Space Maintainers/ Orthodontics San Ramon & Livermore, CA

Space maintainers are dental devices specifically designed to "maintain" or preserve the space left by a prematurely lost baby tooth. When a primary tooth is lost too early due to decay, injury, or any other reason, it can lead to complications such as crowding and misalignment of permanent teeth.

These small but mighty orthodontic appliances work by keeping adjacent teeth from drifting into the empty space until the permanent tooth erupts naturally. By holding open this gap in your child's mouth, space maintainers help ensure that their new teeth come in properly aligned and avoid potential orthodontic issues down the road.

There are various types of space maintainers available depending on your child's specific needs. The pediatric dentist in San Ramon CA or Livermore will determine which type is most suitable for your little one based on factors like age, oral health condition, and the location of the missing tooth.

The Process of Getting a Space Maintainer

Getting a space maintainer involves a step-by-step process that ensures proper placement and function. The first step is to consult with the pediatric dentist in Livermore or San Ramon, who will evaluate their specific needs and determine if a space maintainer is necessary.

Once the decision has been made to proceed with a space maintainer, the next step is to take impressions of your child's teeth. This involves using dental putty to create an exact replica of their mouth. These impressions are then sent to a dental lab where the customized space maintainer will be created.

During the next appointment, the Pediatric Dentist in Livermore, CA will carefully place the space maintainer in your child's mouth. They will ensure that it fits well and does not cause any discomfort or irritation. Your child may need some time to adjust to wearing the appliance, but most children adapt quickly.

Regular follow-up appointments at our children's dental office in San Ramon or Livermore are important during this process as they allow the dentist to monitor how well the space maintainer is working and make any necessary adjustments. It is crucial for parents to encourage good oral hygiene practices and teach their children how to clean around the appliance properly.

Benefits of Using Space Maintainers in Livermore or San Ramon

Space maintainers in Livermore or San Ramon can play a crucial role when it comes to maintaining the proper alignment of your child's teeth. These small devices are designed to keep gaps in the mouth open, ensuring that permanent teeth have enough room to grow properly.

• One of the main benefits of using space maintainers is that they prevent further dental problems from occurring. By keeping the spaces between teeth open, these devices help guide incoming permanent teeth into their correct positions. This not only prevents crowding but also avoids potential issues such as misalignment or impacted teeth.
• Another advantage of space maintainers is that they promote optimal oral health. When baby teeth are lost prematurely due to decay or injury, adjacent teeth often shift and fill up the empty space. This can lead to overcrowding and make it difficult for permanent teeth to erupt correctly. By using space maintainers, you can ensure that your child's bite remains aligned and reduce the risk of future oral health complications.
• Additionally, by preserving spacing between primary (baby) and permanent teeth, space maintainers help support normal speech development in children. When there is a loss of primary molars too early, it can impact how kids pronounce certain sounds like "s" or "th." Space maintainers prevent this issue by guiding new adult teeth into their appropriate positions so speech development proceeds unaffected.

Ensure your child's dental health at Dr. Amit Goyal Pediatric Dentistry! Call (925) 553-7173 to schedule an appointment at our San Ramon dental office located at 111 Deerwood Rd, STE 345, San Ramon, CA 94583. You may also schedule an appointment at our Livermore dental office located at 3107 Independence Dr, Livermore, CA 94551, by calling (925) 245-0158. We are accepting new patients at both our San Ramon and Livermore locations. Your child's happy and healthy smile is our top priority!