Space maintainers are used when children lose their baby teeth early, sometimes due to trauma or decay requiring an extraction. When a tooth is lost early, the surrounding teeth can shift to fill the gap. While this might sound harmless, it can actually cause significant spacing and alignment problems once the adult teeth start to come in.
Because of this, we use space maintainers to hold open the area where the tooth is missing, keeping the remaining teeth in their proper position until the permanent tooth is ready to erupt. This simple device can help prevent more complex orthodontic issues down the road, and may reduce the need for extensive orthodontic treatment later in life.
Space maintainers are custom-fitted to your child’s mouth and are typically comfortable to wear. We’ll monitor the area at regular checkups to make sure the maintainer is doing its job and to determine the right time for removal once the permanent tooth is ready to come in.
If you have any questions about space maintainers or think your child may need one, please contact us today at (561) 845-7374.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why would my child need a space maintainer?
A space maintainer is needed when a baby tooth is lost early, whether from trauma or decay, to prevent surrounding teeth from shifting into the empty space.
What happens if my child doesn’t get a space maintainer after losing a tooth early?
Without a space maintainer, nearby teeth can drift into the gap, which may cause crowding, misalignment, or orthodontic issues once permanent teeth begin to erupt.
Is a space maintainer uncomfortable for children?
No, space maintainers are custom-fitted to your child’s mouth and are generally comfortable to wear once your child adjusts to it.
How long does my child need to wear a space maintainer?
The length of time varies depending on your child’s development, and we’ll monitor the area at regular checkups to determine the right time for removal.
Can a space maintainer help my child avoid braces later?
In many cases, yes. By preserving space for permanent teeth, a space maintainer can help reduce the likelihood of more extensive orthodontic treatment down the road.