
Space maintainers are small, custom-made devices that hold the space left by a missing primary tooth. This helps prevent neighboring teeth from shifting into the open space, which could cause alignment issues when permanent teeth come in. Our community dental clinic offers space maintainers as part of our family dentistry services, making it easy for you to provide proactive care for your child’s growing smile.



A space maintainer is a custom-made device that holds the space left by a missing baby tooth, preventing other teeth from shifting into that space and ensuring proper alignment for permanent teeth.
If your child loses a primary tooth early, a space maintainer can prevent neighboring teeth from shifting, which could cause alignment issues when permanent teeth come in.
No, space maintainers are designed to be comfortable and custom-fitted to your child’s mouth. After a brief adjustment period, most children don’t notice them.
The space maintainer stays in place until the permanent tooth is ready to come in. This timeframe varies depending on each child’s development.
Yes, there are fixed and removable space maintainers. The type used depends on the location of the missing tooth and your child’s needs.
Your child should avoid sticky or hard foods and brush carefully around the space maintainer to keep it clean. Regular dental checkups ensure it remains in good condition.
Some children may notice minor changes in their speech at first, but they typically adjust quickly and speak normally within a short time.
While they can’t guarantee avoiding braces, space maintainers help reduce the risk of significant alignment issues, which may lessen the extent of future orthodontic treatment.
Placing a space maintainer is a simple, painless process. Our dentist will make impressions of your child’s teeth to create a custom-fit device that’s secured in place.
Many dental insurance plans cover space maintainers. We recommend checking with your provider, and our office can assist with insurance questions.