Space Maintainers
Helping Your Child’s Adult Teeth Come in the Right Way
When a baby tooth is lost too early—whether from injury, decay, or other issues—it can cause problems for your child’s developing smile. That’s where space maintainers come in.
At Kind Kids Pediatric Dentistry, we use space maintainers to preserve the space left by a lost primary (baby) tooth, ensuring that the adult tooth has room to grow properly.
Why Are Space Maintainers Important?
Primary teeth play an essential role in guiding the eruption of permanent teeth. If a primary tooth is lost too soon and the space is not maintained, nearby teeth may shift into the empty area. This can lead to:
- Overcrowding
- Crooked or misaligned teeth
- Delays in permanent tooth eruption
- The need for future orthodontic treatment
A space maintainer is a small device placed in your child’s mouth to hold that space open until the adult tooth is ready to erupt.
What Causes Early Tooth Loss?
Children may lose baby teeth early due to:
- Tooth decay
- Dental trauma or accidents
- Congenital conditions
- Infection or medical issues
No matter the reason, our team is here to evaluate your child’s needs and recommend the most appropriate solution.
Types of Space Maintainers
There are several kinds of space maintainers, and the type we choose depends on your child’s age, the location of the missing tooth, and whether the tooth was lost on the upper or lower arch. Options may include:
- Fixed space maintainers – Cemented into place and stay in the mouth until removed
- Removable space maintainers – Similar to a retainer and can be taken out for cleaning (more common in older children)
Dr. Lobo will guide you on the best choice for your child.
Protecting Your Child’s Smile for the Future
Space maintainers are a simple but highly effective tool for supporting healthy dental development. By holding the proper space open, we can help your child avoid future complications—and keep their smile on track as they grow.
Schedule an Evaluation
If your child has lost a baby tooth too early, don’t wait to take action. Contact Kind Kids Pediatric Dentistry today to learn more about space maintainers and how they can support your child’s healthy smile.
Request an Appointment Today
