What are Space Maintainers?
Space maintainers hold open the empty space left by a lost tooth. They steady the remaining teeth, preventing movement until the permanent tooth takes its 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.
Space maintainers hold open the empty space left by a lost tooth. They steady the remaining teeth; prevent movement until the permanent tooth takes its position in the jaw. It is more affordable – and easier on your child – to keep the normal positions with space maintainer than to move them back in place by orthodontic treatment.
As the name implies, these are appliances designed to maintain space between teeth, hopefully inserted before space is lost by drifting of the teeth. After space has become lost, space maintainers only maintain whatever space is left. If more space is needed, space gaining appliances are needed to regain the needed space. Space maintenance is often needed if premature loss is incurred by early removal of a back baby tooth due to excessive decay or an abscess. When in doubt, ask your dentist or an orthodontist if a space maintainer is indicated, as it clearly depends on other factors as well.
