Do space maintainers cause tooth decay?

Although it is well known that the maintenance of these spaces prevents later complications such as crowding, ectopic eruption, impaction of successor teeth and malocclusion [4,5,6], the use of space maintainers has also been shown to result in an increased plaque accumulation, which can lead to dental caries and …

What is a pediatric tooth spacer?

Dental space maintainers (or spacers) are devices used for kids who have lost some baby teeth but their permanent teeth have a while before they will grow in. They hold space for the appropriate adult teeth to grow in. They also prevent the remaining adjacent baby teeth from moving into the open space.

Do kids need space maintainers?

Not every child will need a space maintainer for every baby tooth that falls out. Space maintainers are usually only needed when a child loses a tooth before its permanent replacement has developed or is ready to erupt. This can occur due to tooth decay or injury, and sometimes it just happens naturally, too.

Are teeth space maintainers necessary?

Are Space Maintainers Always Necessary? Not every tooth that is lost too early requires a space maintainer. If one of the four upper front teeth is lost early, the space will stay open on its own until the permanent tooth comes in.

How much is space maintainers?

General Dental Procedures 2008 HIAA National Average
Space maintainer-fixed- unilateral $223
Space maintainer-fixed- bilateral $366
Space maintainer – removable – unilateral $353
Restorative Dental Care National Average

Why does a child need a spacer?

A spacer resembles a cylindrical tube creates “space” between your child’s mouth and the medicine. This space helps the medicine break into smaller droplets which can move easier and deeper into the lungs and therefore works very well to help your child breathe better.

Are space maintainers safe?

A space maintainer is a custom-made appliance that’s made out of either metal or acrylic material and can be either safely cemented in a child’s mouth or removable.

How much do space maintainers cost?

How much does a tooth spacer cost?

Phase I interceptive treatment with a palatal expander can cost between $1000-$2500, depending on the type of expander and the number of expander appliance checks that your treatment requires.

Does my child need a space maintainer?

Why Your Child May Need a Space Maintainer. Children may need space maintainers if they lose a tooth early or have a baby (primary) tooth extracted due to dental decay. If either is the case, it is important to know the benefits of using a space maintainer and how it can help support your child’s dental health.

What is a space maintainer?

A space maintainer is an orthodontic appliance made out of metal or acrylic material that is custom-made by dentists to hold a space for permanent teeth when children prematurely lose their baby teeth. The space maintainer guides the permanent teeth…

What is space maintenance?

Space Maintenance. Space maintainers are used when children lose their baby teeth early. This sometimes happen due to trauma or even decay. When a tooth is lost, other teeth will shift to fill in the space. Though this sounds good, it actually can cause a lot of spacing and alignment problems when the adult teeth start to come in.

What is a dental spacer?

A spacer is a dental device that is also called ‘separators.’ Spacers or separators help to create a space between the teeth so that your dentist can attach the molar band before your braces. There are two types of spacers: Rubber orthodontic spacers are what a dental professional most commonly uses.