Dental Space Maintenance - AbuDhabi
Dental space maintenance is a procedure performed in dentistry to preserve the space left by a prematurely lost primary (baby) tooth. It is crucial because primary teeth serve as placeholders for permanent teeth, guiding their eruption into the correct positions. When a primary tooth is lost too early, due to decay, trauma, or other reasons, it can lead to space loss, crowding, and alignment issues with the permanent teeth.
The purpose of dental space maintenance is to prevent the surrounding teeth from drifting into the empty space, thereby maintaining adequate space for the permanent tooth to erupt properly. The space maintenance technique depends on the location and condition of the missing tooth and may involve the following methods:
- 1. Removable Space Maintainers: These are custom-made appliances made of acrylic or metal that can be easily inserted and removed. They consist of artificial teeth or bands attached to the adjacent teeth, keeping the space open until the permanent tooth is ready to erupt.
- 2. Fixed Space Maintainers: Also known as fixed appliances, these are cemented onto the adjacent teeth using dental cement. They are more durable and provide better control over space maintenance. Common types of fixed space maintainers include band-and-loop appliances, lingual arches, and distal shoe appliances.
- 3. Transpalatal Arch: This type of space maintainer is used when multiple teeth are missing in one dental arch. It consists of a wire that spans across the roof of the mouth (palate) and is connected to bands or attachments on the molars. It helps maintain the width of the arch and prevents space loss.
The choice of space maintainer depends on various factors, such as the location of the missing tooth, the child's age, the eruption status of permanent teeth, and the child's cooperation. It is important to consult a pediatric dentist or orthodontist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.
Regular dental check-ups and follow-ups are essential during the space maintenance phase to monitor the eruption of permanent teeth and make any necessary adjustments to the space maintainer. Once the permanent tooth begins to emerge, the space maintainer is usually removed to allow for normal eruption and alignment.
Remember, dental space maintenance is a preventive measure that helps minimize future orthodontic complications and ensures proper dental development in children.
