Space Maintainers
About Space Maintainers
Space maintainers are dental appliances designed to preserve the space left by a prematurely lost baby tooth until the permanent tooth is ready to emerge.
When a baby tooth is lost too early due to injury, decay, or other factors, neighboring teeth can shift and fill the gap, potentially causing alignment issues for the permanent teeth.
A space maintainer helps prevent these problems by holding the space open and ensuring that the permanent tooth erupts in its proper position.
Key Takeaway
A space maintainer is designed to preserve the space left by a prematurely lost baby tooth. It prevents shifting of the adjacent teeth which can lead to misalignment of the permanent teeth. The appliance is removed when the permanent tooth starts to emerge.
Benefits of a Space Maintainer
Your child’s permanent teeth are directly affected by their primary teeth.
Premature loss of a baby tooth can lead to crowding, misalignment, and other issues that may require more extensive orthodontic treatment in the future.
A space maintainer can help prevent these issues and promote proper dental development by keeping the surrounding teeth in their correct positions.
A space maintainer can prevent:
- Crowding or shifting of teeth
- Bite alignment problems (malocclusion)
- Speech and chewing difficulties
- Orthodontic treatment
Types of Space Maintainers
Space maintainers play a crucial role in ensuring proper dental development. These appliances come in fixed and removable types, each suited to specific needs and situations.
Fixed Space Maintainers
Fixed space maintainers are cemented in place and must be removed by a dentist when no longer necessary. These are divided into two main categories:
Unilateral Space Maintainers
Unilateral space maintainers are localized to one side of the mouth. They include:
- Band and Loop: A metal loop holds the space open for one missing tooth.
- Crown and Loop: A stainless steel crown fits over the neighboring tooth and connects to a loop to maintain the space.
- Distal Shoe: Inserted into the gum line when the second primary molar is lost before the first permanent molar erupts. It guides the emerging permanent tooth into position.
Bilateral Space Maintainers
Bilateral space maintainers hold space on both sides of the mouth. They include:
- Lower Lingual Holding Arch: Anchored to the lingual (tongue-side) surfaces of the lower molars with a wire running along the inside of the teeth.
- Upper Nance Appliance: A wire and acrylic appliance that maintains space in the upper arch, anchored to the molars.
Removable Space Maintainers
In certain situations, a removable space maintainer may be used. These are similar to retainers and can be taken out for cleaning and oral hygiene purposes. They are typically used when more than one tooth needs to be preserved.
| Type | Category | Description | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Band and Loop | Fixed – unilateral | Metal loop for one missing tooth | Holds space open to prevent adjacent teeth from drifting |
| Crown and Loop | Fixed – unilateral | Stainless steel crown connected to a loop | Protects the neighboring tooth while maintaining the space |
| Distal Shoe | Fixed – unilateral | Inserted into the gum line when the secondary primary molar is lost | Guides the first permanent molar into the correct position |
| Lower Lingual Holding Arch | Fixed – bilateral | Metal bands on lower molars connected by a wire along the inside of the teeth | Maintains space for both sides of the lower arch |
| Upper Nuance Appliance | Fixed – bilateral | Wire and acrylic appliance anchored to the upper molars | Preserves space in the upper arch for multiple missing teeth |
| Removable Space Maintainer | Removable | Similar to a retainer; removable for cleaning and hygiene | Holds space for multiple missing teeth in various locations |
Comparison table of the different types of space maintainers.
Placement Process
Fixed unilateral space maintainers (band and loop, crown and loop, distal shoe) can be made and placed at the same appointment as the tooth extraction.
Bilateral removable space maintainers usually require a second appointment as they are made in a lab from an impression or scan taken after the extraction.
Once the permanent tooth is ready to emerge, it will be removed in a simple and painless procedure.
Caring for a Space Maintainer
Here are a few tips to help your child care for their new dental appliance:
- Attend regular dental check-ups to ensure it is working properly and to monitor your child’s oral health.
- Brush and floss regularly, making sure to clean around the appliance. Use a waterflosser or floss threader if necessary.
- Avoid sticky or hard foods that could damage or dislodge the appliance.
Space maintainers are an important tool in pediatric dentistry, helping preserve the health and alignment of a child’s permanent teeth.
Our experienced dentists, Dr. Kathryn Stanley and Dr. Alex Cook Schmidt, specialize in providing gentle and effective dental care for children.
If you have questions or concerns about your child’s oral health, schedule an appointment with us today. We are dedicated to helping your child achieve and maintain a healthy smile for life.
If you are searching for a pediatric dentist that is accepting new patients, we can help! To book an appointment at our pediatric dental office in Overland Park, KS, call (913) 345-0331 or complete the online inquiry form.
FAQS
Does my child really need a space maintainer?
Yes, if your child has lost a baby tooth prematurely, they may need a space maintainer to preserve the space and prevent future orthodontic issues.
How long can a space maintainer stay in?
A space maintainer will stay in place until the permanent tooth is ready to erupt, and then it will be removed by a dentist.
Are spacers painful for kids?
The application of a space maintainer is not painful. However, your child may experience some discomfort initially as they get used to the appliance.
