Space Maintainers
When a baby tooth is lost early, a simple appliance protects the space for the adult tooth.
A small fixed or removable appliance that holds the gap left by a prematurely lost baby tooth.
Custom-fitted to neighboring teeth, it quietly prevents drifting until the permanent tooth is ready to erupt.
Preserving space early is one of the cheapest, easiest ways to avoid crowding and extractions later.
A space maintainer is for children who lose a baby tooth well before the adult tooth is ready, most often to decay or an accident. Holding that space keeps neighboring teeth from drifting in and protects the path of the incoming permanent tooth.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about space maintainers.
Not every lost baby tooth needs one. Dr. Sarit checks eruption timing on an X-ray and recommends a maintainer only when drifting is likely.
Until the permanent tooth begins to erupt. We monitor it at regular check-ins and remove it at exactly the right time.
Kids forget it's there within a few days.
An X-ray shows where the permanent tooth sits and roughly when it will erupt. If a maintainer is needed, a quick scan sizes the appliance the same day; if it isn't, you'll hear that honestly and we'll simply keep watch at check-ups.
Space maintainers are one of the most affordable ways to prevent bigger orthodontic costs later. You'll get one transparent fee before anything is made, and in-house payment plans and CareCredit are available; our Financing page explains.
Brush around it normally and skip sticky candy and gum, which can tug the appliance loose. We check the fit at regular visits and adjust as your child grows, and most kids stop noticing it entirely within a few days. If anything ever feels loose, call and we'll see your child promptly.
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Today's metal braces are smaller, smoother and more efficient than ever, a reliable choice for every age.
Confident smiles. Lasting impact.
Ready to love your smile?
One visit gives you the full picture: photos, a digital scan and straight answers from Dr. Sarit on your options, your timeline and your all-inclusive price.