SPACE MAINTAINER IN Christiansburg, VA

Comprehensive Space Maintainer Care for Children in Christiansburg, VA

New River Valley Pediatric Dentistry is committed to providing high-quality dental care for your child that promotes the healthy development and growth of their smile. We offer space maintainers as one of our essential services. These dental appliances are crucial in helping your child's permanent tooth to emerge properly after losing their primary teeth. Our team is dedicated to providing a supportive and comfortable environment for our young patients.

What is a Space Maintainer (SPM)?

Space maintainers are custom-made dental appliances that keep the space clear when a tooth is prematurely lost. It prevents the surrounding teeth from moving into the empty space and ensures that the permanent tooth can erupt correctly. The space maintainers are either fixed or removable depending on your child's needs.

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A close up of a mouth with teeth and a metal brace

Why is it Important to Have a Space Maintainer?

Early loss of primary teeth may lead to several dental problems, such as crowding and misalignment of the permanent teeth. Space maintainers can be used to:



  • Guide Proper Eruption: They make sure that permanent teeth are positioned correctly.
  • Preventing Misalignment: By keeping the space open, you can prevent adjacent teeth from shifting. This will help to avoid misalignment.
  • Avoid Orthodontic Issues: Proper spacing will reduce the need for extensive orthodontic treatment in the future.
  • Maintaining Dental Health: By supporting the alignment and function of the teeth, they help to maintain proper oral health.
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Our Space Maintainer Services

New River Valley Pediatric Dentistry offers a wide range of space maintainer services designed to meet the needs of our young patients:

  • Thorough Exam: To determine the need for space maintainers, we conduct a thorough examination. This involves reviewing the dental history, taking x-rays and assessing the development of permanent teeth.
  • Personalized Treatment Plan: We create a customized treatment plan based on your child's needs. This plan will include the type of spacekeeper and its duration.
  • Involvement of Parents: By providing parents with detailed information, we involve them in the decision making process. We also answer any questions they may have about the space maintainer.

  • Fixed Space Maintainers: They are cemented on adjacent teeth, and stay in place until the permanent tooth emerges. These are perfect for young children as they provide stable support.
  • Removable Space Maintainers: These can be removed for cleaning. These are best suited to older children who can take care of themselves.
  • Loop and Band: The loop is attached to a tooth adjacent to the band.
  • Lingual Arch: This is used for multiple missing lower teeth. A wire is attached to the bands of the molars and extends along the inside surface of the lower teeth.

  • Impression and Models: To create a model, we take exact impressions of the child's teeth. The space maintainer will fit perfectly and function effectively.
  • High-Quality Materials: The space maintainers we offer are made of durable and child-friendly materials to ensure comfort and durability.
  • High-Quality Craftsmanship: Each space maintainer is crafted by our dental technicians with precision, ensuring optimal fit and functionality.

  • Easy and Painless Procedure: Placing a space maintainer requires no special skills or training. Our team will ensure that your child feels comfortable during the entire process.
  • Correct Adjustment: The space maintainer is adjusted to fit perfectly and not to cause discomfort. We schedule regular follow-ups to ensure its proper fit and functionality.
  • Education Guidance: This guide includes instructions on maintaining the appliance, such as brushing and flossing it and avoiding foods that can damage it.

  • Regular Check-ups: Schedule regular checks to ensure the space maintainer works correctly. These visits enable us to address any concerns and make any adjustments necessary.
  • Growth Tracking: We track your child's development as permanent teeth emerge to determine when to remove the space maintainer.
  • Transition from Temporary Teeth to Permanent Teeth: Once the permanent teeth are ready to emerge, we remove the space maintainer. We also provide advice on how to maintain oral health throughout the transition.

Space Maintainers: Benefits

The space maintainer is a great tool for your child’s oral health.


  • Preventing Future Dental Issues: By maintaining the proper spacing, they reduce crowding and misalignment, which could require orthodontic treatments later.
  • Supporting Natural Growth: These guides ensure a healthier and more efficient dental development.
  • Improve Oral Function: Proper spacing promotes better chewing, speech, and overall oral functions, contributing to the comfort and confidence of your child.
  • Cost-Effective Solution: Space maintainers are a cost-effective way to avoid more complex dental problems and treatments.
A little girl is sitting in a dental chair and smiling.

FAQs

  • Q. How long should a child wear a space maintainer?

    A. The duration depends on the expected eruption date of the permanent tooth. Our team will monitor and provide updates regularly. It could be anywhere from a couple of months to several years.

  • Q. Does it hurt to get a space maintainer?

    A: No, the process of placing a space-maintainer is not painful. It's generally painless. We make sure that your child feels comfortable during the entire procedure.

  • Q. What foods should my child not eat while wearing the space maintainer?

    A. Your children should not eat sticky or hard foods, as they can damage or dislodge the space maintainer. Our detailed instructions will help you maintain your appliance and ensure its effectiveness.

  • Q. What happens if the space maintainer breaks or becomes loose?

    A. Contact our office immediately if it breaks or becomes loose. We will make an appointment for the repair or replacement of your child's appliance.

  • Q. Are space maintainers covered under insurance?

    A. Yes, many dental insurance plans include space maintainers. Our team can help you understand your coverage and will provide detailed information to aid the insurance process.

Book Your Child's Appointment Now

New River Valley Pediatric Dentistry can help you support your child's oral development. To schedule an appointment or learn more about our space maintainer service, contact us today. We are here to help you and your family maintain good dental health.

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