If
your child loses a primary (baby) tooth early through decay, sports accident,
or injury, most likely the remaining baby teeth will begin to shift and
try to fill the vacant space. Without a space maintainer “holding” the
spot left open by the lost baby tooth, there’s not enough room for the
permanent teeth when they erupt and as a result, your child could have
crooked or crowded teeth and difficulties chewing and/or speaking. A space
maintainer is a very important and necessary appliance and can be made
by attaching a temporary crown to the side of the vacant space or wearing
a “flipper” (a partial denture) to enhance the appearance of the smile
and hold the space open for the permanent teeth. Later, as the permanent
teeth emerge the space maintainer is easily removed.
Advanced Dental Concepts
Richard D. Hopgood D.M.D., M.A.G.D.
296 Lowell Street
Andover, MA 01810
Telephone: 978-475-2431
Email: info@andoverdmd.com
If
your child loses a primary (baby) tooth early through decay, sports accident,
or injury, most likely the remaining baby teeth will begin to shift and
try to fill the vacant space. Without a space maintainer “holding” the
spot left open by the lost baby tooth, there’s not enough room for the
permanent teeth when they erupt and as a result, your child could have
crooked or crowded teeth and difficulties chewing and/or speaking. A space
maintainer is a very important and necessary appliance and can be made
by attaching a temporary crown to the side of the vacant space or wearing
a “flipper” (a partial denture) to enhance the appearance of the smile
and hold the space open for the permanent teeth. Later, as the permanent
teeth emerge the space maintainer is easily removed.