Space Maintainers 101

Have you just learned that your child needs a space maintainer? While that may sound a little intimidating, it’s really not. Here’s everything you need to know about these helpful devices.

What Is a Space Maintainer?

A space maintainer is a small appliance that an orthodontist places in your child’s mouth to hold space for adult teeth that are still developing. When a baby tooth is lost too early, the teeth nearby can shift into the empty space. This causes problems when the permanent teeth come in, making them crooked or crowded. The space maintainer keeps everything in place until the new tooth is ready to erupt.

When Is a Space Maintainer Needed?

Your kid’s orthodontist may recommend a space maintainer if your child loses a baby tooth too soon. We’ve found that most kids start losing teeth around age six. If a tooth is lost before age five, the permanent teeth are still developing under the gums. A space maintainer will hold that spot until the permanent tooth emerges, usually around ages 10 to 12. According to the World Health Organization, about 20% of people will experience dental trauma to their teeth. An accident or injury that knocks out a baby tooth is the most common reason your kid’s orthodontist would place a space maintainer. It keeps everything stable until the permanent tooth takes over.

What Is the Process Like?

Getting a space maintainer is quick and easy. The first step is an appointment to take impressions of your child’s teeth. This will be used to create a custom-fit appliance. At the next visit, the space maintainer will be placed. Your child may receive a topical numbing gel, and then the orthodontist will cement the appliance onto the teeth. This is a fairly quick process.

Space maintainers are made to comfortably fit your child’s mouth. They use medical-grade metals and plastics that are safe and non-toxic. You may notice a slight change in speech for the first day or two as your child gets used to having the appliance in place. Proper oral hygiene is important to keep teeth and gums healthy. Your kid’s orthodontist will give you instructions on how best to brush and floss around the space maintainer.

While getting any dental appliance may seem concerning, these little devices are designed to make your child’s permanent smile as healthy and straight as possible. With proper care, space maintainers do their job quietly and effectively. Then you can look forward to those beautiful grown-up teeth coming in. Contact Jacaranda Smiles today if your child needs space maintainers.