Losing a baby tooth is typically a cause for celebration. But if your little one’s tooth falls out too early, it can have an unfortunate domino effect on their dental health. At Stellar Kids Dentistry in Mukilteo, Mill Creek, and Everett, Washington, our pediatric dentists know how important it is to keep your child’s smile healthy, straight, and cavity-free.
A lost baby tooth may not seem like a problem, but if it happens too early, it can impact your child’s oral health. Baby teeth guide permanent teeth into the right position. They essentially serve as placeholders for your child’s adult teeth.
When your child loses a baby tooth before their permanent tooth is ready to erupt, the surrounding teeth shift into the empty space. This can lead to crooked teeth that eventually require orthodontic treatments, like braces.Â
Fortunately, Stellar Kids Dentistry has the right solution to help keep your child’s teeth healthy and straight. We offer space maintainers to prevent baby teeth from shifting.
Here are a few things to know about space maintainers if you’re considering one for your child at Stellar Kids Dentistry:
They prevent shifting baby teeth.
A space maintainer is a small, thin device that preserves the space left behind by a missing tooth. Not only does it fill the empty space, it also wraps around one of your child’s surrounding teeth to prevent shifting. Space maintainers are discreet and effective for holding your child’s teeth in place.Â
They help keep teeth straight.
If your child’s teeth grow in malaligned, they may need orthodontic treatment. Crooked teeth are susceptible to cavities, chips and cracks, and wear and tear, so it’s important that your child’s teeth don’t emerge rotated.
They’re custom-made.
Stellar Kids creates highly accurate digital impressions of your child’s teeth to customize their space maintainer, so the device shouldn’t feel uncomfortable. In addition, it holds their teeth in the perfect position without causing discomfort or pain.
They’re an affordable alternative to braces.
Space maintainers are preventive treatments, so they ensure that your child’s permanent teeth grow straight without rotating. Opting for a space maintainer now can help reduce your child’s chances of needing braces or Invisalign® during their teen years.
They’re easy to care for.
Killing bacteria is essential when your child has missing baby teeth. Without good oral health, they’re vulnerable to gum disease, tooth decay, and other common dental concerns. Fortunately, an over-the-counter (OTC) mouth rinse can help eliminate any bacteria in the space left behind by your child’s missing tooth.
They aren’t permanent.
The moment your little one’s permanent tooth starts to erupt, call the team at Stellar Kids Dentistry. Once their empty space is replaced with an adult tooth, you can have your child’s space maintainer removed at our office.
Space maintainers are a simple, affordable way to keep your child’s teeth healthy and free of decay. To schedule a visit with Stellar Kids Dentistry, call or book an appointment online today!