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Space Maintainers
What Is It?
A space maintainer is a custom dental appliance used to preserve the space left behind when a baby tooth is lost too early. Baby teeth play an important role in guiding permanent teeth into their proper positions. When a tooth is lost prematurely due to decay, trauma, or extraction, neighboring teeth can begin to shift into the empty space.
A space maintainer helps keep the space open, allowing the permanent tooth to erupt in its proper position and reducing the risk of future orthodontic problems.
At Spark Pediatric Dentistry of Illinois, we carefully evaluate every child to determine whether a space maintainer is necessary. Not every child who loses a baby tooth early will need one, and recommendations are based on your child's individual dental development.
Who Can Benefit?
A space maintainer may be recommended for:
o Children who lose a baby tooth earlier than expected
o Children who have had a baby tooth extracted
o Children with trauma resulting in early tooth loss
o Children at risk for loss of space before the permanent tooth erupts
o Children whose developing bite may benefit from maintaining proper spacing
Benefits
o Preserves space for permanent teeth
o Helps guide proper eruption of permanent teeth
o Reduces the risk of neighboring teeth shifting
o May decrease the need for future orthodontic treatment
o Supports healthy dental development
o Custom-made for a comfortable fit
What to Expect
During your child's appointment, we will:
o Evaluate your child's dental development
o Determine whether a space maintainer is appropriate
o Take impressions or digital scans if needed
o Fabricate a custom space maintainer
o Place and adjust the appliance for comfort
o Monitor the appliance during routine dental visits until the permanent tooth is ready to erupt
We will also provide instructions on how to care for the appliance and help keep it functioning properly.
Parent-Friendly FAQ
What is a space maintainer?
A space maintainer is a custom-made appliance that helps preserve the space left by a baby tooth that has been lost too early, allowing the permanent tooth to erupt properly.
Will every child who loses a baby tooth need a space maintainer?
No. The need for a space maintainer depends on several factors, including your child's age, which tooth was lost, how much space is available, and when the permanent tooth is expected to erupt. During your child's examination, we will determine whether one is necessary.
What happens if my child does not get a space maintainer?
Without a space maintainer, nearby teeth may drift into the empty space, making it more difficult for the permanent tooth to erupt properly. This can increase the risk of crowding or the need for future orthodontic treatment.
Will placing a space maintainer hurt?
No. Placement is typically quick, comfortable, and does not require drilling or injections.
How long will my child need to wear the space maintainer?
The appliance usually remains in place until the permanent tooth is ready to erupt. We will monitor your child's growth and remove the appliance when it is no longer needed.
Can my child eat normally with a space maintainer?
Yes. Most children adjust quickly and can continue eating normally. We may recommend avoiding sticky or hard foods that could damage the appliance.
What if the space maintainer becomes loose?
If the appliance becomes loose, breaks, or falls out, please contact our office as soon as possible so it can be evaluated and repaired or replaced if needed.