Dental crowding is a common issue among patients, especially pediatric ones who lose teeth prematurely or have oral development issues. Each mouth is different, and you’ll likely need to explore different dental work options for treatment. Space maintainers are one of the leading choices to resolve crowding, and there are several types a dental lab can make. Here’s a quick guide to the most-popular varieties and a breakdown of how they function.

Your Guide to Space Maintainers

Fixed

Fixed space maintainers are cemented to teeth to keep them in place while others come in and include two types: bilateral and unilateral. Bilateral maintainers are cemented to rear molars and connected with bands to the incisors when baby teeth are lost prematurely. They’re ideal for keeping molars from moving forward and to prevent incisors from tipping.

Unilateral space maintainers are designed to hold a single space between teeth. If the first molars have erupted, a looped band can be placed in the socket and fixed to adjacent teeth; if not, a distal shoe can be applied to the back of the mouth.

Removable

Removable space maintainers consist of an acrylic button that rests on the palate and bands with loops around the ends that hold the target teeth in place. These are convenient because they can be taken out; however, more extensive dental care is required of the patient. Removable maintainers are best for bilateral tooth loss, specifically with the primary molars. Consider your patient’s ability to care for their teeth also if dental work is needed for other teeth or for treating issues like gum disease.

If you’re looking for a reliable dental lab to partner with, turn to Aloha Dental Laboratory. Located in Aiea, HI, they offer a wide scope of dental work, such as creating dental implants, crowns, space maintainers, and custom dentures as well as repairing cosmetic dentistry prosthetics. They’re committed to providing timely results superior craftsmanship, allowing you to focus on patient care. Visit the website to explore their services, or call (808) 947-2877 to speak with a specialist about your practice’s dental work needs.