Dental Space Maintenance
In the Abilene, Wylie, Jim Ned & Buffalo Gap Area
Dental Space Maintainers
When a baby tooth is lost prematurely, a space maintainer may be indicated to preserve the gap, which helps ensure proper alignment of the permanent tooth and prevent drifting of adjacent teeth. Here is an overview of different types of space maintainers:
• Band and loop:
Used to hold space for a single missing tooth, usually in the posterior area. It consists of a metal band wrapped around a neighboring tooth with a loop that spans the gap.
• Distal shoe:
Used when a primary second molar is lost early and the first permanent molar has not yet erupted. It consists of a metal band that fits around a neighboring tooth with a small metal blade extending into the gums to guide the eruption of the developing permanent molar. This requires careful monitoring because it extends slightly below the gumline.
• Nance appliance:
Used when more than one tooth is missing in the upper arch. It consists of two metal bands that fit around the upper molars, connected by a wire that extends to the middle of the roof of the mouth. It has an acrylic button that rests against the palate.
• Lower lingual holding arch (LLHA):
Used when more than one tooth is missing in the lower arch. It consists of two metal bands that fit around the lower molars, connected by a wire that runs along the inside (lingual) side of the teeth.
"We've been taking our 3 children here for a couple of years. Dr. Phillips and Dr. Ellis and the entire staff are absolutely amazing! So friendly, professional, and most importantly, our kids feel comfortable and enjoy the welcoming environment. Our 4th grader recently had his braces removed and the results are absolutely phenomenal!! From start to finish, Dr. Phillips was so great to work with and we could not be happier with the results. We've recommended friends to this location and will continue to highly recommend Key City - Dr. Phillips and Dr. Ellis and all the amazing ladies to everyone we know! My son can't quit showing off his beautiful smile and my other two actually get excited to hear "we're going to get teeth cleaned"🩷 Thank you Key City - Abilene for the great care you provide!"
