Space Maintainers

Our space maintainers hold the space open for permanent teeth when a child loses a baby tooth too early. Without one, nearby teeth can drift into the gap and cause crowding later.

These custom appliances may be fixed in place or removable, depending on your child’s age and needs. They’re comfortable, easy to care for, and most kids adjust quickly.

We’ll check the device at regular visits and remove it once the adult tooth begins to come in. This simple step can help reduce the need for orthodontic treatment later.

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Father and Daughter Brushing Their Teeth Together in Front of a Bathroom Mirror

What Is a Space Maintainer?

A space maintainer is a dental device made from a combination of metal and plastic that ensures the gap left by a lost baby tooth remains open, allowing the permanent tooth to come in properly. There are two main types of space maintainers:

Fixed Appliances

These are cemented to the teeth next to the gap, keeping the opening secure. Fixed options are ideal for younger children who might not be able to manage a removable device.

FIXED SPACE MAINTAINERS ARE COMFORTABLE AND DEPEND LESS ON A CHILD’S COOPERATION

The same report adds that fixed appliances are easy for patients to adapt to, which suits younger children.

“fixed maintainers tend to reduce dependence on patient compliance, are relatively comfortable”

Kang E-S, “Space maintainer using CAD/CAM system without a band: a case report,” Journal of Dental Rehabilitation and Applied Science, 2024

Removable Appliances

These are similar to orthodontic retainers and may include a prosthetic tooth to fill the gap temporarily. These are often used for older children who can responsibly care for their appliance.

ORAL HYGIENE MATTERED MORE THAN AGE ACROSS 116 SPACE MAINTAINERS, 43 REMOVABLE

The authors advise hygiene training and regular checkups, so careful daily cleaning matters with any space maintainer, including a removable one.

“oral hygiene is more important than other factors, such as gender and age”

Gurcan AT, Koruyucu M, Kuru S, Sepet E, Seymen F, “Effects of Fixed and Removable Space Maintainers on Dental Plaque and DMFT/dft Values,” Odovtos International Journal of Dental Sciences, 2021

The Space Maintainer Procedure

To create the right-fitting space maintainer, your dentist at Desert Pearl Dentistry will take a mold or 3-D image of your child’s mouth. The appliance will be custom-designed to fit comfortably and maintain the space until the permanent tooth is ready to emerge.

In some cases, a permanent tooth may fail to develop. While dental implants aren’t suitable for growing children, a space maintainer can help preserve the space until the jaw matures enough for future treatment, such as a dental implant.

Smiling Mother and Father Sitting on a Couch With Their Young Daughter Laughing Between Them

Protect Your Child’s Smile With Our Space Maintainers

Our space maintainers help your child’s teeth come in straight and healthy. We’ll monitor progress at every visit. Schedule an appointment with Desert Pearl Dentistry today.