The Role of Spacers in Fillings for Pediatric Dentistry
The Role of Spacers in Fillings for Pediatric Dentistry
As a kids dentist, ensuring children’s dental development progresses smoothly and healthily is a top priority. At Little Teeth of Stratford, Dr. K and our team use advanced techniques and tools to provide the best care for our young patients. One such tool is the dental spacer, which plays a critical role in maintaining dental alignment and health following cavity treatments or tooth extractions.
What are Dental Spacers?
Dental spacers, also known as space maintainers, are devices used to keep the space open when a baby tooth is lost prematurely. This ensures that the surrounding teeth do not shift into the empty space, allowing the permanent tooth to erupt correctly. In pediatric dentistry, spacers are vital for maintaining proper dental alignment and preventing future orthodontic issues.
Importance of Spacers in Pediatric Fillings
- Maintaining Space for Permanent Teeth:
- When a child loses a baby tooth too early, the adjacent teeth can drift into the empty space, leading to crowding and misalignment of the permanent teeth. Spacers keep the space open, ensuring the permanent tooth has enough room to erupt in the correct position.
- Preventing Misalignment:
- Proper spacing is crucial for the alignment of permanent teeth. Misalignment can lead to bite problems, difficulty in cleaning teeth, and increased risk of cavities and gum disease. By using spacers, kids dentists like Dr. K can help prevent these issues, promoting better oral health.
- Supporting Jaw Development:
- The correct spacing of teeth supports the proper development of the jawbone. Spacers help ensure that the jaw develops correctly, which is essential for both functional and aesthetic reasons.
- Minimizing the Need for Future Orthodontics:
- By maintaining the proper space for permanent teeth, spacers can reduce the need for extensive orthodontic treatments later on. This can save time, money, and discomfort for both the child and the parents.
Advanced Techniques at Little Teeth of Stratford
At Little Teeth of Stratford, we use digital scanners for impressions, ensuring accuracy and comfort for our young patients. These modern, super-advanced digital scanners allow us to capture detailed images of the mouth without the need for traditional, messy impression materials. This technology not only improves the precision of the spacers but also enhances the overall patient experience by making the process quicker and more comfortable.
Types of Dental Spacers
- Fixed Spacers:
- These are cemented onto the teeth and remain in place until the permanent tooth erupts. Fixed spacers are more secure and less likely to be lost or damaged by the child.
- Removable Spacers:
- These are similar to retainers and can be removed for cleaning. Removable spacers are typically used in older children who can handle the responsibility of wearing them correctly.
Procedure for Placing Spacers
The process of placing spacers at Little Teeth of Stratford is straightforward and involves a few simple steps:
- Initial Consultation:
- Dr. K evaluates the child’s dental health and determines if a spacer is needed. X-rays may be taken to assess the position of the permanent tooth.
- Placement:
- If a fixed spacer is needed, it is custom-made to fit the child’s mouth and then cemented onto the teeth. For removable spacers, an impression of the teeth is taken, and the spacer is created to fit perfectly.
- Follow-Up:
- Regular check-ups are scheduled to monitor the spacer and ensure it is functioning correctly. Dr. K will also check for any signs of discomfort or issues with the spacer.
At Little Teeth of Stratford, we understand the importance of maintaining proper dental alignment from a young age. Our comprehensive approach to pediatric dentistry ensures that your child receives the best possible care. For families looking for advanced dental treatments, including same-day crowns and other innovative solutions, we recommend visiting Astra Dental, our sister practice.