What a space maintainer does
It is a small appliance, usually a band on a neighbouring tooth with a wire or loop across the gap, that physically stops the adjacent teeth from moving in.
It does not move teeth and it is not orthodontics. It only holds what is already there until the adult tooth is ready to come through, then it comes out.
Some are fixed and stay in place. Some are removable. Which one depends on where the gap is, how old your child is and how many teeth are involved.
When a child usually needs one
- A baby tooth knocked out in a fall or a game
- A baby tooth removed because of decay or infection
- A baby tooth lost noticeably earlier than its neighbours
- A back baby molar lost before the adult tooth is anywhere near ready
- A child born without an adult tooth underneath, where the plan is different and needs discussing
How we decide and fit one
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An image to see what is underneath
We look at how far away the adult tooth is. If it is due through in a couple of months, a maintainer may not be worth fitting.
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Choosing the type
The gap position and your child's age decide whether it is fixed or removable, and whether one tooth or several need holding.
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Fitting
A band is fitted to the anchor tooth and the appliance is placed. It takes one appointment and does not need numbing in most cases.
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Check ups until it comes out
We check it at routine visits, both that it is still doing its job and that your child is keeping it clean. It comes out when the adult tooth is ready.
Who you will see
Dr. Brian Hwangpo looks after space maintainers at our Bishop Arts practice. You see the same dentist at every visit, so nobody starts your treatment over.
What it costs, and how people pay
Price depends on what you actually need, so we look first and tell you the number before anything starts. What we can tell you now is how it gets paid for.
- Insured. In network with most major PPO plans, and your benefits get checked before treatment is planned.
- Medicaid or CHIP. Both accepted, which a lot of Dallas practices will not do.
- No insurance. Our membership plan covers cleanings, exams and routine x-rays from $30 a month, with 20% off other treatment.
- Larger treatment. Cherry, Sunbit and HFD payment plans spread the cost.
Space Maintainers questions
- Does my child need a space maintainer?
- It depends on which tooth was lost and how long before the adult tooth is due. A front baby tooth lost close to the natural time often needs nothing. A back molar lost years early usually does.
- How long does a space maintainer stay in?
- Until the adult tooth underneath is ready to come through, which can be anywhere from several months to several years. We check it at every routine visit.
- Do space maintainers hurt?
- Fitting is not painful and rarely needs numbing. Children usually notice it for a few days and then stop thinking about it.
- What happens if a baby tooth is lost early and nothing is done?
- The neighbouring teeth drift into the gap. When the adult tooth arrives it may come through crooked, come through in the wrong position, or become impacted and not come through at all. The fix at that stage is orthodontic and costs considerably more.
- How do you clean a space maintainer?
- Normal brushing, with extra attention around the band where food collects. Sticky sweets and chewing gum are worth avoiding because they pull at it.