Future-Ready Smiles
Space Maintainers for Children
When a baby tooth is lost too soon, a space maintainer preserves the gap to ensure proper alignment of permanent teeth.
Why It’s Important
Protect Alignment Before It’s Too Late
Losing baby teeth too early can cause the surrounding teeth to shift. Space maintainers help prevent crooked teeth and future braces.
- Maintains dental spacing
- Prevents tooth shifting
- Supports natural eruption
Understanding the Device
What Is a Space Maintainer?
A space maintainer is a custom-fitted device used to preserve the space left by a prematurely lost milk tooth. It can be fixed or removable, depending on the child’s age, tooth location, and dental development stage.
Types include:
- Removable acrylic maintainers
- Fixed maintainers (band-and-loop or crown-and-loop)
What to Expect
Aftercare & Follow-Ups
Once placed, your child may take a few days to get used to the space maintainer. Regular monitoring is key to ensure proper function and hygiene.
- Avoid sticky foods
- Return every 6 months
Parent Questions
Space Maintainer FAQs
Here’s what you need to know about timing, removal, and care of pediatric space maintainers.
When does my child need a space maintainer?
When a baby tooth is lost before its time, and the permanent tooth won’t erupt for months or years.
Is it painful to wear?
No. After an initial adjustment period, most kids wear them comfortably.
How long does my child need to wear it?
Until the permanent tooth is ready to erupt — often 6 months to 2 years, depending on the case.
Can the appliance come off?
Removable types can be taken out under supervision. Fixed ones stay in place and are monitored regularly.
Is removal painful?
Not at all. Removal is quick and non-invasive when done at the right time by a pediatric dentist.
Let’s Keep That Smile On Track
Book a Space Maintainer Consultation
Lost a tooth too soon? A space maintainer can prevent future dental issues. Let’s examine if your child needs one — book a visit today.