What are space maintainers?
Space maintainers are appliance made of metal that are custom fit for your child’s mouth. They are small and unobtrusive in appearance. Most children easily adjust to them after the first few days.

Why do children loose their baby teeth?
A baby tooth usually stays in place until a permanent tooth underneath pushes it out and takes its place. Unfortunately, some children lose a baby tooth too soon. A tooth might be knocked out accidently or removed because of dental disease. When a tooth is lost too early your pediatric dentist may recommend a space maintainer to prevent future space loss and dental problems.

Why all the fuss? Baby teeth fall out eventually on their own.
Baby teeth are important to your child’s present and future dental health. They encourage normal development of the jaw bones and muscles. They save space for the permanent teeth and guide them into position. Remember some baby teeth are not replaced until a child is 12 or 14 years of age.

How does a lost baby tooth cause problems for permanent teeth?

If a baby tooth is lost too soon, the teeth beside it may tilt or drift into the empty space. Teeth in the other jaw may move up or down to fill the gap. When adjacent teeth drift into the empty space, they create a lack of space in the jaw for the permanent teeth. Therefore permanent teeth are crowded and come in crooked. If left untreated, the condition may require extensive orthodontic treatment.

How does space maintainer help?

Space maintainers hold open the empty space left by the lost tooth. They hold the remaining teeth steady and in place, preventing movement until the permanent tooth takes it’s natural position in the jaw. It’s more affordable and easier on your child.to keep teeth in normal positions with a space maintainer than to move them back in place with orthodontic treatment.

What special care do space maintainers need?

Pediatric dentist have four rules for space maintainer care.

• Avoid gummy, sticky, chewy stuff like chewing gums, fruit rolls, caramel candy
• Do not tug or push on the space maintainer with your fingers or tongue.
• Keep is clean with regular brushing and flossing.
• Continue regular dental visits.