A space maintainer is a device often used with children who have prematurely lost a baby tooth, to keep the space for the adult tooth. If the space is not kept, adjoining teeth can migrate toward the empty space, preventing the permanent tooth from erupting and requiring a more complex orthodontic treatment. Space maintainers are custom-made, can be fixed or removable, and do not cause much discomfort. For optimal dental health, we recommend seeing your dentist every six months.

Tips for using space maintainers:

• Adopt good oral hygiene habits
• Avoid sticky and sugary foods
• Avoid hard candy and gum
• Visit your dentist regularly to remove tartar

If your child has lost baby teeth prematurely, contact us right away to find out if a space maintainer is necessary.