Space Maintainers for Children
When a baby tooth is lost early, a space maintainer can hold the gap open so the adult tooth has room to come in.
Why baby teeth hold space
Baby teeth keep a place ready for the adult teeth underneath. If a baby tooth is lost early, from decay or an injury, the teeth next to it can drift into the gap. A space maintainer is a small appliance that holds that space open until the adult tooth comes in.
What to expect
The dentist checks the gap, your child’s age and the adult tooth on an X-ray, then explains whether a space maintainer would help. Most are made to fit your child’s teeth and are checked at regular visits until the adult tooth arrives.
- Fixed space maintainers are attached to a back tooth
- Removable space maintainers can be taken out for cleaning
- Brushing around the appliance keeps the teeth healthy
- Call us if it feels loose or comes off
Questions parents ask
Does every lost baby tooth need a space maintainer?
No. It depends on which tooth was lost, your child’s age and how soon the adult tooth is expected. The dentist will explain the options at the visit.
Ready for your child’s visit?
Send a request online and our team will call you to confirm a day and time.