Space maintainers
Why are space maintainers (SM) placed?
- the best space maintenance therapy is the preservation of the primary molars until they naturally exfoliate
- sometimes when primary teeth become infected or un-restorable, the need for extraction is unavoidable
- placement of SM will also minimise orthodontic problems caused by premature loss of a primary tooth
What is a space maintainer?
- the purpose of the SM or “spacer” is to preserve the space for the developing permanent single tooth or multiple teeth
- a SM is a combination of bands and wires that hold remaining teeth in position allowing the future permanent tooth/teeth to erupt in their proper location
- incorrect placement of the SM following extraction can lead to the shifting of teeth into an open area – making it difficult or in some cases impossible for the permanent tooth to erupt and often only resolved with complex orthodontic treatment
What types of space maintainers are there?
There are various types of fixed and removable space maintainers. Based on your child’s occlusion and tooth/teeth, we will advise the most appropriate SM for your child’s mouth.
A fixed custom-made, chair side SM is usually preferable over a removable SM. A fixed SM is more comfortable and easier to maintain. Children are less likely to remove and damage fixed SMs
