What are space maintainers?
Space maintainers are small appliances made of metal or plastic, custom-fitted to your child’s mouth. They are designed to be unobtrusive, and most children adjust to them easily within a few days.
Request an AppointmentWhy do children lose their baby teeth?
Typically, a baby tooth remains in place until a permanent tooth pushes it out. However, some children may lose a baby tooth prematurely due to accidents or dental disease. When a tooth is lost too early, a pediatric dentist may recommend a space maintainer to prevent future dental problems.
Why are baby teeth important?
Baby teeth are vital for a child’s present and future dental health. They:
- Encourage normal jaw bone and muscle development
- Save space for permanent teeth
- Guide permanent teeth into the correct position
Some baby teeth are not replaced until a child is 12–14 years old.
Problems from prematurely lost baby teeth
If a baby tooth is lost too soon, adjacent teeth may tilt or drift into the empty space. This can reduce space for permanent teeth, causing crowding and misalignment. If untreated, extensive orthodontic treatment may be required later.
How does a space maintainer help?
Space maintainers hold the empty space left by a lost tooth, preventing surrounding teeth from moving. This ensures permanent teeth have room to grow properly. Using a space maintainer is typically more affordable and less invasive than correcting teeth misalignment later with orthodontics.
Special care for space maintainers
Pediatric dentists recommend four key care rules:
- Avoid sticky sweets or chewing gum.
- Do not tug or push on the space maintainer with fingers or tongue.
- Maintain good oral hygiene with conscientious brushing and flossing.
- Continue regular dental visits.
