Space Maintainer Applications

Space maintainer applications in Istanbul are often necessary in cases of premature milk tooth loss. This can occur due to a variety of reasons, including excessive decay, tooth trauma, thumb sucking, improper bottle or pacifier use, erosion and loss of milk tooth roots due to the eruption of permanent teeth from below, and inadequate breastfeeding.

Space maintainer applications are crucial in preventing the shifting of neighboring teeth into the gap left by the prematurely lost milk tooth. This shifting can lead to misalignment and crowding of permanent teeth, potentially requiring orthodontic treatment in the future. By maintaining the space, the permanent tooth can erupt in its correct position, ensuring a healthy and aligned smile.

Space Maintainers in Children

Space maintainers are movable or fixed appliances used to prevent space loss caused by prematurely lost or necessary extraction of milk teeth.

In cases of early loss of posterior teeth, the missing tooth can cause neighboring teeth to shift or tilt. As a result, the arch length required for permanent teeth decreases, and the space for the eruption of premolars and canines becomes narrower. This narrowing can lead to impaction or crowding of the premolars and canines. In such a situation, a child who would not normally require orthodontic treatment may need orthodontic correction.

Characteristics and Use of Space Maintainers

Space maintainers can be made of metal or plastic. Depending on the number and location of prematurely lost primary teeth, space maintainers are prepared in two forms: fixed space maintainers and removable space maintainers.

After taking the measurements from the mouth, the technician prepares the appropriate space maintainer in a laboratory setting. The prepared space maintainer is then adjusted in the patient’s mouth by the dentist. The patient wears the space maintainer under the supervision of the dentist, and it is removed when the permanent tooth starts erupting in place of the primary tooth.

Fixed Space Maintainers

Fixed space maintainers in Istanbul are custom-made appliances that are cemented onto the adjacent teeth to preserve the space left by a missing baby tooth. They are typically used when a single tooth is lost prematurely and the permanent tooth has not yet erupted. These appliances are essential for preventing the surrounding teeth from shifting and ensuring proper alignment for the future permanent tooth. Regular dental checkups are crucial for monitoring the space maintainer and ensuring its proper functioning.

These are made for single-tooth deficiencies. The following points should be considered during use:

• A follow-up appointment should be scheduled 3 months after installation.
• Sticky foods should not be chewed in the area where the space maintainer is placed.
• In case of any problem or movement of the space maintainer, a dentist should be consulted.

Removable Space Maintainers

Removable space maintainers in Istanbul, Turkey are typically used when multiple baby teeth are missing. These appliances are designed to be taken out during meals and cleaning, making them a convenient option for some patients. They function similarly to fixed space maintainers by holding the space open for the permanent teeth to erupt properly. However, it’s crucial for parents to ensure their child wears the appliance consistently and follows proper care instructions to prevent damage or loss.

These are made for multiple missing primary teeth. These space maintainers are removable appliances. The following points should be considered during use:

• Remove while eating,
• Store in water when going to sleep,
• Brush the space maintainer along with the teeth,
• Immediately inform the dentist if any breakage occurs in the space maintainer,
• Schedule a follow-up appointment 3 months after installation.

Functions of Space Maintainers

Space maintainers prevent the closing of extraction space by other teeth and ensure the eruption of permanent teeth in their ideal position and at the appropriate time. They prevent future orthodontic problems.

By preventing crowding, they help keep the teeth in their ideal position, promote a beautiful dentition, facilitate easy brushing of the teeth, and minimize the risk of dental decay in interface areas.

Precautions to Take After Space Maintainer Placement;

Parents are advised to follow specific precautions after space maintainers in Turkey are placed in their child’s mouth. Regular dental checkups every six months are essential to monitor the appliance’s effectiveness and address any potential issues.

Maintaining good oral hygiene with regular brushing and flossing is crucial to prevent plaque buildup and cavities around the space maintainer. Parents should also educate their children on how to properly care for the appliance, ensuring they avoid playing with it or using it to bite on hard objects.

Also take in count that fixed space maintainers should be removed under the supervision of the dentist. For removable space maintainers, it is sufficient to remove them while eating, and it should not be pushed or moved with fingers or tongue while in use. In case of breakage or tension, space maintainers should be replaced immediately. Always make sure that the area around the teeth is thoroughly disinfected to prevent damage to the placed teeth.