Preventing Crooked Teeth in Children with a Lingual Arch Space Maintainer

Did you know that losing baby teeth early can affect the way permanent teeth grow?

This is where Space Maintainers help - A simple and effective dental appliance that protects the space for your child’s adult teeth, helping them grow in the right place for a well-aligned smile.

What is a Lingual Arch Space Maintainer?

A lingual arch space maintainer (LASM) is a type of space maintainer for the lower jaw - A small, custom-made wire placed behind the lower teeth. It holds the space left by missing baby teeth and guides permanent teeth to grow in the correct position.

It is mostly invisible and works quietly, preventing crowding or misalignment in the future.

Why Your Child Might Need One

Without a space maintainer, nearby teeth can drift into the empty space, which may lead to:

• Crowded and misaligned adult teeth

• Impacted adult teeth

• Possible need for orthodontic treatment (braces) later

  
  

  

What Happens During THE PROCEDURE

The procedure is quick, gentle, and generally quite painless:

• Your child’s teeth are measured and bands are fitted on the back molar teeth for size verification, followed by fabrication of the appliance in a lab

• The appliance is carefully placed and adjusted for comfort in the second appointment

• Note that your child may feel slight pressure for a day or two, but it does not cause pain

  
  

How to Care for the Appliance

Do:

• Brush gently around the bands twice daily with fluoride toothpaste

• Attend check-ups every 4–6 weeks

• Schedule teeth cleaning and fluoride application every 3-6 months

• Contact our team @thehappytoothdental, if the appliance loosens

Avoid:

• Sticky foods like chewing gum, toffee, candy, etc

• Hard foods like nuts, or raw carrots (can be replaced with soaked/boiled alternatives)

• Playing with or picking at the appliance

  
  

  

  Taking care of the appliance ensures it serves its purpose well!

Common Questions Parents Ask

Will it hurt?

No. Your child may feel some pressure for a short time, but it is not a painful process.

How long will it stay in?

Usually 1–3 years, until permanent teeth (premolars) have come in.

Can it affect speech?

Some children may have a slight lisp initially, but they get used to it quickly.

What if it comes loose?

Contact your dentist immediately to prevent any problems. In an event that the appliance dislodges, advice your child to store it safely and bring it along for the following dental appointment.

book a visit to know more

A lingual arch space maintainer is a small investment for your child’s dental health. It protects the space for adult teeth, reduces future crowding, and helps your child’s smile develop well.

If your child has lost a baby tooth early, book a consultation today to see if a space maintainer is right for them.

Before You Say Yes to Veneers or a Crown, Read This First

Life-changing smile transformations start with the right questions.

Are you thinking about getting a smile makeover?

Maybe you've been told you need veneers to fix your smile.

Or perhaps a crown has been recommended to save a damaged tooth.

Before you say yes — pause.

And ask one important question:

How much of my natural tooth is being removed — and is that really necessary?

In modern dentistry, looking good shouldn’t come at the cost of your long-term dental health. That’s where minimally invasive dentistry comes in — an approach we deeply believe in at The Happy Tooth Dental Clinic.

What is Minimally Invasive Dentistry?

It’s a smarter, safer way to care for your smile — one that focuses on preserving your healthy tooth structure, rather than cutting or shaving it down unnecessarily.

Every time natural tooth structure is removed, it’s irreversible.

That’s why we aim to do only what’s needed:

✔️ Less drilling

✔️ Better materials

✔️ More precision

✔️ Long-term results

This philosophy isn’t limited to just cosmetic dentistry.

It applies to restorative work too — like fillings, crowns, and even tooth replacement options like implants.

Examples of Minimally Invasive Options You May Not Know About

✅ Composite Veneers over Traditional Veneers

Composite veneers can often be done with minimal or no tooth cutting. They’re sculpted directly onto your teeth, are reversible.

 Perfect for mild alignment issues, discolouration or chips.

✅ Inlays & Onlays Instead of Crowns

Crowns involve reducing all sides of the tooth. But many moderately damaged teeth can be restored with partial restorations (like inlays or onlays), preserving most of your healthy enamel.

Because every shred of enamel matters in the long run

✅ Dental Implants vs. Bridges

Missing a tooth? A traditional bridge means shaving down the two healthy neighbouring teeth. With a dental implant, we replace only what’s missing.

No damage to other teeth!

✅ No-prep or Pre-alignment Options for Smile Makeovers

Sometimes, teeth can be moved slightly with clear aligners before cosmetic work — so we can preserve more structure instead of drilling for alignment.

Eg: Orthodontic Alignment + Gum contouring for increased teeth visibility + Composite Veneers

Why This Matters for You

• The more tooth structure you preserve, the stronger and more stable your tooth stays

• Less aggressive treatment often means faster healing and better comfort

• Conservative approaches can often be revised or upgraded later — without irreversible damage

  
  

Simply put: Less is more — when done right.

How to Know You’re in the Right Hands

Not all dentists follow this philosophy. And that’s why choosing the right cosmetic or restorative dentist is key.

During your consultation, ask:

• Will you show me cases you've done, not just stock images?

• Are there options to preserve my natural tooth structure?

• Do you use tools like photography, trial smiles, or planning software to visualise the outcome?

• Is this treatment absolutely necessary, or is there a gentler alternative?

  
  

At The Happy Tooth Dental Clinic, our team follow a thoughtful, minimally invasive approach for every smile - from minor tweaks to full smile makeovers.

Before You Say Yes to Any Dental Work... Ask This:

“How much of my Natural Tooth are you saving?”

That single question could change your entire treatment plan and protect your smile for years to come.

📅 Book A Consultation with us Today!

Our specialist team will perform a detailed evaluation and help you decide what’s best in your case.

📍 Where to Find Us

• Dadar West – Near Shivaji Park, easily accessible from Mahim, Matunga, and Prabhadevi

• Thane West – Conveniently located for those staying around Ghodbunder Road, Hiranandani Estate and nearby areas

Long-Term Solution for Missing Teeth: Understanding Dental Implants

Missing teeth can impact not just your smile, but also how you eat, speak, and feel.

If you’re exploring permanent solutions, dental implants may be the answer you’ve been looking for.

At The Happy Tooth Dental Clinic (with branches in Dadar West and Thane), we offer safe, ethical, and long-lasting tooth replacement options to help you regain your confidence—comfortably and affordably.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are small titanium posts that act like artificial tooth roots.

They're placed in your jawbone and topped with a crown that looks and functions just like a real tooth.

They’re often the preferred solution when:

• A tooth has been lost due to decay, trauma, or gum disease

• You want a fixed alternative to removable dentures

• You’re looking for a long-term solution that feels natural

✨ Bonus: With proper care, implants can last 15+ years—often a lifetime!

✅ Why Choose Dental Implants?

• Look & feel natural

• Strong and stable for chewing

• Help preserve your jawbone and facial structure

• Easy to clean—just like natural teeth

• Don’t affect nearby teeth (unlike bridges)
  

At The Happy Tooth Dental Clinic, we use biocompatible materials, 3D scans, and precision planning to ensure your treatment is smooth, safe, and successful.

📍 Serving You Across Mumbai: Dadar West & Thane

Patients visit us from all over Mumbai for:

• Transparent and ethical dental advice

• Modern dentistry with digital X-rays and research-backed work

• A gentle and patient-first approach led by Dr. Stephen Dsouza and his team

• Flexible EMI payment options to suit your budget

Whether you're located near Shivaji Park, Mahim, or Ghodbunder Road, we’re close by!

Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?

You may be a good fit if:

• You’ve lost one or more teeth

• You have healthy gums and adequate jawbone

• You maintain good oral hygiene

• You’re not a heavy smoker or have controlled medical conditions

  
  

Not sure? We offer a detailed check-up and consultation to assess if implants are right for you.

💬 Common Questions We Get

1. Are dental implants painful? Not during the procedure—it’s done under local anesthesia. Mild soreness afterward is manageable and temporary.

2. How long does the process take? It usually takes 3–5 months from implant to final crown, depending on healing. 3. Are implants expensive? They are an investment, but one that lasts. We offer EMIs so you can begin without delay - No one time payment needed.

4. Will it look natural? Absolutely. The crown is matched to your natural tooth color and shape—no one will know it’s not real!

Quality Dental Implants at an Affordable Price!

💳 Flexible Payments & EMI Options

We believe quality dental care should be accessible. That’s why we offer:

• EMI plans on all implant treatments

• Transparent pricing with no hidden costs

• A clear, step-by-step treatment roadmap
  

📅 Ready to Take the First Step?

Your new smile starts with a consultation, our team will walk you through every detail. 📞 Call or WhatsApp us to schedule your appointment.

We’re happy to answer all your questions!

🏥 Where to Find Us

• Dadar West – Near Shivaji Park, easily accessible from Mahim, Matunga, and Prabhadevi

• Thane West – Conveniently located for those staying around Ghodbunder Road, Hiranandani Estate and nearby areas