Space Maintainers

What Are Space Maintainers?

Space maintainers are small, custom-made dental appliances designed to hold space in your child’s mouth when they lose a primary tooth prematurely. Primary teeth, often called “baby teeth,” are vital in guiding permanent teeth into proper positions. When a baby tooth is lost too soon, the surrounding teeth may shift into the space, potentially leading to crowding, misalignment, or other orthodontic problems.

Signs Your Child May Need Space Maintainers

Parents can struggle to tell whether their child needs a space maintainer. Here are some signs that may indicate the necessity for one:

Premature Tooth Loss: If your child loses a baby tooth before their adult tooth is ready to erupt, a space maintainer can prevent neighboring teeth from shifting.
Dental Crowding: If a dentist notices that your child’s adult teeth are at risk of misalignment due to lack of space, they may recommend a space maintainer.
Trauma or Decay: Teeth lost due to significant decay or injury could lead to complications that require intervention.
Orthodontic Assessment: During routine dental visits, your child’s dentist may notice early signs of spacing issues and recommend intervention.

If you’re unsure whether your child needs a space maintainer, our skilled team at Little Smiles of Washington can thoroughly evaluate and create a customized treatment plan.

The Process of Getting Space Maintainers

At Little Smiles, dental procedures can intimidate children and parents alike. That’s why we follow a streamlined, comfortable process for creating and fitting space maintainers. Here’s what to expect:

Consultation and Examination

Our dentists will assess your child’s oral health, take digital X-rays, and determine whether a space maintainer is necessary.

Custom Fit

If a space maintainer is needed, our team will take precise molds or impressions to create a device that fits perfectly in your child’s mouth.

Placement

Once the custom appliance is ready, we’ll carefully place it in your child’s mouth to ensure it fits securely and comfortably.

Education

Before you leave, we’ll thoroughly explain how to care for the space maintainer and what your child can expect during the adjustment period.

Our modern technology, like digital X-rays, ensures a quick and efficient process from start to finish, while our friendly, welcoming environment helps ease any nerves your child might have.

Aftercare for Space Maintainers

Proper aftercare is essential to ensure the success of your child’s space maintainer. Here are the tips we recommend to keep your child’s mouth healthy and the space maintainer effective:

Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene: Help your child brush and floss regularly, including around the space maintainer, to prevent plaque buildup.
Avoid Sticky or Hard Foods: Foods like caramel or hard candies can damage or dislodge the device, so it’s best to keep these off the menu.
Regular Dental Checkups: Schedule routine visits to monitor progress and make any necessary adjustments.
Watch for Issues: Watch for discomfort, loosening of the appliance, or irritation in your child’s mouth, and contact us if needed.

Our team is always here to support you with guidance and adjustments to ensure your child’s space maintainer functions perfectly. We’re just a call or visit away if you have any questions or concerns.

Protect Your Child’s Smile with Space Maintainers at Little Smiles of Washington

At Little Smiles of Washington, we strive to make every visit as comfortable and positive as possible. From our expert care to our fun office amenities—including TVs, streaming services, toys, a toy tower, and goodie bags—we’re committed to creating a welcoming environment where children feel at ease.

Explore our flexible payment options, including CareCredit and our in-office membership plan, Smile Savers. With advanced dental technology like digital X-rays and a strong emphasis on patient comfort and education, we’re here to redefine the dental experience for children and their families.