Space Maintainers in Brentwood, CA

At Fairview Dental Brentwood, we understand that baby teeth serve a purpose far beyond chewing—they act as vital placeholders for the permanent teeth waiting beneath the gums. When a child loses a baby tooth prematurely due to decay or injury, Dr. Thuc Luu may recommend a Space Maintainer. This small, custom appliance ensures that your child’s future smile has the room it needs to grow in straight and healthy.

Why are Space Maintainers Important?

If a baby tooth is lost too early, the neighboring teeth tend to tilt or shift into the empty gap. This creates a “roadblock” for the permanent tooth that is trying to erupt later on.

Without a space maintainer, your child may face:

• Crowding: Permanent teeth coming in crooked or overlapping.
• Impaction: The permanent tooth getting “stuck” under the bone because there is no room to emerge.
• Complex Orthodontics: A much higher likelihood of needing extensive braces or oral surgery in the teenage years.
• Chewing and Speech Issues: Gaps and shifted teeth can affect how a child eats and develops certain speech sounds.

Types of Space Maintainers

Dr. Luu will select the appliance that best fits your child’s specific dental needs:

1. Unilateral Space Maintainer (Band-and-Loop)

This is the most common type, used when a tooth is lost on one side of the mouth. A metal band goes around an existing tooth, and a wire loop extends across the gap to hold the space open.

2. Lingual Arch

Used when teeth are missing on both sides of the lower jaw. A wire is placed on the “lingual” (tongue) side of the teeth and attached to the back molars to maintain the entire arch’s integrity.

3. Distal Shoe

This specialized maintainer is used when a back baby molar is lost before the first permanent molar has even erupted. It guides the permanent molar into the correct position as it grows.

The Process: Simple and Non-Invasive

Getting a space maintainer is a straightforward process that does not require any “drilling” of the teeth.

1. Impressions: We take a gentle digital scan or impression of your child’s mouth. This is sent to a specialized lab where the appliance is custom-fitted.
2. Fitting: Once the appliance is ready, Dr. Luu checks the fit to ensure it is comfortable and does not interfere with the child’s bite.
3. Cementation: The maintainer is “glued” into place with a strong dental cement. It is designed to stay there until the permanent tooth begins to peek through the gums.
4. Monitoring: At every 6-month check-up, we check the appliance to make sure it is secure and the permanent tooth is progressing correctly.

Life with a Space Maintainer

Most children adjust to the appliance within a day or two. To ensure it stays in place, we recommend:

• Avoid Sticky Foods: Gummy bears, taffy, and caramel can pull the appliance loose.
• Keep it Clean: Extra attention should be paid to brushing around the metal bands to prevent plaque buildup and gum irritation.
• Don’t Push with the Tongue: We encourage children not to “fiddle” with the wire with their tongue or fingers.
• Trusted Resource: Learn more about why baby teeth matter from the American Dental Association.

Why Choose Fairview Dental for Pediatric Care?

Dr. Thuc Luu and his team are known for their gentle, patient-centered approach to children’s dentistry.

• Preventive Mindset: Our goal is to avoid expensive orthodontic problems before they start.
• Kid-Friendly Environment: We take the time to explain everything to our young patients in a way that is fun and non-intimidating.
• Custom Precision: Using digital technology ensures that the appliance is comfortable and fits perfectly from day one.

Planning for a Healthy Future Smile

A space maintainer is a small investment that can prevent years of orthodontic struggles. At Fairview Dental Brentwood, we are committed to guiding your child’s dental development every step of the way.

Call us today at (925) 240-7253 or visit our office in the Shops at Fairview to schedule your appointment.