When a baby tooth is lost too early—whether from injury or decay—it can cause nearby teeth to shift and crowd the space meant for the future adult tooth. This can lead to alignment issues down the road.

That’s where space maintainers come in. These small, custom-made devices help hold the empty space open until the permanent tooth is ready to come in. They’re simple, effective, and play a big role in guiding your child’s smile as it develops.

What to Expect

Getting a space maintainer is a quick and comfortable process. After a gentle exam, we’ll custom fit the appliance to your child’s mouth. Most space maintainers are not removable and require very little maintenance—just good brushing and regular check-ups.

Your child may notice it feels a little different at first, but most kids adjust quickly. We’ll keep an eye on their progress and remove the space maintainer once the adult tooth is ready to come in naturally.

It’s a small step that makes a big difference in keeping your child’s smile on the right track!