Sometimes a child may lose a tooth before their adult teeth are ready to grow in. It may not seem like a problem at the moment, but it can lead to more problems if not maintained properly. Your dentist can place a space maintainer in your child’s mouth to ensure that their adult teeth will grow in properly.
What Is a Space Maintainer?
A space maintainer is a device used to leave enough space open for permanent teeth to grow in after baby teeth are lost prematurely. Not taking care of a gap can lead to expensive problems down the road. There are many reasons that a child may lose baby teeth prematurely including, trauma, accidents, or tooth decay. There are several types of space maintainers. Depending on the situation, your dentist in Arlington Heights, IL will recommend a suitable space maintainer for your child.
Are Space Maintainers Necessary?
One important function of a baby tooth is to reserve space for the adult tooth. If a baby tooth falls out prematurely, the empty space may cause adult teeth to become crooked as they grow in. If your child has lost a tooth prematurely, consult with your dentist to see if your child needs a space maintainer.
