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Children's Dentistry

Space Maintainers

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.

All Pediatric Dentistry

What a Space Maintainer Is

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.

Holds room for the adult tooth

It keeps neighboring teeth from drifting into the gap.

Custom and comfortable

Most kids adjust within a day or two and soon forget it's there.

Fewer problems later

Protecting the space now can simplify future orthodontic care.

A space maintainer keeping the gap open for the incoming tooth

How We Fit and Care for It

Fitting a space maintainer is quick and comfortable. Here's the whole process.

1

A quick mold

We take a simple impression so the appliance fits just right.

2

Custom-fit the spacer

We place the small, custom maintainer at the next visit.

3

Your child adjusts fast

Most kids get used to it within a day or two.

4

Check at each visit

We monitor it at routine visits and remove it when the adult tooth is ready.

Why Holding Space Matters

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.

When & Who It's For

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.

Common questions

Does my child need a space maintainer?

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.

Is a space maintainer uncomfortable?

Most children adjust within a day or two and soon forget it is there. It is custom-fit for comfort.

How long does my child wear it?

Until the permanent tooth is ready to come in. We monitor it at regular checkups and remove it at the right time.

Where to go next

Need to be seen?

Call your office first — most pediatric dentistry are seen the same day.

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