Space Maintainers in London – Protecting Growing Smiles
Space maintainers are custom-made devices that keep the gap open when a child loses a tooth early. At Attelia London, we ensure comfortable, effective appliances that protect alignment and support healthy permanent tooth eruption.
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Maintains natural tooth spacing
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Prevents crowding or misalignment
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Supports proper bite development
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Custom-fit for comfort
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Encourages healthy permanent teeth
Halit Dervis
Clinic Manager | GDC: 301171
Early care for healthy smiles
Timely intervention with space maintainers prevents long-term orthodontic complications.
What Are Space Maintainers?
Guiding Teeth into Position
Space maintainers are small dental appliances designed to hold open the gap left by an early lost baby tooth. By preserving this space, they allow the permanent tooth to erupt in its correct position, reducing the likelihood of crowding, misalignment, and the need for complex orthodontics later.
Why Are Space Maintainers Needed for Children?
Preventing Misalignment Early
When a baby tooth is lost too early, a space maintainer may be required. This appliance keeps the gap open, guiding the eruption of permanent teeth into their proper place. It helps prevent overcrowding, misalignment, or orthodontic complications during later stages of dental development.
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Keeps the gap open for correct eruption
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Reduces the need for complex orthodontic treatment later
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Prevents shifting of surrounding teeth into the space
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Protects overall dental growth and stability
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Supports natural alignment and healthy bite development
Using space maintainers early protects oral development and helps ensure a healthier smile for your child in the future.
When Are They Needed?
Common Situations Explained
Children who lose baby teeth early, through decay or trauma, often benefit from space maintainers. They prevent teeth from drifting and preserve correct alignment.
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Early loss of baby tooth due to decay
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Extraction of tooth following severe infection
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Tooth lost as a result of trauma or injury
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Child at risk of developing crowding or misalignment
Not every child requires a space maintainer. Your dentist will assess suitability and explain the best options for your child’s long-term dental health.
Types of Space Maintainers
Options for Treatment
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Comprehensive consultation and oral assessment
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Impressions or digital scans of the teeth taken
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Appliance custom-made for accuracy and comfort
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Fitted securely by the dentist during appointment
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Regular follow-up visits scheduled to monitor progress
Space maintainers may be fixed or removable depending on the case. Regular monitoring ensures effectiveness, comfort, and proper eruption of permanent teeth.
Aftercare and Follow-Up
Caring for Space Maintainers
Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial when wearing a space maintainer. Children should brush carefully around the appliance and continue flossing where possible.
Regular dental check-ups at Attelia London allow monitoring of both the appliance and the child’s dental development.
If the appliance becomes loose or broken, prompt professional attention prevents complications and ensures the treatment remains effective until the permanent tooth erupts.
Space Maintainer FAQs
Common Questions
Quick answers to common space maintainer questions.
