Space Maintainers

Space Maintainers create space in the mouth for permanent teeth to grow in. At Smile Town Dentistry, we recommend space maintainers when a child loses a primary tooth too early.

Why does my child need a space maintainer?

If a primary tooth falls out too early, this could disrupt the growth path of the child's permanent teeth. This disruption could cause long-term orthodontic problems if not dealt with.

A space maintainer, by definition, maintains the space in the mouth left behind by the missing primary tooth, giving the emerging adult tooth room to grow.

What types of space maintainers are there?

There are several different styles of space maintainers. They can be either fixed, or removable, and can be made of metal, acrylic or a combination of the two.

The type we ultimately recommend for your child depends on a variety of factors, such as age and responsibility level.

How do I know if my child needs a space maintainer?

When your child visits our office for one of his or her regularly scheduled dental appointments, our dental team will examine your child's mouth, and determine whether or not a space maintainer is needed. We will discuss the matter, as well as your options, with you in detail during the appointment.

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