Medical Case: Is it mandatory to proceed with fixed orthodontics following the space maintainer?
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Is it mandatory to proceed with fixed orthodontics following the space maintainer? (Dentistry)

Dr. Geethanjali. S. S., BDS

 

Medical Case Details:

This question was from one of my friends who is a regional general dentist. There is a 13-year-old female pediatric patient who is hesitating to get fixed orthodontics probably because of esthetics. But already got four space maintainers on all the four quadrants. The kid’s question is 'Is it a must to wear the braces on even after space maintenance?' The kid wants a yes or no answer. But I think the purpose of space maintainers itself is to avoid braces later on and it is not mandatory in all cases. I did not get to see the case pictures. What would you specialists reckon in this case?

 


    Discussions


    Dr. Uthanda Hariharasudhan
    Dentist

    Space maintainers are a part of preventive orthodontics.that does not completely avoid(eliminate) the necessity of Fixed Orthodontic Treatment (braces).Space maintainers just reduce the severity of the malocclusion and reducing the total duration of Fixed (braces) Orthodontic Treatment.Depending upon clinical scenario, space maintained , radiological evaluation and model analysis we can decide whether the kid needs Fixed Orthodontic Treatment.

    ▲ 1
    25.Apr, 12:53pm

    Dr. Shamaz Mohamed
    Dentist

    I feel space Maintainer are just part of Preventive orthodontics and it's necessary to evaluate the clinical condition to whether the child needs to proceed for fixed orthodontic treatment. However if the previous orthodontist has recommended for the same and child's only concern is esthetics, one may consider options like lingual orthodontics or ceramic braces or even clear aligners and proceed with treatment.

    ▲ 1
    27.Apr, 10:14am

    Dr. Geethanjali. S. S
    Dentist

    Thanks for that doc!

    27.Apr, 10:16am

    Dr. Pearl Jaggi
    Dentist

    It is not must to go for fixed orthodontic treatment, but as mentioned depending upon the clinical picture (check the eruption of premolars and the molar relationship), radiographic and space analysis need for fixed treatment i.e. braces should be decided. lingual or ceramic braces are a good option considering esthetics is a priority.

    ▲ 1
    30.Apr, 11:36am

    Dr. Priyanga. K
    Dentist

    Space maintainer is purely a preventive treatment. To correct the patients occlusion and profile they must undergo Ortho treatment. And preferrably this is the right age to plan the child's profile.

    ▲ 1
    29.Sep, 12:11pm



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