Understanding Space Maintainers: Pros and Cons

Losing baby teeth is a natural part of growing up, but sometimes a child will lose a tooth before their adult teeth are ready to emerge. This can lead to dental problems in the future if not addressed properly. Thankfully, at Tiger Family Dental in Sedalia, MO our dentists can place space maintainers in your child’s mouth to ensure their adult teeth grow in correctly.

There are two types of space maintainers available for children, each with its own set of pros and cons:

1. Fixed Space Maintainers

Fixed space maintainers are used to keep enough space open for the adult tooth to grow in and can be removed after the tooth has emerged. There are four types of fixed space maintainers: crown and loop, distal shoe, lingual, and unilateral. Crown and loop devices include a crown and wire loop, while distal shoe maintainers are inserted into the gum line and require periodic check-ups. Lingual maintainers use wire and crowns for several tooth gaps, while unilateral maintainers use a wire wrapped around two teeth.

Pros of fixed space maintainers

• Highly effective at maintaining space
• Cannot be lost or forgotten
• Long-lasting and durable

Cons of fixed space maintainers:

• Can be difficult to clean
• Could cause soreness or discomfort
• Require professional installation and adjustment, hence periodic check-ups

2. Removable Space Maintainers

Removable space maintainers are similar in appearance to retainers (the kind you typically get following braces) and can be taken out for cleaning and eating. There are two types of removable space maintainers: acrylic and wire. Acrylic space maintainers are made of plastic and are used to maintain space in the front of the mouth, while wire space maintainers are made of thin wires and are used to maintain space in the back of the mouth. 

Pros of removable space maintainers:

• More comfortable to wear than fixed space maintainers
• Can be easily removed for cleaning and eating
• Less expensive than fixed space maintainers

Cons of removable space maintainers:

• Less effective at maintaining space than fixed space maintainers
• Can be lost or forgotten (like retainers)
• Might need to be replaced more frequently

After taking impressions of your child’s mouth, a custom-made space maintainer will be created, whether it’s fixed or removable. So if your child loses a tooth prematurely, schedule a visit with our pediatric dentist Dr. Ehlers, who will examine your child to determine the proper space maintainer necessary to maintain dental alignment.

Contact Tiger Family Dental today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Ehlers and learn more about space maintainers for kids.

Disclaimer: The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.