Space maintainers

Early loss of a baby tooth may have a negative influence on dental development well into adolescence and adult age. For this reason, space maintainers are recommended following early primary tooth loss. They are fixed or removable appliances which:

• retain space for adult teeth, reducing the need for braces in the future
• prevent undesirable drift and tilt of adjacent teeth
• prevent elongation of opposing teeth
• provide chewing function (if multiple teeth are lost)
• improve esthetics, assist in speech (if front teeth are lost)
• aid in control deleterious oral habits

Properly executed space maintainers should not cause any pain or discomfort. However, with a new space maintainer there may be an initial accommodation period of up to a week. During this time there may be an initial difficulty in speech, some discomfort to the tongue, and the appliance’s presence will be noted.

If the space maintainer is loose enough to come out of the mouth, place it in an envelope, store it in a safe place, and call the office immediately. Many times a loose space maintainer can be easily re-cemented if the appliance has not been bent or broken and your child is seen as soon as possible. A delay in getting in for an appointment could cause the need for the space maintainer to be remade.

Following space maintainers’ placement sticky, chewy or hard crunchy foods should be avoided. Also, sugary foods should be kept to a minimum to prevent decay.

Your child will be instructed to avoid ”playing” with the appliance with the tongue or fingers, as this may loosen or even break it.

While almost all of space maintainer designs are easy to clean, your child must have above average oral hygiene. Space maintainers will catch extra food debris and plaque so your child will have to make an extra effort in brushing and flossing around the bands of the appliance.

Regular check-ups at a minimum of every 6 months are necessary for evaluation of the bite, fit of the bands, and tooth eruption.