Space MaintainersIn Bozeman
Space maintainers are dental appliances that are custom-made by orthodontists. They are usually made of metal and are used to keep a space open in the mouth for a permanent tooth to grow into when a baby tooth has been prematurely lost. This prevents neighboring teeth from drifting into the empty space and blocking the permanent tooth from erupting into its correct position. Dr. Vivian Snider at Headwaters Orthodontics in Bozeman, MT, is an expert in creating and fitting space maintainers, ensuring that your child's future smile remains as happy and healthy as it should be.
Open Hours
- MON
- 8 AM - 5 PM
- TUE
- 8 AM - 5 PM
- WED
- 8 AM - 5 PM
- THU
- 8 AM - 5 PM
- FRI
- By Request
When are Space Maintainers Recommended?
When a child loses a baby tooth prematurely, it can cause future dental problems that could be difficult and expensive to correct. The space left by the lost tooth can close up, causing neighboring teeth to drift into the gap. This can lead to crooked or crowded teeth, bite problems, and other dental issues. Space maintainers prevent these problems by holding the space open, allowing the permanent tooth to erupt in the correct position. This simple, preventative measure can save your child from more complex orthodontic treatment in the future.
Did you know…
Space maintainers can help save time, money, and discomfort in the long run!
The Benefits Of Space Maintainers
Prevents Misalignment
Space maintainers are designed to keep a space open for the incoming permanent tooth, preventing the surrounding teeth from moving into the gap and causing misalignment. This helps maintain a straight, healthy smile and can prevent the need for more extensive orthodontic treatment in the future.
Improves Oral Health
By preventing misalignment, space maintainers can also help improve overall oral health. Misaligned teeth can be harder to clean, leading to an increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease. By keeping teeth properly aligned, space maintainers help promote better oral hygiene.
Custom-Made for Comfort
Each space maintainer is custom-made to fit your child's mouth perfectly. This ensures that it's comfortable and effective. Dr. Vivian Snider at Headwaters Orthodontics takes great care in crafting these appliances to ensure they fit just right and do their job properly.
The Space Maintainer Treatment Process
Assessment and Impressions
Assessment and Impressions
The first step in the space maintainer process is a thorough examination of your child's mouth. Dr. Snider will take X-rays and impressions to assess the space and create a custom-made space maintainer.
Fitting the Space Maintainer
Fitting the Space Maintainer
Once the space maintainer has been crafted, it's time for the fitting. Dr. Snider will place the appliance in your child's mouth and make any necessary adjustments to ensure a perfect fit. This process is quick and painless.
Regular Check-Ups
Regular Check-Ups
After the space maintainer is in place, regular check-ups are necessary to monitor the progress of the incoming permanent tooth and to ensure the maintainer is still fitting correctly. Dr. Snider will let you know how often these check-ups should be.
Ready to Start your Smile Journey?
Frequently Asked Questions
Check out these frequently asked questions, or call us to speak with our team.