Tooth Space Maintenance
Your Child’s Healthiest Smile Starts Here
Baby teeth, or primary teeth, are important to your child’s future dental health and do more than just aid your child in speaking and chewing. Baby teeth “hold the space” for adult teeth and support the healthy development of the jaw bone and muscle. If a baby tooth gets lost too soon, it’s important to schedule an appointment with us right away to evaluate if a space maintainer is necessary. Martin Kids Dental is proud to offer state-of-the-art space maintainers in Gainesville, FL, for your child’s dental needs.
What Is a Space Maintainer?
A space maintainer is an appliance that holds the space for an adult tooth open, preventing teeth from shifting. Top and bottom teeth will naturally drift toward missing teeth, causing crooked permanent teeth and possibly requiring extensive treatment in the future. Space maintainers for kids ensure that your child’s adult tooth has the proper space to grow in.
Types of Space Maintainers Offered at Martin Kids Dental
- Removable – These are similar to orthodontic devices and are typically acrylic. In certain cases, it’s also possible to use an artificial tooth to fill the gap.
- Fixed – Fixed space maintainers are made to stay in place and will not come out easily. There are various types of fixed space maintainers available. Dr. Charlotte will choose the most appropriate appliance for your child and customize it to their specific needs.
Space maintainers will take only a few days for your child to get used to. Once the space maintainer is placed, we will monitor the progress of your child’s tooth development and decide the best timing to remove the space maintainer, which is typically when the adult tooth is ready to come in.
Contact Us to Learn More About Space Maintainers in Gainesville, FL
To experience our award-winning pediatric dental care, schedule your child’s New Patient Exam today by calling (352) 371-3200 to reach our Gainesville/Jonesville office. You may also use our convenient online form. Your appointment includes the following:
- Tour the Office
- Meet the Team
- Discuss Your Goals
- Oral Exam & Cleaning
- Expert Consultation
During your child’s appointment, we will take the time to answer all your questions about our advanced treatments and technology, our flexible payment options, and anything else you may want to know about us!
