Space Maintainers
After premature loss of your child's pace maintainers prevent teeth from shifting
The Solution
Space maintainer — a combination of bands and wires designed to hold the remaining teeth in a position that will allow the future permanent tooth to erupt in the proper location.
Advantages
Prompt placement of a space maintainer will give the permanent tooth the best chance of erupting in the mouth in the correct location. This will minimize orthodontic problems caused by premature loss of a baby tooth.
Disdvantages
Your child will need to wear the appliance until the permanent tooth erupts. If not kept clean decay can occur under the bands.
Alternatives
If a space maintainer is not placed, the teeth will shift into the open area, making it difficult or in some cases impossible for the permanent tooth to erupt. This requires orthodontics to remedy.