When a child loses a tooth before their permanent teeth come through, it can cause significant problems later. With no tooth in place, the remaining teeth move to fill the space, which means there's not enough room for other teeth to come through.
Space maintainers are orthodontic devices that prevent this from happening, and they're one of the many services offered by Jihee Chun, DDS, and the team at Dental Kidz Club. Call one of our office locations in Perris, Brea, Corona, Covina, Chino, Ontario, and Riverside, California, to request an appointment and begin your child's preventive care today.
What Are Space Maintainers?
If your child loses a tooth before a permanent tooth grows in to replace it, your provider at Dental Kidz Club uses a space maintainer — an orthodontic device — to prevent the remaining teeth from moving into the gap left behind by the removed tooth. Maintaining this gap is essential because the permanent tooth needs space to erupt once it's ready.
A child may need a space maintainer for several reasons, including tooth loss due to injury or trauma, or early tooth extraction caused by tooth decay or overcrowding.
How Do Space Maintainers Work?
Space maintainers steady the teeth on either side of the gap left by the extracted tooth. Without it, the teeth can drift or tilt, creating an overcrowded jaw, which can cause permanent teeth to come in crooked. This can lead to extensive orthodontic treatment when your child is older.
Space maintainers are either fixed or removable. A fixed space maintainer is cemented onto the teeth on either side of the gap and can be removed only by your dentist. A removable space maintainer resembles a retainer and may have a false tooth attached.
Removable space maintainers are more suited to older children, while fixed space maintainers are typically used for younger children so they can't accidentally pull them out.
What Are the Different Types of Space Maintainers?
Fixed space maintainers are custom-made and fitted to your child's mouth. There are several different types available.
Band-and-Loop
A band-and-loop device is a metal wire held in place with orthodontic bands, which leaves room for the permanent tooth to erupt. It's suitable for when a child loses one or more molars in one dental arch.
Distal Shoe Appliance
This device has a metal "shoe" that fits over the adjacent molar and a wire extension that prevents the teeth on either side of the gap from closing in.
Lingual Holding Arch
A lingual holding arch is a horseshoe-shaped device that maintains space for the lower back teeth on both sides of a dental arch.
Transpalatal Arch
A transpalatal arch fits onto the upper dental arch and maintains space for the back molars.
Why Choose Dental Kidz Club?
Choosing Dental Kidz Club for your child's dental care means partnering with a team that truly cares. Led by Jihee Chun, DDS, the practice focuses on creating a calm, welcoming experience for every child.
With multiple convenient California locations, we offer flexible scheduling, often within 24 hours. Our mission is to provide exceptional, affordable dentistry using advanced technology and a thoughtful, conservative approach. Parents can feel confident in our recommendations, knowing our team treats each patient like family.
FAQs
How Long Will My Child Need To Wear a Space Maintainer?
The length of time your child will need to wear a space maintainer depends on how long the permanent tooth takes to erupt into the open space. This timeline can vary based on your child's age, dental development, and which tooth is missing.
In many cases, a space maintainer stays in place for several months to a few years. Your dentist will monitor your child's progress during regular checkups and remove the device once the permanent tooth begins to emerge properly.
Will My Child Be Able To Eat Normally With a Space Maintainer in Place?
Most children can eat comfortably with a space maintainer. They may need to make some adjustments, though, especially in the first few days.
Your child might experience mild discomfort or need a short period to get used to the device. It's best to encourage chewing on the opposite side of the mouth if the maintainer is fixed on one side.
Are There Any Foods My Child Should Avoid While Wearing a Space Maintainer?
Yes, certain foods can damage or dislodge a space maintainer, so it's important to help your child avoid them.
Sticky foods like gum, caramel, taffy, and gummy candies can pull at the appliance and cause it to loosen or break. Hard foods, including nuts, popcorn kernels, hard candies, and ice, can also put too much pressure on the device.
Additionally, biting directly into foods like whole apples or corn on the cob should be avoided. Instead, cut these foods into small, manageable pieces.
How Do I Help My Child Keep Their Space Maintainer Clean?
Helping your child maintain proper oral hygiene while wearing a space maintainer prevents plaque buildup, tooth decay, and gum issues.
Urge your child to brush their teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice daily, paying close attention to the area around the space maintainer.
If the device is removable, follow your dentist's instructions on how to clean it thoroughly outside of the mouth. For fixed maintainers, floss threaders can help clean between teeth and around the appliance.
Book an Appointment for Your Child Today
If your child has lost a baby tooth early, a space maintainer can help support proper dental development and reduce the risk of future alignment issues. At Dental Kidz Club, we are committed to making every visit a positive experience for both children and their families.
With eight convenient California locations, our team is here to guide you through every step of your child's dental care. Contact the office nearest you to book an appointment.
