Space Maintainers for Kids
When a child loses a baby tooth earlier than expected—whether due to decay, injury, or extraction—it’s more than just a small gap in their smile. That space is crucial for guiding permanent teeth into their correct positions. Without proper care, nearby teeth can drift into the gap, causing crowding or alignment problems that may require more extensive treatment later.
That’s where space maintainers can help.
At Sleepy Smiles Dental, we provide custom-made space maintainers to protect your child’s dental development and ensure their permanent teeth come in healthy and properly aligned.
When are Extractions and Space Maintenance needed?
Damaged Teeth
Severely decayed or damaged teeth that cannot be restored.Teeth Crowding
Teeth crowding or misalignment.Tooth Decay/Missing
If decay causes premature removal of a primary tooth/or born with missing teeth.Dental Injury
When an accident or trauma results in tooth loss.What Are Space Maintainers?
A space maintainer is a small, specially designed dental appliance that keeps the space open where a baby tooth has been lost until the permanent tooth is ready to grow in. This helps prevent shifting teeth, bite issues, and overcrowding.
Types of Space Maintainers We Offer
Depending on your child’s needs, our dentists may recommend:
- Band and Loop Maintainer – A stainless steel appliance that uses a band or crown on an adjacent tooth with a wire loop to hold the gap open.
- Lingual Arch – Used when multiple teeth are missing on the lower jaw; a wire runs along the inside of the teeth to prevent shifting.
- Distal Shoe – Placed when a permanent molar has not yet erupted, this device extends slightly under the gum to guide the new tooth into the correct position.
Caring for a Space Maintainer
For the best results, follow these tips:
- Avoid sticky or chewy foods like gum or caramel, which can loosen the appliance.
- Discourage your child from pushing or playing with it using their tongue or fingers.
- Brush and floss carefully around the appliance to keep the area clean.
Visit us regularly so we can check your child’s progress and make any needed adjustments.
Why Choose Sleepy Smiles Dental?
Our friendly, experienced pediatric dental team is committed to keeping your child’s smile healthy and happy. We use gentle, child-focused techniques to make every visit as stress-free as possible.
If your child has lost a tooth early, don’t wait for problems to develop. Call Sleepy Smiles to schedule an appointment and find out if a space maintainer is right for them.
SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT FOR A CONSULTATION.
