Space Maintainers in Epsom

When baby teeth fall out prematurely, problems can arise if not maintained properly. In these cases, a paediatric dentist will place a device called a space maintainer in your child’s mouth to make sure that their adult teeth will grow properly. Space maintainers help “hold space” for permanent teeth. This prevents adult teeth from growing into an empty space instead of where they should be in the mouth–causing overcrowding and other dental problems as primary teeth fall out and adult teeth replace them.

Sometimes kids lose their baby teeth early due to trauma, congenital defects, accidents, or decay. There are different types of space maintainers, so your child’s dentist will recommend a space maintainer depending on your child’s situation.

At Alpers Dental, we can provide paediatric space maintainers for your child to ensure their permanent teeth grow correctly.

There are two categories of paediatric space maintainers and in each of those categories, there are different types of maintainers. The first category is Fixed Space Maintainers. A fixed space maintainer is a semi-permanent tooth fixture that keeps enough space open for the adult teeth to grow in. Once the adult teeth come in, the maintainer is removed.

Removable Space Maintainers
The second category of maintainers is removable space maintainers. These types of maintainers are a good option if your child’s tooth is just about ready to grow in. These devices are usually made of acrylic material and can be fitted with a fake tooth. The removable maintainers make it easier for your child to keep good oral hygiene habits. The downside to these maintainers is that they are not as effective at maintaining space as fixed devices.

Space maintainers last until the permanent teeth come in–they act as a replacement holder for teeth that are lost early.

It is important with space maintainers that regular brushing and dental check-ups take place.

Yes, a dental space maintainer should be removed when the permanent tooth is ready to come into place. Your dentist will know when the time is right to remove the space maintainer.

Monday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Tuesday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Wednesday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Thursday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays: Closed

Alpers Dental’s primary mission has been to facilitate the provision of comprehensive preventative dental treatment to the residents of Auckland.

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