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Dental Exams and Cleanings | Common Procedures | Fillings | Space Maintenance | Extractions

Space Maintenance

If your child’s tooth has come out too soon because of decay or an accident, it is important to maintain the space to prevent future space loss and dental problems when permanent teeth begin to come in. Without the use of a space maintainer, the teeth that surround the open space can shift, impeding the permanent tooth’s eruption. When that happens, the need for orthodontic treatment may become greater.

Types of Space Maintainers

Space maintainers can be made of stainless steel and/or plastic, and can be removable or fixed (cemented to the teeth).

Removable

A removable space maintainer looks much like a retainer with plastic blocks to fill in where the tooth is missing. If your child is older and can reliably follow directions, a removable space maintainer can be a good option.

Fixed

Fixed space maintainers come in many designs.

A band-and-loop maintainer is made of stainless steel wire and held in place by a crown or band on the tooth adjacent to the empty space. The wire is attached to the crown or loop and rests against the side of the tooth on the other end of the space.

A lingual arch is used on the lower teeth when the back teeth on both sides of the jaw are lost. A wire is placed on the lingual (tongue) side of the arch and is attached to the tooth in front of the open space on both sides. This prevents the front teeth from shifting backwards into the gap.

In the case of a lost second primary molar prior to the eruption of the first permanent molar, a distal shoe may be recommended. Because the first permanent molar has not come in yet, there is no tooth to hold a band-and-loop space maintainer in place. A distal shoe appliance has a metal wire that is inserted slightly under the gum and will prevent the space from closing.

Caring for Your Child’s Space Maintainer

There are four general rules for taking care of your child’s appliance.

  • Your child should avoid sticky foods, including candy and chewing gum.
  • Encourage your child not to push or tug on the space maintainer with the fingers or tongue.
  • Keep your child’s space maintainer clean through effective brushing and flossing.
  • Your child should continue to see the pediatric dentist for regular dental visits.
Patient Testimonials
“Wonderful staff who are extremely nice and patient with my twins! I would recommend Rolling Hills Dentistry to all families with kids! Always great service no matter what type of dental needs my kids have!” ~ Karen J. “Hands down the best pediatric dentistry I have ever taken my kids to. The dental assistant made the experience fun for my daughter and took the time to explain everything she did and every tool she used.” ~ Ali B. “Absolutely LOVE Rolling Hills Pediatric Dentistry. They do an excellent job of putting the kids at ease, talking to them about the procedure, showing them what will be done as well any and all instruments that will be used. They never proceed until the child AND the parent is comfortable and always talk TO the child, not AT the child. I HIGHLY recommend Rolling Hills Pediatric Dentistry.” ~ Maria K.