Keep the Right Space Open for Adult Teeth

Children can lose a baby tooth too early. A space maintainer can help keep the right space open for adult teeth to grow in properly.

At PVPD, we provide space maintainers for kids in Arizona to support healthy tooth development and growing smiles.

Schedule a visit with Palm Valley Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics today to help your child’s smile stay on the right track.

What Is a Space Maintainer?

A space maintainer is a small dental appliance made to fit your child’s mouth. It may be made from metal or another safe dental material.

The appliance sits in the open space left by a missing baby tooth. It stops nearby teeth from moving into the gap while your child waits for the adult tooth to grow in.

Most children adjust to a dental spacer within a few days.

space maintainer

Why Might Your Child Need a Dental Spacer?

Baby teeth help guide permanent teeth into the right place. When a baby tooth falls out too soon due to decay, injury, or another dental problem, the nearby teeth may shift.
This can leave less room for the adult tooth. It may also lead to crowding, bite problems, or the need for more orthodontic care later.
A pediatric space maintainer helps hold the area open until the new tooth is ready to come in.

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When Do Pediatric Dentists Recommend Space Maintainers?

Your child may need a tooth spacer after early tooth loss, a dental injury, or a tooth extraction. The right treatment depends on the missing tooth, your child’s age, and the stage of dental growth.

Our pediatric dentist will examine the open space and check the position of the permanent tooth. We only recommend a space maintainer when it can help protect your child’s smile.

Types of Space Maintainers for Children

Band and Loop Space Maintainer

A band-and-loop space maintainer is often used when a baby tooth is missing. A small band fits around a nearby tooth, and a loop holds the open space in place.

Crown and Loop Space Maintainer

A crown and loop appliance works similarly. It may be used when the nearby tooth needs a dental crown for added support.

Distal Shoe Space Maintainer

A distal shoe space maintainer may help when a baby tooth is lost before the adult molar is ready to come in. It guides the new tooth as it grows.

Lingual Arch Space Maintainer

A lingual holding arch may be used when teeth are missing on both sides of the lower jaw. It helps keep the right amount of space open for future adult teeth.

Transpalatal Arch

A transpalatal arch may be used for missing teeth in the upper jaw. It helps support the upper dental arch and keep the teeth from shifting.

CO2 laser - palm valley pediatric dentistry and orthodontics

What Happens During the Space Maintainers Appointment?

We start with a dental exam and may take X-rays to check your child’s adult teeth below the gums. If a space maintainer is needed, we choose the right type and make sure it fits well.

The appliance should feel comfortable and secure. Our team will explain how to care for it and tell you when to return for a follow-up visit.

How Can You Care for a Space Maintainer?

  • Help your child brush gently around the space maintainer every morning and night to remove food particles and reduce plaque buildup.
  • Crunchy vegetables, soft fruits, yogurt, and other low-stick foods are better choices for protecting the appliance.
  • Caramel, chewing gum, taffy, and hard candy can bend, loosen, or break the dental spacer.
  • Remind your child not to wiggle the space maintainer using their tongue or fingers, since constant pressure may move it out of place.
  • If the appliance feels loose, causes irritation, or your child complains about pain, contact your dentist for an evaluation.
  • Routine checkups allow the dental team to monitor your child’s tooth development and confirm the space maintainer is still fitting properly.
  • Properly caring for the appliance helps preserve space for incoming adult teeth and supports healthier alignment in the future.
benefits of space maintainers and clear braces

Benefits Your Child Gets With Space Maintainers!

A space maintainer helps keep your child’s smile healthy and growing properly after a baby tooth is lost early. It saves space for the adult tooth and helps nearby teeth stay in place.

With a dental spacer, your child can have a better chance of proper tooth alignment and fewer crowding problems in the future. It is a simple way to support a strong, happy smile as your child grows.

Space Maintainers Near You in Arizona!

Palm Valley Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics provides pediatric dental exams, space maintainers, preventive care, tooth fillings, emergency dental care, and orthodontic services at locations across Arizona.

Families can schedule an appointment at our Scottsdale, Buckeye, Goodyear, Surprise, Chandler, or East Mesa office.

Pediatric Dentist Scottsdale
Scottsdale
21070 N Pima Rd
Buckeye Office
Buckeye
West Valley
Goodyear Office
Goodyear
West Valley
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Surprise
Northwest Valley
Chandler Office
Chandler
East Valley
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East Mesa
East Valley

Book a Space Maintainer Consultation!

If your child has lost a baby tooth sooner than expected, a space maintainer may help keep that gap open for the healthy arrival of the permanent tooth.

Reach out to Palm Valley Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics to book a visit.

Our pediatric dental team will take a close look at your child’s smile and guide you through the best next steps for healthy tooth development.

Peoples Also Ask

Not always. Every child’s smile develops differently. The dentist will examine the empty space, your child’s age, and how the adult tooth is growing before deciding if a space maintainer is needed.

Most children wear the appliance until the permanent tooth is ready to come through the gums. The duration can vary depending on how quickly your child’s teeth develop.

Space maintainers are designed to fit comfortably in your child’s mouth. Your child may feel something new for the first few days, but it usually settles quickly.

Yes. Children can continue eating their favorite everyday foods. It is best to avoid sticky snacks, chewing gum, and very hard foods that may damage the appliance.

If the space maintainer moves, bends, or comes loose, contact the dental office right away. Quick care can help keep your child’s teeth in the correct position while the permanent tooth develops.