiene, jaw growth and progression of the permanent teeth. The maintainer needs adjustment periodically and requires immediate attention if it gets damaged.
The child will have to brush daily with a fluoride-based product like Colgate Kids Cavity Protection toothpaste, which is extra gentle on tooth enamel and comes in a fun bubble fruit flavor that kids will love. He or she will need to avoid chewing gum, biting hard candy and fruits, and pushing or pulling the device with fingers or other objects.
