Children’s smiles go through many stages as they grow. From the first baby tooth to the arrival of permanent teeth, every step in dental development matters. Sometimes, however, a baby tooth may fall out too early due to injury, decay, or other reasons. When that happens, nearby teeth can shift and block the space meant for the permanent tooth.
That is where dental spacers, also called space maintainers, become important. At Kind Kids Pediatric Dentistry, we help parents understand how these small but essential devices protect a child’s developing smile. In this blog, you will learn what dental spacers are, why they are needed, and how a pediatric dentist in Des Plaines, IL, can ensure your child’s smile grows straight and healthy.
A dental spacer, or pediatric space maintainer, is a small dental device designed to preserve the space left behind when a baby tooth falls out prematurely. When a baby tooth is lost before its time, the surrounding teeth may drift into the gap. This movement can block the eruption path for the permanent tooth, causing alignment or bite issues later.
A space maintainer acts as a placeholder, keeping the area open and guiding the permanent tooth into its proper position. At Kind Kids Pediatric Dentistry, each space maintainer is custom-made for your child, ensuring comfort, safety, and effective results. For more details, visit our page on space maintainers for kids.
Baby teeth may be temporary, but they play a crucial role in helping permanent teeth come in correctly. Losing one too early can lead to:
Using a pediatric space maintainer prevents these problems and promotes healthy, natural development of the teeth and jaw. Early evaluation through orthodontic screenings can help determine if a space maintainer is needed.
At Kind Kids Pediatric Dentistry, we offer different types of space maintainers, depending on your child’s needs and dental development stage.
Fixed space maintainers are attached to the teeth and stay in place until the permanent tooth erupts.
Common types include:
Removable space maintainers function like orthodontic retainers and can be taken out for cleaning. They are typically suited for older children who can follow care instructions carefully.
Both types are designed to fit comfortably and maintain the right amount of space for the growing permanent tooth. To support your child’s overall oral development, preventive treatments such as fluoride treatment and sealants are often recommended.
Getting a pediatric space maintainer is a quick, gentle, and simple process. Here is what to expect during your visit to Kind Kids Pediatric Dentistry:
The pediatric dentist examines your child’s teeth and takes X-rays to see if a space maintainer is needed. This step helps identify whether early tooth loss might cause misalignment or crowding issues in the future.
A custom mold or digital scan of your child’s mouth ensures a precise fit for the appliance. This accuracy helps the space maintainer stay comfortable and effective.
The space maintainer is carefully made and securely fitted. Fixed types are cemented onto the teeth for stability, while removable ones are designed for easy cleaning and flexibility.
Regular checkups help the pediatric dentist monitor how the appliance fits and track the development of the permanent teeth. These visits also ensure that the space maintainer remains clean, functional, and irritation-free. These visits may include comprehensive dental exams to maintain overall oral health.
This process is comfortable for children, and most adapt to their space maintainer within a few days.
Proper care keeps the space maintainer clean and effective.
Here are a few easy tips:
With the right care, a pediatric space maintainer can protect your child’s developing smile until the permanent tooth comes in naturally. Encourage healthy routines early — our blog on making oral hygiene fun offers simple tips to keep kids motivated.
The time frame varies depending on when the permanent tooth is expected to erupt. Most children wear their space maintainer for a few months to a few years. Your pediatric dentist in Des Plaines, IL, will monitor your child’s progress and remove the appliance once it is no longer needed. The goal is to maintain healthy spacing until the tooth erupts correctly.
A pediatric space maintainer provides several long-term benefits:
By protecting alignment early, space maintainers can save time, cost, and discomfort later.
At Kind Kids Pediatric Dentistry, we know that every child’s smile is unique. Our goal is to make dental visits fun, educational, and stress-free.
Our experienced team specializes in pediatric preventive care and orthodontic guidance, including pediatric space maintainers. We focus on gentle treatments that support healthy dental growth and confidence.
As a trusted pediatric dentist in Des Plaines, IL, we provide personalized care plans for each child, ensuring comfort and long-term oral health.
What is a dental space maintainer?
A space maintainer is a small dental appliance that holds open the space left by an early lost baby tooth until the permanent tooth is ready to come in.
Why might my child need a space maintainer?
If your child loses a baby tooth too soon, a space maintainer prevents surrounding teeth from shifting and helps permanent teeth come in correctly.
Is getting a space maintainer painful?
No. The process is simple and comfortable. Most children get used to their space maintainer within a few days.
How long will my child need to wear it?
The appliance stays in place until the permanent tooth starts to emerge, which can take several months or more, depending on your child’s development.
How should my child care for the device?
Encourage careful brushing, flossing, and avoiding sticky or hard foods. Regular dental visits help ensure the device stays clean and secure.
Can space maintainers be removed?
Yes, removable types are available for older children who can manage them properly. Younger children usually benefit from fixed space maintainers.
What happens if we do not use a space maintainer?
Without a space maintainer, teeth can shift into the gap, leading to crowding or alignment issues that might require longer orthodontic treatment later.
If your child has lost a baby tooth early or you are unsure whether they need a pediatric space maintainer, contact Kind Kids Pediatric Dentistry today. Our caring pediatric dentist in Des Plaines, IL, provides gentle, customized treatment to guide healthy dental growth.
Let us help your child maintain a beautiful, healthy smile. Book an appointment today.
Get top-quality dental care in Des Plaines, IL—book an appointment
with our experienced dentists at Kind Kids Pediatric Dentistry.
(224) 580-2007
