It’s common for children to lose teeth after ages five or six, but they can lose them early as four years old or as late as seven. However, if they lose a baby tooth and a permanent one doesn’t start appearing within a few days, they may have lost it prematurely. If you’re concerned because a new tooth isn’t emerging, contact our pediatric dentists at ToothTown of Greeley to check their teeth.
Does Your Child Need Space Maintainers?
While not every tooth falling out early requires the use of space maintainers near you, our pediatric dentist in Greeley, CO, should examine your child’s teeth. Although some toddlers can lose their teeth in accidents, they should not lose teeth before age five, ideally.
Whether by accident or decay, if your child loses a primary tooth around three or four years old, you should take them to our dentists. Early loss of a tooth can cause a tooth beside it to drift into the empty socket. This action can interfere with the permanent tooth when it tries to erupt.
The permanent tooth will erupt, but it may get pushed into the wrong space since there is already a tooth in its slot. This eruption can cause your child’s permanent teeth to be misaligned, overcrowded, or crooked.
Using a Space Maintainer
A space maintainer is usually applied when a molar, premolar, or incisor is the primary tooth that is prematurely lost. The front teeth of both jaws seldom need help erupting into their correct spaces. However, if the back teeth drift into the wrong sockets, they can become misaligned.
The way space maintainers work is they prevent the tooth adjacent to the empty socket from drifting into it. The most applied maintainers are the band and loop design. One of our dentists will attach the metal band to one of the teeth adjacent to the empty socket. The loop is placed around the socket, which allows the permanent tooth to erupt, and pushes against the other adjacent primary tooth to prevent movement.
There are other types of maintainers, so if your toddler loses one or more primary teeth early, you should book an appointment with our child friendly dentists at ToothTown of Greeley to determine if they need space maintainers in Greeley, CO.
FAQ's
A space maintainer is a small dental appliance used to hold open the gap left by a baby tooth that was lost too early. It helps keep nearby teeth from shifting into that space while the permanent tooth develops.
If a baby tooth is lost or taken out before the permanent tooth is ready to come in, the nearby teeth can shift. A space maintainer helps keep the teeth aligned and lowers the chance of crowding later on.
No, space maintainers are temporary. They are eliminated once the permanent tooth begins to erupt into the correct position. As a Greeley pediatric dentist, we monitor development during routine visits to determine the right time for removal.
If a baby tooth is lost significantly earlier than expected, an evaluation is recommended. We examine spacing and take X-rays to assess the position of the developing permanent tooth. At our dental office in Greeley, we determine whether maintaining that space is necessary to support proper eruption.
There are fixed and removable space maintainers. Fixed versions are attached to nearby teeth and stay in place until removed by the dentist. Removable appliances may be used in certain situations, depending on age and cooperation level.
In the process of fitting a fixed appliance, we begin by taking impressions or digital scans to ensure a custom fit tailored to the patient's needs. Once the appliance is ready, it is securely cemented into place. This procedure is generally quick, and local anesthesia is usually not necessary.
When an appliance is first fitted, it's common for some children to experience mild pressure or irritation. This sensation typically eases as they get used to the appliance. However, if soreness persists or if the appliance feels loose, it’s advisable to schedule a follow-up appointment for further evaluation.
When a baby tooth is lost sooner than its given time, neighboring teeth may gradually shift into the empty space. This movement can block the path of the permanent tooth and contribute to crowding or misalignment. A space maintainer holds the area open until the adult tooth is ready to erupt. As a Greeley pediatric dentist, we evaluate growth patterns and eruption timing before recommending this appliance. Maintaining proper spacing can reduce the likelihood of more complex orthodontic concerns later.
The length of time varies, depending on the time when the permanent tooth is expected to erupt. Some children may need the appliance for several months, while others may wear it longer. At our dental office in Greeley, we monitor progress with periodic exams and imaging to determine when removal is appropriate.
Good oral hygiene is important to stop plaque buildup around the appliance. Brushing carefully around bands and wires helps keep the surrounding gums healthy. Sticky or hard foods may need to be limited to prevent damage. Many parents searching for a pediatric dentist near me ask about maintenance, and routine visits allow us to check stability and cleanliness.