When a baby tooth is lost too early, the teeth beside it can drift into the gap and block the adult tooth underneath. A space maintainer is a small appliance that holds the space open until the permanent tooth is ready to come in. It is usually quick to fit, and your child can eat normally the same day.
Why does the space matter?
Drift can become significant within about 6 months of losing a baby molar. Without a space maintainer, permanent teeth may come in crooked or get stuck (impacted). That can lead to orthodontic treatment or extractions later. Back baby molars matter most. A front baby tooth lost early usually does not need an appliance.
Types of space maintainers
- Band and loop. The most common type, for one lost baby molar. A metal band on the back tooth carries a wire loop that rests against the tooth in front.
- Distal shoe. Used if a second baby molar is lost before the permanent first molar has come in.
- Lingual arch. A wire along the inside of the lower teeth, used when teeth are missing on both sides.
- Nance arch. The upper version, which runs across the palate.
- Removable acrylic. Like a small partial denture, sometimes chosen for older, cooperative children or for front teeth.
Most are acrylic or thin stainless steel wire. Fixed types are usually preferred because they cannot be lost.
How it works: two visits about 2 weeks apart
- Assessment and scan (about 30 minutes). We examine your child, take an X-ray of the developing permanent tooth and a digital scan or impression.
- Fit and cementing (about 20 minutes). The lab-made appliance is fitted, adjusted and cemented. Freezing is usually not needed.
- Monitoring. We check it at each 6-month hygiene visit and remove it when the permanent tooth is ready to come in. Wear time ranges from several months to several years.
We decide based on which tooth was lost, your child's age, X-ray findings, whether nearby teeth are already tipping, and how crowded the arch is. Most children adjust within 2 to 3 days.
Cost and coverage
Space maintainers are often covered under extended plans for dependent children. Eligible children may be covered by CDCP, and we are a participating provider. You get a written estimate before the appliance is ordered. We direct-bill Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, Green Shield, Desjardins and others, and offer 0% in-house payment plans.
Before Your Visit
- Tell us when the baby tooth was lost and which one it was.
- Bring the CDCP or insurance card.
- Explain that the dentist will fit a small "tooth saver".
- If your child has had a recent cavity or infection in the area, let us know.
After Your Treatment
- Your child can eat normally, but avoid sticky candy, gum and chewing ice. They can bend or loosen the appliance.
- Brush carefully where the band meets the tooth and under the wire loop, since plaque collects there. Our hygiene team will show you how.
- Minor rubbing can be fixed with a quick adjustment.
- If the appliance comes loose or falls out, keep it and call (905) 793-8668 promptly. A delay can let the space close.
- Keep the 6-month check-ups.
Visit Brampton Smiles
50 Sunny Meadow Blvd, Unit 300, Brampton, ON L6R 0Y7, near Bovaird Drive East. Phone: (905) 793-8668.
Hours: Mon, Wed, Thu 10 AM to 7 PM. Tue, Fri 10 AM to 5 PM. Sat 9 AM to 2 PM. Sun closed.
Book your child's space maintainer assessment.
Related pages
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will my child wear it?
Until the permanent tooth is ready to come in, which can be several months to several years.
Does every lost baby tooth need one?
No. Back baby molars usually do. A lost front baby tooth usually does not.
What happens if we skip it?
Teeth can drift, and permanent teeth may come in crooked or impacted, which could need orthodontic treatment or extraction.
Does it hurt?
Fitting usually needs no freezing. Some children feel pressure for a few days.
What if it comes off?
Keep it and call us right away so we can re-cement it.
How do I clean around it?
Brush the band and loop gently each day. Our hygienist will show you how at the fit visit.