When a baby tooth is lost earlier than expected, the surrounding teeth can shift into the empty space and block the path for incoming permanent teeth. Dental space maintainers are used to hold this space open and support proper alignment as your child’s mouth continues to grow.
These appliances play an important role in guiding dental development and reducing the risk of future orthodontic problems.
We offer space maintainers at our pediatric dental office in St. Petersburg, FL.
Key Takeaway
Dental space maintainers are placed when a primary tooth is lost early to hold open the space for permanent teeth. They help prevent crowding, preserve alignment, and support long-term oral health.
What Are Dental Space Maintainers?
Dental space maintainers are custom-made appliances used in pediatric dentistry to hold the proper amount of space open for a permanent tooth. They are most often placed after a tooth extraction when a baby tooth is lost before it is naturally ready to fall out.
If this space is not protected, adjacent teeth may drift into the gap, resulting in a lack of space for the permanent tooth to erupt correctly.
By placing this appliance after the extraction, we help preserve the natural spacing and guide the proper alignment of permanent teeth as your child grows.
Why Use a Space Maintainer?
Space maintainers play a critical role in preventing space loss after early tooth extraction. They reduce the likelihood of needing orthodontic treatments, support healthy alignment, and ensure there is room for the adult tooth to come in naturally. Without one, the loss of a primary tooth can affect your child’s bite and overall dental development.
Types of Space Maintainers
We offer both fixed and removable options, each selected based on your child’s age, the location of the missing tooth, and their stage of dental development.
Fixed Space Maintainers
This type is cemented to the teeth and cannot be removed by the child. These are commonly recommended for younger children who may have difficulty managing removable appliances.
Unilateral Space Maintainers
Unilateral space maintainers are used when a child is missing a tooth on only one side of the mouth.
- Band and Loop Space Maintainer: A stainless steel band is placed around an adjacent tooth, connected to a small metal loop that holds the space open. It is often used when a single primary molar is lost.
- Crown and Loop: Similar in design to the band and loop, this option uses a stainless steel crown instead of a band when the supporting tooth also needs restoration.
- Distal Shoe: Used when the first permanent molar has not yet erupted, this fixed device extends slightly beneath the gum line to guide the permanent molar into the correct position. It is often used after early loss of the second primary molar.
Bilateral Space Maintainers
This type is used when teeth are lost on both sides of the same dental arch.
- Lower Lingual Holding Arch: A U-shaped wire connects the lower permanent molars and runs along the inside of the lower front teeth to preserve space for both back and front teeth.
- Upper Nance Appliance: This fixed device connects the upper molars with a wire and includes an acrylic pad that rests against the roof of the mouth for added stability. It prevents the upper molars from shifting forward.
Removable Space Maintainers
Removable space maintainers function like partial dentures and are typically used in older children who can manage their oral hygiene well. These may include prosthetic teeth for esthetic purposes, particularly when front teeth are involved.
Comparing the Types of Space Maintainers
| Type of Space Maintainer | Best For | Fixed/Removable | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Band and Loop | Single missing primary molar | Fixed | Maintains space after early loss of one baby tooth |
| Crown and Loop | Adjacent tooth also needs restoration | Fixed | Restores and supports adjacent and missing teeth |
| Distal Shoe | First permanent molar not yet erupted | Fixed | Guides permanent molar into place |
| Lower Lingual Holding Arch | Multiple missing lower teeth | Fixed | Holds space for lower front and back permanent teeth |
| Upper Nance Appliance | Multiple missing upper teeth | Fixed | Maintains space on upper arch with molar support |
| Removable | Older children with good oral hygiene | Removable | Supports esthetics and space preservation |
Caring for a Space Maintainer
Proper care ensures that your child’s appliance stays clean, secure, and effective. During routine visits, we will check the device and surrounding teeth to ensure everything is functioning well.
Encourage your child to:
- Brush and floss carefully around the appliance
- Avoid sticky foods that could dislodge or damage the appliance
- Maintain regular dental checkups for monitoring and adjustments
With good oral hygiene and consistent dental visits, they can last until the permanent tooth is ready to emerge.
Your Local Home for Children’s Smiles
You can find us in our bright yellow building with blue shutters, right off MLK Jr. Street near Gandy Boulevard. Our cheerful office, painted bright yellow with blue shutters, is a welcoming home for pediatric dentistry in St. Petersburg, FL.
We accept most PPO dental insurance plans and are in-network with many providers, helping families in St. Petersburg, FL receive high-quality pediatric care with predictable costs.
Schedule a Consultation in St. Petersburg, FL
If your child has lost a baby tooth early our team can help determine the right type of space maintainer for their needs. Dr. Marai Vales and her experienced team at Sunny Smiles Pediatric Dentistry provide customized care in a fun and friendly environment designed just for kids.
To book an appointment, at our pediatric dental office in St. Petersburg, FL, call (727) 914-6611 or visit us at 8525 Dr MLK Jr St N St Petersburg, FL.
