Children's Dentistry
Space Maintainers
A small appliance that prevents a much larger orthodontic problem later.
What it is
A baby tooth is also a placeholder. Lose one years before the adult tooth is due and the neighbouring teeth drift into the space, leaving nowhere for the permanent tooth to arrive.
A space maintainer is a small fixed appliance — usually a band on one tooth with a loop or wire holding the gap open. It is cemented in place, needs no cooperation from the child, and comes out when the adult tooth is ready to come through.
Not every early loss needs one; it depends on which tooth, how much root the permanent one has formed, and how crowded the arch already is. We take a film, measure the space and tell you honestly whether the appliance will earn its keep.
Included
What this
involves
Everything below is carried out here, by the clinician who planned it. Anything not on this list is either not needed or will be discussed with you before it is booked.
- Assessment of early tooth loss
- Band-and-loop and lingual arch appliances
- Fitted without drilling
- Monitoring as the adult tooth develops
- Removal at the right moment
- Early orthodontic assessment
The aim for a six-year-old is simple: that the dentist is somewhere boring rather than somewhere frightening.
Common questions
Good To Know
- Will it be uncomfortable?
- There is usually a day or two of awareness while the tongue gets used to it, then most children forget it is there.
- How long does it stay in?
- Until the permanent tooth is close to erupting — sometimes a few months, sometimes a few years. We check it at every recall.
- Does every early tooth loss need one?
- No. It depends on which tooth, how crowded the arch is and how far off the adult tooth is. We measure rather than assume.
More in this area
Children's Dentistry
First Dental Visit
A short, friendly appointment that usually involves nothing more than counting.
Learn MoreSealants & Fluoride
Sealing the grooves of new adult molars and strengthening enamel as it comes through.
Learn MoreFillings & Cavities
Treating decay in baby and adult teeth, explained to the child before it happens.
Learn More
Considering space maintainers?
Come in for a consultation. We will examine, explain and give you a written plan with a price against every item — then you decide, in your own time.