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Space Maintainers

Dentist in Park Ridge

What is a Space Maintainer?

Dental space maintainers are a device that allows permanent teeth to grow into the space left after baby teeth have been lost. It may not seem like a problem initially, but ignoring a gap can cause costly problems later on.

Premature loss of baby teeth can be caused by many factors, including trauma, congenital defects, and accidents, as well as decay. Your Blue Coral Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics dentist may recommend a type of space preserver depending on the situation of your child.

Are Space Maintainers Necessary?

A baby tooth serves an important function: it holds space for the adult tooth. The empty space can cause adult teeth to become crooked if a baby tooth is lost prematurely. Although the body is generally good at keeping enough space, every case is unique. Contact Blue Coral Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics if your child has lost a tooth early.

Types of Space Maintainers

There are several pediatric space maintainers. Your Blue Coral Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics orthodontist will evaluate your child to determine which type is best for them.

Band and Loop

The Crown and Loop devices consist of a crown that is placed on one tooth and a loop made from stainless steel wire. The loop is placed on either side of the gap and pressed against it. The crown can be removed once the permanent tooth has grown properly.

Distal Shoe

For permanent molars that have not yet grown in. These maintainers are more delicate and require more attention from your child’s dentist. These retainers are typically inserted in the gum line when a baby molar is lost prematurely. This device guides the adult molar as it grows. You will need to schedule regular check-ups if your child requires this type of maintainer.

Lingual

These maintainers are made of wire and crowns that maintain the spacing between many gaps in teeth. These devices are used in pediatric dentistry when a child has lost a tooth due to a congenital condition.

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Dentist in Park Ridge

With five convenient locations across the city and north suburbs, we're always nearby to serve you.

Crystal Lake
690 N IL Route 31
Suite D
Crystal Lake, IL 60012
Buffalo Grove
195 N Arlington Heights Rd
Suite 150
Buffalo Grove, IL 60089
Glenview
1521 Waukegan Rd
Glenview, IL 60025
Park Ridge
950 N Northwest Highway
Suite 102
Park Ridge, IL 60068
Chicago
3500 N. Lincoln Ave
Chicago, IL 60657