In order to maintain the long-term health of your child’s smile, consider seeking information on which dental appliances might benefit their oral health! These appliances can reduce the number of orthodontic treatments they need later on, and common appliances include palatal expanders or space maintainers in Sterling, Virginia. Contact JB Dental Associates today at 571-366-3830 to schedule an appointment with our dentist, Dr. Joyce Bahng to learn which appliances are right for you child.
Space Maintainers
Baby teeth, also known as primary teeth, serve multiple purposes beyond chewing and eating. They act as guides for the proper eruption of permanent teeth. When a baby tooth is lost prematurely, the permanent tooth may not have the guidance it needs, potentially leading to misalignment or improper eruption. Premature tooth loss can also cause neighbouring teeth to shift or tilt, encroaching upon the space reserved for the upcoming permanent tooth. Baby teeth might be lost early due to various reasons, including:
- Severe tooth decay or infection
- Accidents like falls
- Diseases or congenital conditions
- Missing teeth at birth
Our dentist ensures that, if necessary, the space left by a lost or missing tooth is preserved for the correct eruption of the permanent tooth. To achieve this, a space maintainer might be recommended. This device helps retain the space until the permanent tooth emerges.
Palatal Expanders
An orthodontic appliance called a palatal expander is used to enlarge the upper jaw to improve the fit of the upper and lower teeth. We will examine your child’s teeth and bite during your consultation with our team to identify the services that are best suited to their requirements. To help their top and bottom teeth fit together in a way that is both practical and aesthetically acceptable, many of our patients need to have their bite adjusted. A palatal expander can help your child’s jaw enlarge and create more room for their teeth to erupt if their upper jaw is too small. The palatal expander allows permanent teeth to erupt without crowding by progressively extending the palate’s soft cartilage.
Various types of pediatric dental appliances, both removable and fixed, exist to suit individual needs. We ensure your child receives the most appropriate treatment for their unique requirements. To learn more about the available types of dental appliances and their advantages, we encourage you to get in touch with us at your earliest convenience.
We don’t just offer smile makeovers to Sterling residents and those in nearby areas. Our pediatric dentistry services include at-home oral health care, early orthodontic treatment, pediatric fluoride treatment, and pediatric sports guards.
