Space Maintainers | Guiding Healthy Tooth Development
What Are Space Maintainers?
Space maintainers are small orthodontic appliances used to preserve space in the mouth when a primary (baby) tooth is lost earlier than expected. When a tooth is lost prematurely, neighboring teeth can drift into the empty space, potentially blocking the proper eruption of permanent teeth. Space maintainers help prevent this by holding the gap open, ensuring that adult teeth have enough room to come in correctly.
These appliances are custom-made to fit each patient’s mouth and can be either fixed (cemented in place) or removable, depending on the specific case and the child’s age and oral hygiene habits.
When Are Space Maintainers Needed?
Space maintainers are typically used in children and young teens who have lost baby teeth too early due to decay, injury, or extraction. They are recommended when:
- A baby tooth is lost long before the permanent tooth is ready to erupt
- There is a risk of crowding or shifting in the nearby teeth
- Maintaining symmetry and proper spacing is critical for future orthodontic treatment
Using a space maintainer can help avoid more extensive orthodontic issues later and support proper jaw and bite development.
What to Expect During Treatment
Placement of a space maintainer is a simple and painless procedure. Dr. Chou will take impressions or a digital scan of your child’s mouth to create a custom appliance. Once ready, the space maintainer is placed and secured, and you’ll receive instructions on how to care for it.
It’s important to maintain good oral hygiene and avoid sticky or hard foods that could dislodge or damage the appliance. Dr. Chou will monitor the space maintainer during regular check-ups and remove it once the permanent tooth begins to emerge.