The use of spacers in pediatric dentistry

Pediatric Dentist Michelle Kelman, DDS, shares advice for parents on the use of spacers in pediatric dentistry and how they are used to fix gaps in teeth
How Spacers Are Used In Pediatric Dentistry - Dental Health for Kids
KidsInTheHouse the Ultimate Parenting Resource
Kids in the House Tour

The use of spacers in pediatric dentistry

Comment
58
Like
58
Transcription: 
Following extraction of a tooth or pulling of a tooth, if it's a back tooth, a spacer is recommended. If it's a front tooth or a front, chew tooth, your centrals and your laterals, a spacer is not always recommended. The whole point of a spacer is so the teeth adjacent to the one being pulled, don't drift into that one's position, allowing for the permanent one to come in. So the general rule of thumb is for back teeth, absolutely, a spacer is recommended. Your pediatric dentist will determine what type of spacer is needed for the eruption pattern of the tooth. The front teeth, it gets a little tricky; but more often than not, a spacer is not needed. However, if a gap in the front does bother you, we can always put a pediatric denture in there to cosmetically replace the missing tooth. This denture is removed when the permanent teeth are set to come in.

Pediatric Dentist Michelle Kelman, DDS, shares advice for parents on the use of spacers in pediatric dentistry and how they are used to fix gaps in teeth

Transcript

Expert Bio

More from Expert

Michelle Kelman, DDS

Pediatric Dentist

Dr. Michelle M. Kelman is a specialist in pediatric and adolescent dentistry for healthy children and children with complex medical history. Dr. Michelle is on the Pediatric Surgical Team and Craniofacial Team at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and on faculty at the UCLA School of Dentistry, Pediatrics. Dr. Michelle has lectured internationally and taught continuing education courses on topics including pediatric patient behavior management and advancements in pediatric dentistry. These advancements include everything from equipment technology to introducing complementary and alternative therapies for your child's health needs. Active in the community, Dr. Michelle has offered numerous pediatric oral healthcare presentations to community groups, professional organizations and various healthcare professionals around the country with a special emphasis on pediatric behavior management and dental treatment using both traditional and natural methods for children with various medical conditions.

More Parenting Videos from Michelle Kelman, DDS >
Enter your email to
download & subscribe
to our newsletter