Pediatric space maintainers are small dental appliances used in pediatric dentistry to hold space open when a baby tooth is lost earlier than expected. Baby teeth naturally serve as space holders, guiding permanent teeth into the correct position. When a baby tooth is lost too soon, nearby teeth can drift into that space.

Dental space maintainers help prevent this movement by keeping the space open until the permanent tooth is ready to erupt. In this way, spacers for teeth support healthy alignment and proper development of your child’s smile.

When a baby tooth is lost prematurely due to decay, injury, or extraction, the surrounding teeth may begin to shift. This drifting can:

• Block permanent teeth from erupting correctly
• Cause crowding or misalignment
• Increase the likelihood of future orthodontic treatment

Dr. Ashlee may recommend a space maintainer to preserve the space and support proper tooth eruption. This proactive step helps protect your child’s long-term oral health and development.

Space maintainers focus on preventative care. By preserving space for permanent teeth, space maintainers can:

• Support proper eruption of premolars
• Reduce the risk of crowding or overlapping teeth
• Promote balanced jaw development
• Help avoid unnecessary orthodontic treatment in certain areas

This early intervention often simplifies future dental care and supports healthier outcomes as your child grows.

Fixed Space Maintainers

A fixed space maintainer is the most common option for children. A band-and-loop appliance is often placed immediately after a tooth extraction and replaces a single baby molar in the back of the mouth. These appliances are securely cemented and remain in place until removal is recommended.

Bilateral Space Maintainers

When two or more teeth are missing, a bilateral space maintainer may be recommended. At Growing Grins, we use digital scanning technology rather than traditional impression trays. A handheld scanner captures a 3D image of your child’s teeth, which is sent to a trusted dental lab to create a custom appliance.

This approach supports comfort while delivering precise, well-fitting pediatric dental space maintainers.

Space maintainers are commonly used in children who lose baby teeth before their permanent teeth are ready to erupt. While timing varies, early tooth loss often occurs between early childhood and pre-teen years. Dr. Ashlee carefully monitors each child’s dental development to determine if and when a space maintainer is appropriate.

Timely placement is important. Waiting too long after early tooth loss can allow teeth to shift into the open space. Dr. Ashlee evaluates each case individually and may recommend placing a space maintainer soon after extraction to preserve proper spacing and alignment.

The length of time depends on when the baby tooth was lost and how quickly the permanent tooth develops. Most premolars erupt between ages 10 and 12. During routine visits, Dr. Ashlee monitors tooth position using periodic X-rays and removes the space maintainer when the permanent tooth begins to emerge naturally.

Proper care helps keep gums healthy and prevents complications. Parents should:

• Help children brush carefully around the space maintainer
• Prevent plaque and food buildup
• Maintain regular dental checkups

Good oral hygiene supports comfort and helps the appliance function as intended.

If a space maintainer becomes loose, bent, or broken, it is important to contact our office promptly. Signs may include discomfort, movement, or irritation of the gums. Growing Grins Pediatric Dentistry offers same-day appointments when available to assess and address concerns quickly.

The cost of pediatric space maintainers can vary based on several factors, including:

• Type of space maintainer used
• Number of teeth involved
• Length of treatment

Insurance coverage may apply depending on your plan. Our team prioritizes transparent communication and will review treatment recommendations and costs before care begins. Scheduling an exam is the best way to receive accurate pricing for your child’s needs.

Choosing the right provider for pediatric space maintainers can make the process easier for both kids and parents. At Growing Grins Pediatric Dentistry, we focus on gentle care, clear communication, and treatment plans built around your child’s growth and comfort. Care is led by Dr. Ashlee Turner-Lee, a board-certified pediatric dentist who carefully evaluates timing and eruption patterns before recommending a space maintainer.

Families choose us because we offer a kid-friendly environment, modern digital scanning for select appliances, and a team that takes the time to explain what to expect at every step.