Space Maintainers Reynoldsburg
Sometimes your child may lose a tooth too soon due to decay or an accident. Maintaining this space is essential to prevent space loss in the future when permanent teeth try to grow in. With the help of a space maintainer from Dr. McKibben, Dr. Ehrbar, and the trusted experts at McKibben Dental, we can ensure that your child’s mouth will have enough room for all their teeth to grow in.
Types of Space Maintainers
We offer a variety of space maintainers to suit your child’s needs.
- Band and Loop Maintainer
- Made of stainless steel wire
- Held in place by a crown or band on the tooth next to the empty space
- Wire is attached to the crown or loop and rests on the side of the tooth
- Lingual Arch
- Used on lower teeth when the back teeth on both sides of the jaw are lost
- Wire placed on the tongue side of the arch
- Attached to the tooth in front of the open space
- Helps prevent teeth from shifting backwards into the open space
Your child’s comfort is our priority. Our team will ensure that the space maintainer fits comfortably for your child to ensure it works properly and does not cause any discomfort.
It is important for your child to avoid sticky foods to ensure the space maintainer is not damaged. Also, please encourage your child to not push or pull on the device with their tongue or fingers. Proper brushing and flossing is also essential to ensure no build up develops on the device.
Space Maintainers in the Columbus area
If your child loses a tooth too early, we are here to help ensure the children of Reynoldsburg have lifetimes of healthy smiles. With our space maintainers and our caring team, we will make the entire process easy and comfortable for you and your child. If you would like to schedule a consultation or speak with one of our helpful team members, please call us today at 614-575-9530.
Frequently Asked Questions
When a baby tooth is lost too soon, nearby teeth can begin to drift into the empty space. This movement may block the permanent tooth from erupting properly, increasing the likelihood of crowding or the need for orthodontic treatment later. A space maintainer helps preserve the natural spacing while your child’s smile continues to develop.
Yes. Routine follow-up visits allow our team to check that the appliance still fits correctly, remains secure, and continues to hold the space as your child’s mouth grows. These appointments also help us determine the right time to remove the appliance once the permanent tooth is ready to erupt in Reynoldsburg, OH.
Encourage your child to brush carefully around the appliance, floss as instructed, and avoid chewing on ice, hard candy, or sticky foods that could damage it. It’s also important to discourage playing with the appliance using their fingers or tongue, as this can loosen or bend it.
If the appliance becomes loose, bent, or falls out, contact our office as soon as possible. Even a short period without the space maintainer can allow nearby teeth to shift, making it more difficult for the permanent tooth to come in correctly. Prompt evaluation helps keep your child’s treatment on track in Reynoldsburg, OH.
Most children adapt to a space maintainer within a few days. While it may feel unusual at first, a properly fitted appliance should not be painful or interfere significantly with speaking or eating. If your child experiences ongoing discomfort or irritation, our team can adjust it to improve fit and comfort.
