What Are Space Maintainers?
A space maintainer is a small dental appliance designed to preserve the spot left by a prematurely lost baby tooth. Think of it as a placeholder that keeps room open so permanent teeth have the space they need to grow in correctly.
Depending on your child’s needs, dental spacers may be fixed or removable, and they can be made from metal or tooth-coloured materials.
Types of Space Maintainers
There are several types of dental spacers; the best option depends on your child’s age, which tooth was lost, and how many spaces need to be preserved.
Fixed Space Maintainers
These appliances are cemented in place and stay in the mouth until the permanent tooth erupts.
- Unilateral (Band and Loop): A stainless-steel band is placed around a neighbouring tooth with a loop extending into the space. This type is ideal when a single baby tooth is lost. In many cases, we can make and place a band-and-loop space maintainer chairside the same day as the extraction. Other types of space maintainers are custom-made at a dental lab and placed at a later visit.
- Distal Shoe: A more advanced option used when a back molar is lost before the permanent molar comes in. A small extension sits just under the gumline to guide the permanent molar into the correct position.
- Bilateral: Used when multiple teeth are missing on both sides of the arch. A wire runs across the mouth to maintain symmetry and proper spacing.
Removable Space Maintainers
These look similar to orthodontic retainers and can be taken out for cleaning. They are often recommended for older children who can handle the responsibility of wearing and caring for the appliance.
| Type | Best For | Key Benefits | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Band and Loop | Single missing baby tooth | Simple, effective, easy to place | May need replacement as child grows |
| Distal Shoe | Missing molar before permanent molar erupts | Guides eruption of permanent molar | Requires careful monitoring and follow-up |
| Bilateral | Multiple missing teeth | Maintains symmetry across both sides | More noticeable in the mouth |
| Removable | Older, responsible children | Easy to clean, can be adjusted | Relies on compliance; can be misplaced |
Each dental device is a custom solution, designed by our pediatric dentist to fit comfortably and effectively in your child’s mouth.
How Space Maintainers Support Growing Smiles
Baby teeth may be temporary, but they are essential for chewing, speaking, and guiding permanent teeth into position. When one is lost too soon due to trauma, decay, or necessary dental extractions, a dental spacer helps prevent shifting and crowding.
Benefits include:
- Hold space so permanent teeth come in straight
- Encourage healthy jaw development
- Reduce crowding and bite problems
- Make future orthodontic care simpler and less expensive
By maintaining space now, we support your child’s comfort today and set the stage for healthy smiles tomorrow.
What to Expect When Getting a Space Maintainer
The process is straightforward and child-friendly:
- Dental consultation: Dr. Kari examines your child’s mouth, often with digital x-rays, to determine whether an appliance is needed.
- Custom fitting: A small impression or scan of your child’s teeth is taken to create the device, if necessary.
- Placement: The space maintainer is cemented or fitted in place. Fixed space maintainers remain in the mouth until permanent teeth erupt, while removable space maintainers may be taken out for cleaning.
- Follow-Up care: Regular dental checkups allow us to monitor oral development and adjust or remove the appliance as needed.
We also provide guidance on oral hygiene, diet, and everyday habits (like thumb-sucking or nail-biting) that may affect dental health.
Tooth Be Told
Most children adapt quickly to dental spacers. While it may feel different at first, space maintainers are painless and easy to forget once kids get used to them.
Keeping Kids Comfortable
At BabyTooth, prevention is always paired with compassion. We use a Tell-Show-Do approach, explaining each step, showing kids what will happen, and completing treatment gently. With positive reinforcement and plenty of encouragement, children feel safe and supported throughout the process.
A Lifetime of Healthy Smiles Starts Here
Space maintainers are one of the most effective ways to prevent future orthodontic problems after early tooth loss. By preserving space and guiding oral development, they help keep your child’s smile healthy.
To book an appointment at our pediatric dental office in SE Calgary, call 403-873-1414 or visit us at Health Plus Building 200, 290 Midpark Way SE Calgary, Alberta T2X 1P1.
FAQs
At what age might a child need a space maintainer?
A space maintainer may be recommended any time a primary tooth is lost too early, most often before age 9.
Are space maintainers covered by insurance?
Coverage depends on your plan. We’ll provide an estimate for you to review, and while no insurance company can guarantee complete coverage, our dental team will help you submit claims for possible reimbursement.
How do I care for my child’s space maintainer?
Regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups are essential. Avoid sticky or hard foods that could loosen the appliance.
Will my child still need braces later?
Space maintainers do not replace orthodontic treatment, but they reduce the likelihood of severe crowding and may simplify future orthodontic care.
Is there a pediatric dentist near me in SE Calgary?
BabyTooth is located in SE Calgary and provides preventive and restorative dentistry, including space maintainers, dental crowns, tooth-coloured fillings, fluoride treatments, and more. Our dental clinic is warm, supportive, and child-friendly.
