At Choonara Orthodontics in South Africa, we work hard to provide each and every patient with comprehensive, individual orthodontic care that meets their needs and budget. Whether our patients are adults, teens, or little children with their baby teeth falling out, we will ensure they receive the orthodontic treatment they deserve. For some children, our orthodontist in Randburg may recommend early orthodontic treatment and a space maintainer for their developing teeth.
What is a Space Maintainer?
A space maintainer is an orthodontic appliance that can help improve future oral health by allowing your child’s permanent teeth to grow properly. Similar to an adult dental bridge, a space maintainer is designed to preserve the space between two teeth after a baby tooth has fallen out. Space maintainers are custom-made for each patient to ensure comfort.
Using a space maintainer will keep a child’s teeth properly aligned, even as they lose their baby teeth and grow permanent teeth. The space maintainer will allow new permanent teeth to erupt normally and be more or less straight. In fact, space maintainers can avoid extensive orthodontic treatment later in life to straighten very crooked teeth. Although a space maintainer will not ensure perfectly straight teeth, it can help a great deal!
Why a Space Maintainer Might be Right for Your Child
Not every child will need a space maintainer. Typically, space maintainers are used for children who have lost a baby tooth, but their permanent tooth is not ready to erupt. This may occur because of tooth decay, an injury, or just due to natural reasons.
If a baby tooth is lost and it’s replacement permanent tooth is not ready to erupt, the child’s surrounding teeth can shift out of place to fill the vacant space. This can create an orthodontic nightmare and is what our orthodontist in Randburg wants to avoid. With a space maintainer, your child can prevent overcrowding and bite problems if their permanent tooth is not ready to erupt.
Schedule Your Next Orthodontic Visit with Our Orthodontist in Randburg!
If you are looking for great orthodontics in South Africa, contact Choonara Orthodontics in Johannesburg. Our orthodontist will evaluate your child’s teeth and determine if early orthodontic treatment is right for them. Additionally, we will answer any questions or concerns you may have. To schedule your next orthodontic appointment, request a visit online. We look forward to seeing you soon!