When A Space Maintainer May Be Recommended
There are certain situations where keeping that space open can help permanent teeth come in properly and support healthier alignment as your child grows.
We may recommend a space maintainer when:
- A baby tooth is lost too early
- The permanent tooth is not ready to come in yet
- Nearby teeth may start shifting into the open space
- Crowding or bite changes may develop if the space closes
- Keeping the space open may help reduce future orthodontic treatment
If the permanent tooth is already close to erupting, monitoring may be all that is needed.
How Early Space Guidance Supports Future Alignment
Baby teeth help hold space and guide permanent teeth into the right position as they develop. When a baby tooth is lost too early, nearby teeth can shift into that space and make it harder for the adult tooth to come in where it should. This can lead to crowding, blocked eruption, or bite problems later on.
By preserving space now, we help support:
- Healthier permanent tooth eruption
- Better spacing and arch development
- Less shifting of nearby teeth
This early support can make future smile development much more predictable.
Types Of Space Maintainers
The exact design of the appliance depends on which baby tooth was lost, where the space sits in the arch, and how the permanent teeth are developing underneath.
Unilateral Space Maintainers
A unilateral space maintainer is used when one baby tooth is lost on one side of the mouth. It is usually a small metal band attached to a nearby tooth with a thin wire that extends across the open space to keep it from closing.
Bilateral Space Maintainers
A bilateral space maintainer is used when space needs to be preserved on both sides of the mouth. In the lower arch, it usually includes metal bands on the back teeth with a wire that runs along the inside of the lower teeth to hold the spaces open.
In the upper arch, it may include bands on the molars connected by a wire that rests across the roof of the mouth to help maintain spacing and support proper eruption of the permanent teeth.
Dr. De Lorme and Dr. Wu work with our orthodontist, Dr. Carter, to determine which option best supports healthy eruption and future alignment.
How Space Maintainers Are Placed
After a tooth is extracted, the space maintainer is often made chairside and placed during the same appointment. If a tooth is lost from trauma the appliance is usually placed at a follow-up visit after the area has been evaluated.
The space maintainer is adjusted to fit comfortably and helps hold the space open while the permanent tooth develops underneath. We continue to monitor the appliance during regular visits and remove it when the adult tooth is ready to come in.
Oral Hygiene With a Space Maintainer
Keeping the area around a space maintainer clean is important for protecting the surrounding teeth and gums. Food and plaque can collect around the appliance more easily, so good brushing habits help prevent cavities and irritation.
Your child should brush carefully around the space maintainer every day, especially near the gums and where the appliance touches the teeth. Flossing may take a little extra attention depending on the type of appliance. Avoid sticky foods like gum and caramel and limit very hard foods.
Regular dental checkups allow us to monitor both the appliance and your child’s oral health while the permanent tooth continues to develop.
Insurance
We are in-network with Aetna and Cigna and will gladly bill your insurance and help you maximize your benefits.
FAQs
Will a space maintainer help prevent braces later?
A space maintainer can help preserve the room permanent teeth need, which may reduce crowding and make future orthodontic treatment less complex.
Can a space maintainer help guide permanent teeth into a better position?
Its main role is to prevent nearby teeth from drifting, which helps permanent teeth erupt into a healthier position within the arch.
What are the different types of space maintainers?
The two main types of space maintainers are fixed and removable. Fixed space maintainers stay attached to the teeth, while removable space maintainers can be taken out like an appliance.
Are space maintainers really necessary?
Yes, if a baby tooth is lost too early and the permanent tooth is not ready to come in, a space maintainer may be necessary to keep the space open. Without it, nearby teeth can shift and block the adult tooth from erupting properly.