Space Maintainers For Proper Dental Growth And Alignment

When your child loses a baby tooth early due to decay or injury, keeping the space open is important. Without a space maintainer, nearby teeth will shift into the gap, blocking the path for permanent teeth. This can lead to crowding, misalignment, and a higher chance of needing orthodontic treatment later. Space maintainers help guide proper development and support long-term dental health for growing children.

Types Of Space Maintainers

We offer custom-made space maintainers designed to hold the space after your child loses a tooth. These appliances, made from stainless steel or plastic, are available in both fixed and removable options.

Removable Space Maintainers

A removable space maintainer resembles a retainer that includes plastic blocks to fill gaps left by missing teeth. It is a suitable option for older kids who can follow instructions and handle the responsibility of wearing it properly.

Fixed Space Maintainers

Fixed space maintainers come in many designs.

A band-and-loop space maintainer is a stainless steel wire anchored by a metal band or crown on the tooth adjacent to the empty space. The wire is attached to the crown or loop and rests against the side of the tooth on the other end of the space.
The lingual arch is a type of fixed space maintainer used in the lower jaw when back teeth are missing on both sides. A metal wire runs along the tongue side of the lower teeth and is secured to the molars in front of the gaps. It keeps the front teeth from shifting backward into the empty spaces.
If your child loses a second primary molar before the first permanent molar erupts, we recommend a distal shoe space maintainer. Since the permanent molar has not come in yet, there is no tooth to support a band-and-loop maintainer. The distal shoe gently guides the incoming molar and preserves the space to ensure proper dental development. A distal shoe appliance has a metal wire inserted slightly under the gum and will prevent the space from closing.

Space Maintainer Care & Maintenance Guidelines

To keep your child’s space maintainer working correctly, follow these important care tips:

Avoid sticky foods such as candy and chewing gum that can damage the appliance.
Encourage your child not to poke or play with the space maintainer using their fingers or tongue.
Maintain excellent oral hygiene by brushing and flossing carefully around the appliance.
Schedule regular visits with your pediatric dentist to monitor progress and ensure proper dental health.