Children's Dentistry›Space Maintainers
Space
Maintainers
At a Glance
Hold eruption space
Purpose
2 appointments
Visits
None required
Anaesthesia
Adult tooth erupts
Removed When
When a baby tooth is lost too early — from decay, injury, or necessary extraction — the surrounding teeth can drift into the empty space and block the permanent tooth from erupting correctly. A space maintainer holds that space open, guiding the adult tooth into its natural position and preventing costly orthodontic problems later.
Why Space Maintainers Matter
Primary (baby) teeth do more than help children chew and speak — they act as natural space holders that guide permanent teeth into the correct position. When a baby tooth is lost prematurely, the neighbouring teeth can begin to shift and tilt into the gap within weeks.
Without intervention, this crowding can block the permanent tooth from erupting properly, push it into an incorrect position, or cause it to become impacted — often requiring expensive and lengthy orthodontic correction later.
- Baby teeth hold the path open for permanent teeth to erupt correctly
- Tooth loss before age 9–12 often leads to significant drift
- Early intervention is far less costly than later orthodontic treatment
- Space maintainers are highly effective, simple, and non-invasive
Studies show that early tooth loss without a space maintainer significantly increases the likelihood of orthodontic crowding and the need for braces or other corrective treatment.
What Is a Space Maintainer?
A space maintainer is a small dental appliance — either fixed or removable — that is custom-made to fit your child's mouth. It is placed in the gap left by the lost tooth and holds the space open until the permanent tooth is ready to emerge naturally.
Fixed space maintainers are most commonly used and consist of a band cemented around the adjacent tooth with a loop or bar that holds the space. They are comfortable, unobtrusive, and typically not even noticed by the child within a few days.
- Custom-made to fit your child's exact anatomy
- Fixed type: band and loop cemented to adjacent tooth — no removal needed
- Removable type: similar to a retainer — used in some situations
- Painless to place — no anaesthesia required in most cases
When Is a Space Maintainer Needed?
Not every early tooth loss requires a space maintainer — the decision depends on which tooth was lost, the child's age, and how close the permanent tooth is to erupting. We assess the situation thoroughly before recommending treatment.
- Loss of a back baby tooth when the permanent replacement is not yet close to erupting
- Extraction of a primary tooth due to deep decay or abscess
- Trauma that results in loss of a primary tooth
- Any situation where the adjacent teeth are at risk of drifting
Caring for the Space Maintainer
Space maintainers are straightforward to maintain and require very little special care beyond your child's regular oral hygiene routine.
- Brush normally, paying attention to clean around the bands and wires
- Avoid sticky, chewy candies that could dislodge the appliance
- Avoid poking or playing with the maintainer with fingers or tongue
- Attend regular check-ups so we can monitor the appliance and track the erupting permanent tooth
- Contact us if the maintainer becomes loose or uncomfortable
Common
Questions
Does placing a space maintainer hurt?
No — placing a space maintainer is painless. It simply involves fitting the band around the adjacent tooth and cementing it in place. Your child may feel mild pressure for a day or two as they adjust to the appliance, but this passes quickly.
How long does a space maintainer stay in?
The maintainer remains in place until the permanent tooth begins to erupt through the gum, at which point we remove it at a routine appointment. The timing varies depending on your child's age and development.
What happens if I don't get a space maintainer?
Without a maintainer, the neighbouring teeth often shift into the gap. This can cause the permanent tooth to erupt in the wrong position, become crowded, or become partially impacted — leading to more complex and costly orthodontic treatment later.
Will my child be able to eat and talk normally with a space maintainer?
Yes. Most children adapt to their space maintainer within a day or two and have no trouble eating or speaking. We advise avoiding very sticky or chewy foods to protect the appliance.
Ready to
Get Started?
Book your appointment at Keheewin Family Dental today and take the first step toward a healthier, more confident smile.
