How Long Does It Take to Get a Space Maintainer?
Because space maintainers are custom-made to fit your mouth by a dental laboratory technician, it takes two separate appointments to complete the delivery of a space maintainer. In the first appointment, we will take an impression of the teeth and send it to the lab to make the appliance. 2-3 weeks later in the second appointment, we will assess the proper fit of the space maintainer in the mouth and then cement it with a fluoride releasing cement.
How do Palate Expanders Work?
The palate expander mechanism operates via a screw in its center. The retainer has two halves that are connected by a screw that is turned slowly by the patient at a constant interval as advised by the dentist. Each turn of the screw slightly separates the two halves and over time will expand the width of the palate.