Protecting Space for Your Child's Permanent Teeth
When a child loses a baby tooth too early, whether from decay, injury or extraction, the teeth around the gap can drift into the empty space. This can cause crowding or alignment problems for the permanent teeth that are coming in.
At Martindale Smiles, we use custom space maintainers to hold the space open until the permanent tooth is ready to come in. This helps your child's teeth develop correctly and can reduce the chance of needing orthodontic treatment later.
What Are Space Maintainers?
Space maintainers are small dental appliances made of metal or acrylic that are custom-fitted to your child's mouth. They can be fixed, which means cemented to the neighbouring teeth, or removable, depending on the location and your child's age.
The maintainer holds the space left by the missing baby tooth. It stops the neighbouring teeth from drifting into the gap and guides the permanent tooth into its proper position.
Types of Space Maintainers
There are several types, and our dentist will recommend the most appropriate one based on your child's needs.
Band and Loop Space Maintainer
The most common type. A metal band is fitted around one tooth, and a wire loop holds the space open. It is often used when a single baby molar is lost.
Crown and Loop
Used when the tooth next to the gap needs a crown. The crown and the wire loop are made as one piece, which holds the space open.
Distal Shoe
Used for teeth that have not yet come in. It guides the permanent tooth into place when the baby tooth at the back of the mouth is lost early.
Lingual Holding Arch
Used when several teeth are missing on the lower jaw. A wire runs along the inside of the lower teeth to keep them in position.
Does My Child Need a Space Maintainer?
A space maintainer may be recommended when:
- A baby tooth has been lost early because of decay
- A baby tooth was lost to injury or had to be removed
- The permanent tooth underneath is not ready to come in for some time
- The neighbouring teeth are starting to drift toward the gap
Not every early tooth loss needs a space maintainer. Your child's dentist checks the teeth and X-rays to see how soon the permanent tooth will come in, and only recommends one when it is needed.
What to Expect at Your Visit
- 1Examination and X-rays. We assess the gap and the permanent tooth underneath.
- 2Impressions or scans. We take them so the maintainer is custom-made for your child.
- 3Fitting and adjustment. We fit the space maintainer and adjust it for comfort.
- 4Care and maintenance instructions. We show you and your child how to look after it.
- 5Regular monitoring. We check it until the permanent tooth comes in.
Caring for a Space Maintainer
- Have your child brush and floss carefully around the appliance every day
- Avoid sticky foods such as caramel, toffee and chewing gum
- Avoid hard foods such as ice and hard candy
- Remind your child not to push on the appliance with the tongue or fingers
- Keep up regular check-ups so we can check the fit and how the teeth are coming in
- Call us if the appliance feels loose, comes off or causes a sore spot
Why Choose Martindale Smiles for Space Maintainers
- Custom-fitted for your child's comfort
- An experienced family dental team for children
- Multiple types available for different needs
- Regular monitoring and adjustments
- A focus on long-term dental health
- Open seven days a week, with same-day appointments available
- Direct insurance billing available
Related Treatments
- Dental cavities in Northeast Calgary: gentle treatment for decay in baby and permanent teeth.
- Sealants and fluoride treatment in Northeast Calgary: help prevent cavities that lead to early tooth loss.
- Dental cleaning and check-ups in Northeast Calgary: regular visits help us track how your child's teeth are coming in.
Cost of Space Maintainers
The cost of a space maintainer depends on the type of appliance, where it is placed and how many teeth are involved. A band and loop space maintainer for one tooth costs less than an appliance for several teeth. A space maintainer costs far less than the orthodontic treatment that crowding can lead to, so it is often a sound investment in your child's teeth.
We follow the ADA Fee Guide and offer direct billing to insurance. Coverage for space maintainers varies from plan to plan. Patients with the Canadian Dental Care Plan can find details on our CDCP page, and eligible First Nations and Inuit patients can learn more on our NIHB page. To receive a personalized quote, please contact our team.