Holding the place for your child’s adult teeth so they grow in straight and on schedule.
Quick placement visit
No numbing or drilling needed
Best age range for treatment
By dental insurance
Space maintainers are small, custom-fitted dental devices that hold open the gap left behind when a baby tooth is lost earlier than expected. Baby teeth do more than help your child chew—they also serve as natural placeholders for the permanent teeth developing beneath the gums.
When a baby tooth falls out or needs to be removed before the adult tooth is ready to come in, the surrounding teeth can shift and drift into that empty space. A space maintainer keeps the area open so the permanent tooth has a clear path to grow in exactly where it belongs.
We take a mold or digital scan of your child’s teeth so the appliance can be custom-made to fit their mouth perfectly.
Once the space maintainer is ready, we place it during a quick visit. The device is cemented onto the anchor tooth and checked for proper fit.
Your child may notice the appliance for the first day or two, but most kids get used to it very quickly. It should not cause any pain.
You might wonder whether a small gap really needs treatment, especially if it’s “just a baby tooth.” The truth is that even a single lost tooth can set off a chain reaction—neighboring teeth drift into the open space, permanent teeth become crowded or come in crooked, and bite alignment can shift. Preventing space loss now can save your child from more complex orthodontic treatment later. A simple space maintainer today is far easier—and more affordable—than braces or other corrective work down the road.
The right choice depends on your child’s age, which tooth was lost, and where it was located.
The most frequently used type. A stainless steel band wraps around a nearby tooth and a small wire loop extends across the gap to hold the space open. Comfortable, durable, and easy to care for.
Used when a back baby molar is lost before the first permanent molar has come in. Part of the appliance is placed slightly below the gumline to guide the adult tooth into its correct position as it erupts.
A wire that runs along the inside of the lower teeth, attached to bands on the molars. Ideal when space needs to be preserved on both sides of the lower jaw.
Similar to the lingual arch but used on the upper jaw. A wire connects bands on the upper molars, with a small acrylic pad that rests against the roof of the mouth for added stability.
Without a space maintainer, neighboring teeth drift into the open space, permanent teeth become crowded or come in crooked because there is not enough room.
Brush and floss normally, avoid sticky or hard candy that could loosen the device, and keep up with regular dental checkups so we can monitor the permanent tooth’s progress.
“Junior Smiles is AMAZING. The staff is so friendly and caring. My son actually looks forward to his dental appointments now. I can’t recommend them enough!”
Answers from our board-certified pediatric dentists.
Other services your child may benefit from.
Safe, gentle removal when a baby tooth needs to come out early.
Full-coverage protection for damaged or weakened teeth.
Routine preventive care to keep your child’s smile healthy.
Protective coatings that block cavities on back teeth.
Our pediatric dental office is conveniently located for families throughout the region.