Health Safety Protocols

To Our Valued Patients at Surprise Smiles,

Welcome! We are open, looking forward to seeing returning patients, accepting new patients, and operating under normal business hours! The Arizona Department of Health Services (AZDS) is still not recommending any type of closures or modification in hours. We will continue to monitor information coming from both the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and AZDHS and keep you apprised of any changes or updates. We will stay on top of this information and bring it to you as soon as possible through our website, email, and social media.

As we continue to navigate through the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic, our dentists and dental team want to assure you that we are continuing to do our best to make sure it a priority that we are following the latest health and safety guidelines from the CDC, specifically as they relate to the dental industry. We value keeping our patients and staff members safe and comfortable.

As part of our daily standard health and safety protocols, our office follows ‘Universal Precautions’ in order to protect our patients and our staff. These are precautions we have always taken, and are not new. By taking ‘universal precautions’ means we always assume that anyone could potentially be carrying a contagious and dangerous disease. We therefore follow strict guidelines to prevent the transmission of any potential disease, be it COVID-19 (Coronavirus), hepatitis, tuberculosis, HIV, or any other disease. This has been a standard of care we follow, per the CDC, in regard to blood borne pathogens.

These measures include:
• strict hand washing protocols

• use of (single use) disposable protective equipment and barriers

• thorough disinfection of exposed or potentially exposed surfaces after every patient visit

• disinfection and high-heat steam sterilization of instruments and routine monitoring of sterilization verification

• continued education on infection control

Specific to COVID-19 (Coronavirus) we have added in additional precautionary and cleaning measures including:
• disinfecting common surface areas every 30 minutes

• providing hand sanitizer in common areas

• screening everyone who enters our offices based on CDC recommendations

• offering preprocedural mouth rinse

As state and national health and safety regulations change and evolve during these times, Surprise Smiles is dedicated to monitoring and evaluating our dental practice and office space for any potential risks as we serve our patients and community. We strive to maintain an approach to our dentistry services that is both safe and beneficial to everyone we serve.

We strive to provide a safe, healthy, comfortable, and relaxed environment for everyone that comes into our dental office. We follow the American Dental Association’s Update to Office Procedures During COVID-19 in regard to safe office procedures, workplace hazards, and making decisions for best office practices. We stay informed on recent information given to dentists in this regard, as well as keeping up to date with any changes recommended by the CDC.

Please let us know if you have any questions in regard to our health and safety protocols here at Surprise Smiles. We recognize that it can be challenging during these unprecedented times of COVID-19. We all want to get back to our normal lives, and we will be able to do so, in a safe, wise, and healthy manner. We will be happy to answer any questions that you may have in regard to our dental practice health and safety protocols, cleaning, and disinfecting procedures we follow.

Thank you for continuing to be a valued patient here at Bradshaw Family Dental. We look forward to continuing to serve you and your dental needs through the various services we provide for you, from preventive dentistry, restorative dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, pediatric dentistry, sedation dentistry, dental implants and more!

Can Space Maintainers Help Avoid Braces?

Smiling teenager sitting in a dental chair.

For parents concerned about their child’s dental health, early intervention can make a world of difference. One innovative solution is the use of space maintainers, which help guide proper tooth alignment and may reduce the need for braces in the future. Learn how this simple, non-invasive tool can set your child up for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

Understanding Space Maintainers

Space maintainers are a cornerstone of pediatric dentistry, designed to preserve the space left by a prematurely lost baby tooth. Acting as placeholders for permanent teeth, these devices ensure that new teeth emerge in their correct positions.

•	Definition - Space maintainers are dental devices used to prevent neighboring teeth from shifting into gaps left by missing teeth.
•	How They Work - By maintaining proper spacing, they guide the permanent teeth into alignment and prevent crowding.
•	Types - Fixed maintainers (like band-and-loop or crown-and-loop devices) are attached to the teeth, while removable maintainers resemble customized retainers.

Using simple yet effective methods, space maintainers are a non-invasive way to manage dental growth. Think of them as a “reserved seating” system for your child’s permanent teeth.

How Space Maintainers Prevent the Need for Braces

Space maintainers can significantly reduce the likelihood of future orthodontic treatments by tackling alignment issues early. They work by:

•	Preventing Crowding - Ensuring that surrounding teeth don’t shift into the space of a missing tooth.
•	Guiding Permanent Teeth - Helping teeth erupt in their proper positions.
•	Reducing Orthodontic Complications - Minimizing the severity or need for braces by addressing spacing issues proactively.

Studies show that early dental interventions like space maintainers can lower the chances of needing braces or reduce the time required for orthodontic treatment.

Types of Space Maintainers and Their Benefits

Different types of space maintainers offer tailored solutions for a variety of dental needs. Here’s a breakdown:

•	Fixed Space Maintainers - Includes band-and-loop and crown-and-loop devices. These are securely attached to existing teeth and are ideal for younger children.
•	Removable Space Maintainers - Customized acrylic appliances that resemble retainers. These are best suited for older children who can manage removable devices responsibly.
•	Choosing the Right Type - Our dentists will consider factors like your child’s age, dental condition, and overall oral health to recommend the ideal option.

Maintaining a space maintainer is simple with regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups. Our team provides detailed guidance to ensure success.

Benefits of Early Orthodontic Preventive Care

Early intervention with tools like space maintainers offers numerous advantages:

•	Saving Time and Money - Preventing major orthodontic treatments like braces or extractions later.
•	Improved Dental Health - Encouraging proper bite alignment and reducing the risk of decay caused by overcrowding.
•	Boosted Confidence - Ensuring your child has a beautiful smile throughout their developmental years.

Regular dental check-ups and proactive care can set your child on a path to a healthy, confident smile. Space maintainers are just one part of a comprehensive orthodontic approach.

FAQs About Space Maintainers

Are space maintainers painful for children?

No, space maintainers are not painful. Most children adapt to them quickly and experience no discomfort.

How long does a child need to wear a space maintainer?

The duration depends on when the permanent tooth is expected to erupt, which can vary from months to a few years.

Does insurance cover the cost of space maintainers?

Many dental insurance plans cover space maintainers as part of preventive orthodontic care. Check with your provider for specific details.

What happens if my child doesn’t use a space maintainer?

Without a space maintainer, teeth can shift into the empty space, potentially leading to crowding or misalignment, increasing the need for braces.

Setting Your Child Up for a Healthy Smile

Space maintainers are a simple yet powerful way to ensure your child’s dental health while potentially avoiding the need for braces. Early intervention not only saves time and money but also builds confidence in your child’s smile.

Ready to explore how space maintainers can help your child? Book an appointment today.

Can Space Maintainers Prevent Braces? | Orthodontic Insights
Discover how dental space maintainers can help avoid braces by managing tooth alignment in kids. Learn about this preventative orthodontic solution.
Bradshaw Family Dental, 7136 East Pav Way, Prescott Valley, AZ 86314, (928) 277-0076, bradshawfamilydental.com, 1/11/2025, Related Terms: dentist Prescott Valley,