Children's Dentistry
When a baby tooth is lost too early, a space maintainer holds the gap open so the adult tooth has room to come in straight, often reducing or simplifying the need for braces later.
A space maintainer is a small, custom appliance that holds open the gap left when a baby tooth is lost early. It keeps neighboring teeth from drifting in, so the permanent tooth has room to erupt in the right place.
It keeps neighboring teeth from drifting into the gap.
Most kids adjust within a day or two and soon forget it's there.
Protecting the space now can simplify future orthodontic care.
Fitting a space maintainer is quick and comfortable. Here's the whole process.
We take a simple impression so the appliance fits just right.
We place the small, custom maintainer at the next visit.
Most kids get used to it within a day or two.
Baby teeth guide the adult teeth into position. If one is lost early to decay or injury and the gap closes, the permanent tooth can come in crowded or crooked. Maintaining the space now can reduce or simplify future orthodontic treatment.
We consider a space maintainer whenever a baby tooth comes out well before the adult tooth is ready, often after an early extraction or injury. Because we offer dentistry and orthodontics together under one roof, we can watch your child's developing bite over time and act at the right moment.
A small step now can save your child bigger orthodontic work later, and it's something most kids forget they're even wearing.
If a baby tooth is lost early, a space maintainer is often recommended to protect room for the adult tooth. We'll evaluate your child and advise you.
Most children adjust within a day or two and soon forget it is there. It is custom-fit for comfort.
Until the permanent tooth is ready to come in. We monitor it at regular checkups and remove it at the right time.
Call your office first — most pediatric dentistry are seen the same day.