It’s easy to look online and find predictions for when your child’s teeth will fall out and in what order, but as with everything to do with kids, things happen in their own way and in their own time. In some cases, your child might lose a tooth long before the adult replacement is ready to erupt. If this happens, it can have a detrimental effect on your child’s smile. This is where a space maintainer may be recommended by your dentist. 

Should I worry if my child needs a space maintainer?

If Dr. Mo and the team at Must Love Kids Pediatric Dental have recommended that your child needs a dental space maintainer, you probably have a lot of questions. Parents may worry that an oral appliance will have a negative effect on the child’s life or make eating more difficult. We’re here to answer all of those questions and to put your mind at ease about your child needing this type of oral appliance.

What is a space maintainer?

A dental space maintainer has a simple job–hold the space for adult teeth when baby teeth are lost prematurely.

When a child loses a tooth before it is time, that can cause the teeth adjacent to it to shift, which can lead to crooked or crowded teeth later on. To prevent that from happening, a dentist may recommend the child get an oral appliance to keep the space for the adult teeth to come in. A space maintainer could help prevent a child from needing braces or other orthodontic appliances later on in life.

When should my child get a space maintainer?

A child should get a space maintainer if they lose a primary tooth before an adult tooth is ready to erupt or come in. If a space is left for more than a short time, the child can risk other teeth moving into that empty space. Dr. Mo will help determine when the best time to get an oral appliance for your child.

Will a space maintainer hurt my child?

A space maintainer will cause no pain at all for your child. This type of oral appliance is simply put in during a regular office visit, and the procedure is painless and non-invasive. Your child may experience gum discomfort for a day or two after they get an oral appliance while their mouth gets used to the oral appliance.

Types of Space Maintainers

There are two types of space maintainers a dentist can choose from: fixed and removable.

Think of a removable oral appliance like a partial denture—it’s made of acrylic and uses artificial teeth or blocks to keep the space of missing teeth open.

A fixed space maintainer is a better option for younger children who may not be responsible enough to handle a removable space maintainer, or for children who have lost back teeth.

• Band-and-loop: Made of stainless steel wire, this device is held into place by orthodontic bands. It is used most often when molars fall out prematurely.
• Lingual holding arch: This device is used when space is needed for lower back teeth on both sides of the mouth.
• Transpalatal arch: Used on the upper jaw when teeth on both sides of the mouth are missing prematurely. It is held in place by fastening wire around the teeth.
• Distal shoe appliance: Maintains the space after a molar is lost prematurely.

All of these fixed maintainers are attached with dental cement to the teeth that are next to the space.

How does my child care for their space maintainer?

A child will care for their space maintainer just like they care for their teeth: By brushing at least twice a day, making sure to brush in between the appliance, as well. They should also avoid chewing gum, sticky candy, and hard, crunchy foods so that the space maintainer doesn’t get damaged. Children should also avoid playing with their oral appliance with their fingers or tongue.

Space maintainers work for early intervention.

If your child has prematurely lost a baby tooth, a space maintainer can be seen as an early intervention device, meaning that if used early enough, this type of oral appliance can help prevent further dental issues. If a child’s baby teeth shift too much, their adult teeth may not come in properly lined up. That can mean the child may need braces or other orthodontic interventions to ensure a straight smile and proper bite.

Visit Dr. Mo and Must Love Kids Pediatric Dentists, early and often.

Dr. Mo is a pediatric dentist who practices orthodontics for her young patients. She is well-versed in space maintainers and early orthodontic intervention if needed. If your child has lost a baby tooth prematurely, and you are concerned about their overall dental health, book an appointment at Must Love Kids Pediatric Dental today. We love to help our littlest patients achieve their brightest smiles!