Space Maintainers- Part 2. A conversation between kids dentist Dr Diane Tay and orthodontist Dr Andrew Chang

In this 2nd part series, we talk further about how are space maintainers placed, cements used, chairside techniques to which space maintainers are made, when should they be placed, and why dentists play a very important role in early identification of the need for a space maintainer. We also talk about what severe space loss can do to the underlying adult teeth, ectopically erupting deciduous 2nd molars, space regaining techniques, and troubleshooting the most common space maintainer issues.  Highlights are: 1:15: How are space maintainers placed? 2:20: What cements are used to seat space maintainers and how to incorporate this as a fissure sealant? 4:40: Dr Tay shares thoughts on whether impressions are needed for space maintainer. 5:20: Dr Chang shares 2 different methods by which space maintainers are made. 7:45: How soon should a space maintainer be placed after a baby tooth is removed? Why it should be soon after otherwise space regaining techniques would be needed over just regular space maintenance. 10:50: Why dentists play a very important role in early identifying the need for a space maintainer. Dr Chang shares more complex space regaining methods once space loss has been a mild to moderate amount. 12:10: What severe space loss can do the the underlying adult teeth that is yet to erupt and potential complications that can happen to neighbouring adult teeth. 13:50: Ectopically erupting baby molar teeth underneath adult 1st molars. 14:30: Space regaining if needed, is often followed up by a space maintainer after. 16:10: Space maintenance also important to prevent need for balancing molar extractions. 17:05: What things to look out for when placing space maintainers in the mouth. 19:45: Minor diet modifications required when fixed space maintainers are placed. 21:40: Troubleshooting the most common space maintainer issues.