About Space Maintainers
Space maintainers are small dental appliances that preserve the alignment and spacing of teeth in children who have lost baby teeth early. At Rundlehorn Smiles Dental in NE Calgary, we provide custom-made space maintainers to ensure that permanent teeth have the space they need to come in correctly.
When a baby tooth is lost too soon, whether from decay, an injury or extraction, the teeth beside it can drift into the gap. That can block the permanent tooth from coming through and lead to crowding and bite problems later. A space maintainer prevents the surrounding teeth from shifting, so your child's smile stays on track.
If your child has lost a baby tooth early, or a tooth needs to be removed, ask us about a space maintainer at the same visit.
Why Baby Teeth Matter
Baby teeth may be temporary, but they do important work. They help your child chew and speak, and they hold a place in the jaw for the permanent tooth underneath, guiding it into position as it grows.
Most baby teeth fall out on their own between about ages 6 and 12, in a fairly steady order. When one is lost years ahead of schedule, the space it held can close, and the permanent tooth may have nowhere to go. That is when a space maintainer helps.
Types of Space Maintainers
The right type depends on which tooth was lost and how old your child is. Space maintainers are either fixed, which means they are cemented in place, or removable.
A band and loop is a common fixed appliance for a single missing back baby tooth. A metal band fits around a neighbouring tooth, and a small wire loop holds the space open.
A lingual arch is a fixed wire that sits behind the lower front teeth and connects the back molars. It is used when several teeth are missing.
Your dentist will examine your child, take the measurements needed and recommend the type that suits your child best.
Benefits of Space Maintainers
- Preserves space for permanent teeth: Custom-made appliances hold the gap open so adult teeth can come in where they should.
- Prevents surrounding teeth from shifting: The teeth next to the gap stay where they belong.
- Reduces the risk of crowding: Keeping the space open can help your child avoid alignment problems later on.
- Supports a healthy bite: Teeth that erupt in the right place help your child chew comfortably.
When Does a Child Need a Space Maintainer?
- A baby tooth was lost early because of a cavity, an injury or an extraction
- A baby tooth needs to be removed well before the permanent tooth is ready
- The permanent tooth is not expected to come in for some time
- The neighbouring teeth have started to move toward the gap
Not every early loss needs a space maintainer, so an exam and X-rays are the best way to find out. If a cavity caused the tooth loss, we also talk with you about Dental Cavities Treatment to protect your child's other teeth.
What Is Included in Your Child's Space Maintainer Treatment
- An exam and X-rays to check the gap, the neighbouring teeth and the permanent tooth underneath
- A clear explanation of whether your child needs a space maintainer and which type
- A gentle impression of your child's teeth to make a custom appliance
- Fitting and adjustment of the space maintainer
- Instructions for you and your child on how to care for it
- Regular checks to make sure it fits and the permanent tooth is coming in
- Removal of the appliance when the permanent tooth is ready
- A written estimate before treatment begins
What to Expect at Your Child's Visits
- Exam and X-rays. We look at where the tooth was lost, check the neighbouring teeth and see where the permanent tooth is.
- A clear plan. We explain whether a space maintainer is needed, which type is best and what it will cost.
- Impression. We take a gentle impression of your child's teeth, so the appliance is made to fit.
- Fitting. We fit the space maintainer and check that it is comfortable. Parents are welcome in the room.
- Check-ups. We see your child at regular visits to check the fit and watch for the permanent tooth.
- Removal. When the permanent tooth is ready to come in, we remove the appliance.
Caring for a Space Maintainer
Your child may notice the appliance for the first few days, and a little soreness is normal. Have them brush twice a day, paying attention to the teeth around it, and floss where they can.
Ask your child to avoid sticky foods such as caramel and gum, hard foods such as ice and hard candy, and to leave the appliance alone with their fingers and tongue. If a space maintainer comes loose, bends or feels sharp, call us at 403-300-2233 so we can look at it soon, because it cannot do its job if it is out of place.
Why Choose Rundlehorn Smiles Dental for Space Maintainers
- Custom-made space maintainers that give permanent teeth the space they need to come in correctly
- A dedicated children's care program covering preventive care, sealants and space maintainers
- A calm chair-side approach geared to first visits, with parents welcome in the room
- Four general dentists who explain the why before the what, with no pressure
- Evening hours until 8 PM Monday to Saturday and Sunday hours from 10 AM to 5 PM
- Direct billing to most major insurers
Related Treatments
- Dental Cavities Treatment: Gentle repair for cavities in baby teeth and permanent teeth.
- Preventive Care: Regular checkups that help catch problems early.
- Dental Sealants and Fluoride: Protection that helps stop cavities before they start.
- Traditional Braces: Options for straightening teeth as your child grows.
Cost of Space Maintainers in NE Calgary
The cost of a space maintainer depends on the type of appliance and which tooth it is for. It is usually a fraction of the cost of straightening crowded teeth later. After your child's exam, we give you a written, itemised estimate before any treatment begins, so you always know what to expect.
Coverage for space maintainers varies by plan, so call us with your plan details and we will check before your child's visit. We direct bill most major insurers, and flexible payment options are available. Call us at 403-300-2233 for a personalized quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a space maintainer?
A space maintainer is a small, custom-made dental appliance that holds the space open when a baby tooth is lost early. It keeps the neighbouring teeth from drifting into the gap, so the permanent tooth has room to come in properly.
Are space maintainers really necessary?
They are often recommended when a baby tooth is lost well before the permanent tooth is ready to come in. Without one, nearby teeth can shift into the space and lead to crowding or misalignment that is harder to fix later. Your dentist will tell you whether your child needs one.
Do space maintainers hurt?
Placing a space maintainer is usually quick and comfortable. Your child may feel some pressure or notice the appliance for a few days, and the mouth soon gets used to it.
How long does a space maintainer stay in?
It stays in until the permanent tooth is ready to come through, which can take from several months to a few years depending on your child's age and which tooth was lost. We check it at regular visits and remove it at the right time.
How much do space maintainers cost, and are they covered?
The cost depends on the type of appliance and which tooth it is for, and you receive a written, itemised estimate before treatment. Coverage varies by plan, so call 403-300-2233 with your plan details and we will check before your child's visit.
Book Your Child's Appointment
We're accepting new patients every day and hold time for urgent cases. Monday to Saturday 8 AM to 8 PM, Sunday 10 AM to 5 PM.