Dental spacers, also known as space maintainers, are orthodontic appliances designed to preserve the gap left by a prematurely lost baby tooth. Their primary function is to prevent the surrounding teeth from shifting into the empty space, ensuring that the permanent tooth has enough room to erupt in its correct position.
By maintaining proper spacing, these devices help prevent misalignment, crowding, and other orthodontic issues that may require more extensive treatment in the future. Spacers are commonly used when a child loses a primary tooth too early due to decay, injury, or congenital factors. They come in different types, including fixed (cemented in place) and removable options, depending on the child’s dental needs.
What does a dental spacer do?
As adults, you may have already noticed that your teeth can move over time—and that is perfectly normal. Teeth naturally move due to various factors, including everyday wear, aging, and changes in the jawbone structure. Additionally, parafunctional habits such as thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, nail-biting, and even excessive chewing on hard objects can contribute to unwanted tooth movement.
Other factors, such as tooth loss, periodontal disease, and orthodontic relapse (teeth shifting after braces), can also cause changes in dental alignment.
When a child’s primary (milk) tooth decays and needs to be extracted earlier than its natural shedding time, there is a high likelihood of unwanted mesial shifting—where the surrounding teeth gradually move forward into the empty space. This happens because there are no adjacent teeth to act as barriers and keep them in place.
As the remaining teeth shift, the space intended for the erupting permanent tooth becomes smaller, leaving insufficient room for proper alignment. Consequently, the permanent tooth may erupt in a misaligned position, leading to crowding, bite issues, or the need for future orthodontic treatment. To prevent this, dental spacers (space maintainers) are placed to hold the gap open, ensuring the proper development of the child’s permanent teeth.
How long do dental spacers stay in?
Dental spacers, also known as space maintainers, remain in the mouth until the permanent tooth is ready to erupt. Their primary function is to preserve the space left by a prematurely lost baby tooth, preventing the surrounding teeth from shifting into the gap. The duration for which a spacer is needed varies depending on the child’s dental development and the specific tooth involved.
Once the permanent tooth begins to erupt, the spacer is either naturally dislodged or professionally removed by a dentist. Regular dental check-ups are essential during this period to monitor the progress of tooth eruption and ensure that the spacer is functioning correctly. Proper maintenance, including good oral hygiene and avoiding sticky or hard foods, helps keep the spacer in place and effective until it is no longer needed.
Are dental spacers painful?
Dental spacers, unlike most orthodontic appliances, are generally not painful. Since they are designed to simply hold space rather than actively move teeth, they do not exert the same pressure as braces or other orthodontic devices. However, children may experience mild discomfort or an unusual sensation in the first few days as they adjust to the appliance. This discomfort typically fades quickly as the mouth adapts.
Spacers are custom-made to fit comfortably and securely in the child’s mouth, ensuring they do not interfere with daily activities such as eating or speaking. Proper care, including maintaining good oral hygiene and avoiding sticky or hard foods, can help prevent irritation and keep the spacer in place until the permanent tooth is ready to emerge.
Children often experience mild discomfort when a dental spacer is first installed, and they may complain about difficulty eating on the first day. This is a normal part of the adjustment period as their mouth gets used to the new appliance. Some children may also exhibit increased salivation as their oral muscles adapt to the presence of the spacer.
Parents might notice other temporary changes, such as slight speech differences or a tendency for their child to explore the spacer with their tongue. These effects usually subside within a few days as the child becomes accustomed to the appliance. Encouraging soft foods, proper oral hygiene, and reassuring the child about the spacer’s purpose can help ease the transition. If discomfort persists beyond a few days, a dental check-up may be necessary to ensure proper fit and function.
How do I clean my child’s dental spacers
Proper care of dental spacers (space maintainers) is essential to ensure they function effectively and prevent complications. Here are some important guidelines:
1. Maintain Proper Oral Hygiene
- Encourage your child to brush twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush to prevent plaque buildup around the spacer.
- Floss carefully, especially around the spacer, to keep the gums and adjacent teeth clean. If flossing is difficult, a water flosser may be a helpful alternative.
- Use an alcohol-free mouthwash (if recommended by the dentist) to help reduce bacteria and maintain gum health.
2. Avoid Certain Foods
- Hard foods (such as nuts, popcorn, and ice) can dislodge or damage the spacer.
- Sticky foods (like caramel, chewing gum, and gummy candies) can pull the spacer loose.
- Sugary snacks and drinks should be limited to prevent cavities around the spacer and other teeth.
3. Attend Regular Dental Check-Ups
- Regular visits to the dentist allow for monitoring the spacer’s condition and ensuring proper alignment of erupting permanent teeth.
- The dentist will determine when the spacer is no longer needed and safely remove it when the permanent tooth is ready to emerge.
- If the spacer becomes loose or falls out, it is important to visit the dentist promptly to prevent tooth shifting.
By following these care tips, parents can help ensure their child’s dental spacer remains effective, protecting their oral health and supporting proper tooth development.
Conclusion
Dental spacers play a crucial role in ensuring proper dental development in children, especially when a primary tooth is lost too soon. By maintaining the necessary space for permanent teeth to erupt correctly, they help prevent misalignment, crowding, and the need for more extensive orthodontic treatment in the future. While spacers require some initial adjustment, they are generally comfortable and easy to care for with proper oral hygiene, dietary precautions, and regular dental check-ups.
As a parent, being proactive about your child’s dental health can make a significant difference in their long-term oral well-being. If your child has lost a baby tooth prematurely, consulting a pediatric dentist about the need for a space maintainer can help ensure a healthy and properly aligned smile as they grow.
References:
Setia V, Pandit IK, Srivastava N, Gugnani N, Sekhon HK. Space maintainers in dentistry: past to present. J Clin Diagn Res. 2013 Oct;7(10):2402-5. doi: 10.7860/JCDR/2013/6604.3539. Epub 2013 Oct 5. PMID: 24298544; PMCID: PMC3843386.
Ahuja V, Thosar NR, Shrivastav S, Ahuja A. Effect of Lingual Arch Space Maintainer on the Position of Mandibular Molars and Incisors in the Vertical Direction during the Resolution of Mandibular Incisors Crowding: A Systematic Review of Clinical Trials in Humans. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent. 2021;14(Suppl 1):S76-S81. doi: 10.5005/jp-journals-10005-2039. PMID: 35082472; PMCID: PMC8754272.