What Are Space Maintainers?
A space maintainer is a small dental appliance used to keep space open in the dental arch. It acts as a placeholder, guiding the surrounding teeth to stay in the correct position while the adult tooth develops underneath.
Space maintainers are considered a preventive treatment. By maintaining proper spacing, they help support healthy alignment and reduce the risk of future orthodontic concerns.
Same-Day Placement
At Happy Little Chompers, space maintainers are custom fabricated and placed the same day as extraction whenever possible. This means no impressions, no extra appointments, and a smoother experience.
When Is a Space Maintainer Recommended?
Baby teeth are meant to fall out at specific times as adult teeth develop underneath. Each baby tooth helps hold space for the permanent tooth that will eventually replace it. When a tooth is lost too early, nearby teeth can begin to drift into that space before the adult tooth is ready to come in.
Once that space is lost, the adult tooth may not have enough room to erupt properly. This can lead to crowding, misalignment, or the need for more involved treatment later.
We may recommend a space maintainer if a baby tooth is removed or falls out due to decay, infection, or injury. Not every child will need a space maintainer. The decision is based on your child’s age, development, and which tooth is involved. Our recommendations are always based on what will be most beneficial for your child long-term.
Band-and-Loop Space Maintainers
We offer fixed band-and-loop space maintainers for single or double tooth extractions. This type is often the simplest and most reliable option for maintaining space after a tooth is removed.
A small metal band is placed around a back tooth, with a loop that keeps the space open where the tooth was removed. Fixed space maintainers stay in place, so there is nothing for your child to take in or out. This makes them easier to manage day-to-day and more reliable over time.
Coordinated Care When Needed
If your child needs a more complex appliance, we will refer you to a trusted orthodontic specialist and coordinate care to keep things as simple as possible.
Caring for Teeth With a Space Maintainer
Keeping the area clean is important to help prevent plaque buildup and protect the surrounding teeth and gums. With the right habits, most children do very well with a space maintainer.
Here are a few helpful tips:
- Brush carefully around the band and loop twice a day
- Pay extra attention to the gumline near the appliance
- Floss around the teeth next to the space maintainer if recommended
- Avoid sticky foods like caramel, taffy, and chewing gum
- Avoid hard foods such as ice, popcorn kernels, and hard candy
It is normal for your child to notice the space maintainer at first, but most children adjust quickly. We will check the appliance at every cleaning appointment to make sure it remains clean, comfortable, and working properly.
Insurance & Payment Information
We accept most PPO dental insurance plans and will submit claims on your behalf. If you have questions about your specific coverage, please contact our office and our team will be happy to help. We provide treatment estimates before care begins and accept cash, major credit cards, and tap-to-pay options.
FAQ
How long do children wear space maintainers for?
Most children wear a space maintainer until the adult tooth is ready to come in. This can vary depending on your child’s age and development. We will monitor the area at regular visits and remove the appliance when it is no longer needed.
Does dental insurance cover space maintainers?
Many dental insurance plans provide coverage for space maintainers, especially when they are recommended to prevent future dental problems. Coverage can vary depending on your specific plan, age limitations, and whether the tooth loss is considered medically necessary.
Can you eat normally with a space maintainer?
Most children can return to their normal diet after a short adjustment period. However, sticky foods, hard candies, chewing gum, and other foods that could loosen or damage the appliance should be avoided.