There are various applications used in the field of dentistry to protect and improve children’s dental health. One of these applications is dental devices called space maintainers. These retainers are used to protect the place of permanent teeth after the milk teeth fall out and to ensure that they come out regularly.
In dentistry, it plays a critical role in supporting children’s dental development. While milk teeth provide children’s chewing function, they also take on the task of holding the place so that permanent teeth can come out correctly. Milk teeth usually start to fall out when the child reaches the age of 6, and these retainers come into play during this process so that permanent teeth can come out healthily. In this way, permanent teeth are prevented from coming out crookedly or in the wrong places.
These can be used for various reasons. For example, when a milk tooth is lost early, these retainers protect the space where the tooth is located and provide a suitable area for the permanent tooth to come out. In addition, these retainers are an important treatment option to support children’s dental development and prevent orthodontic problems.
What is a Space Retainer?
A space retainer is a dental device that is placed over the gaps when baby teeth are lost and allows the permanent teeth to grow in the correct position. When baby teeth are lost early in children, problems such as permanent teeth not being able to find space and growing in the wrong position may occur. Space maintainers are designed to prevent such situations.
Space maintainers play a critical role in the process of teething. While baby teeth play an important role in the child’s chewing function, they also provide a necessary foundation for the healthy development of permanent teeth. When baby teeth are lost, especially when they are lost early, neighboring teeth may tend to fill the empty space. This prevents the permanent teeth from growing properly and can cause them to grow in crooked or incorrect positions.
Retainers cover these gaps, preventing the movement of neighboring teeth and providing enough space for permanent teeth. These devices are usually applied by dentists when necessary while monitoring children’s dental development processes.
Types of Space Maintainers
Space maintainers can be found in various types depending on the materials used and the application method.
- Fixed Space Maintainers: These are space maintainers that are fixed by the dentist and remain in the child’s mouth permanently. They are usually placed behind or next to a tooth and function for a long time.
- Mobile Space Maintainers: These types of space maintainers are devices that can move in the child’s mouth. They are easier to use, but may need to be checked regularly.
- Space Maintainer Plates: These plates, produced according to a special mold, are designed according to the child’s tooth structure and ensure that the teeth remain in the correct position.
What are the Benefits?
In addition to protecting children’s dental health, they provide many important benefits. One of the most important benefits is that they help teeth emerge properly. If children lose their milk teeth early, neighboring teeth can shift, filling these gaps and narrowing the space for permanent teeth to emerge. This causes permanent teeth to emerge crooked or in an incorrect position. Space maintainers protect these gaps and ensure that permanent teeth emerge in the correct position, thus contributing to the reduction of future orthodontic problems and the need for treatment. When teeth are aligned properly, a more aesthetically pleasing appearance is created and it becomes easier to maintain oral hygiene.
In addition, space maintainers help preserve chewing function. When milk teeth are lost, children’s diet may be affected because the teeth may not be able to fully perform their chewing function. Space maintainers fill these gaps and continue the child’s chewing function, thus preventing a negative impact on their diet. A balanced diet is also important for children’s general health, and space maintainers provide critical support in this process.
When Are They Used?
Space maintainers are generally used in the following situations:
- Early Loss of Baby Teeth: Children’s baby teeth can be lost early due to accidents, cavities, or other health problems. This can cause there to be insufficient space for permanent teeth to emerge. Retainers help permanent teeth emerge in the correct position by maintaining this space.
- Irregular Teeth Emergence: If baby teeth do not fall out on time, permanent teeth may not be able to find space properly. These retainers prevent this situation and ensure that teeth emerge properly.
- Tooth Decay: Decay in baby teeth can lead to tooth loss. In this case, retainers protect the space of the lost tooth and support the healthy emergence of permanent teeth.
The Importance of Space Retainers in Terms of Dental Health
It provides many benefits in terms of protecting children’s dental health:
- Correct Tooth Position: These retainers help permanent teeth emerge in the correct position, reducing the possibility of irregularities in the alignment of the teeth. This can also reduce the need for orthodontic treatment at later ages.
- Healthy Development of Teeth: Milk teeth are important for the correct development of permanent teeth. These retainers ensure that these teeth do not remain empty, thus supporting jaw development and healthy emergence of the teeth.
- Prevention of Pain and Discomfort: When teeth cannot find proper space, children may feel pain and discomfort. These retainers prevent such situations and ensure that children have a more comfortable period.
- Risk of Tooth Loss: When milk teeth are lost early, the jaw structure and the proper emergence of the teeth may be negatively affected. These retainers protect children’s dental health by minimizing the risk of tooth loss.