HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

What does a space maintainer do?

1. It holds teeth in position

2. It improves the alignment of teeth

3. It cleans between teeth

4. It aligns the jaw

The correct answer is: It holds teeth in position

A space maintainer serves a crucial role in pediatric dentistry, specifically designed to preserve the space a primary tooth (baby tooth) leaves behind when it is lost prematurely due to decay or injury. The primary purpose of this device is to ensure that the adjacent teeth do not shift into the gap, which could lead to misalignment and complications in the eruption of permanent teeth. By holding the teeth in position, a space maintainer helps maintain the proper arch dimensions of the dental arch, contributing to a healthy and functional bite as the child grows. Space maintainers are not intended to improve alignment of teeth; rather, they simply prevent potential misalignment by keeping the space open. They also do not perform cleaning functions or jaw alignment tasks. Instead, they are exclusively focused on maintaining space until the permanent tooth is ready to erupt. This underscores the unique and specific purpose of space maintainers in dental care for children.