Space Maintainers

in Maitland, FL

All children eventually lose their baby or primary teeth, but what happens if one is lost or extracted before its permanent replacement is ready to come in? Dr. Aloise may recommend placing a space maintainer to prevent complications resulting from premature baby tooth loss. Our dedicated team at Maitland Pediatric Dentistry is all about setting the stage for a lifetime of healthy, beautiful smiles.

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A young boy peacefully perched on a tree branch, enjoying the serenity of nature's embrace.

What Is the Importance of Baby Teeth?

Even though baby teeth eventually fall out, they play a critical role in your child’s future oral health. These tiny pearly whites act like placeholders, maintaining the space needed for the permanent teeth to emerge in the correct alignment.

If your child loses a baby tooth prematurely, the neighboring teeth may shift and drift toward the empty space, interfering with the adult teeth when it’s time for them to come in. That can lead to crooked teeth or problems with the bite, requiring orthodontic treatment down the road.

A smiling girl with her finger on her lips, displaying a space where her baby tooth once was, radiating joy.

What Is a Space Maintainer?

A space maintainer is an oral appliance made to “maintain” the space left by a baby tooth that’s lost prematurely. It acts like a placeholder, ensuring the neighboring teeth do not shift toward the gap. Space maintainers have been shown to significantly reduce or even eliminate the need for future orthodontic treatment.

What Are The Types of Space Maintainers?

There are two main types of space maintainers: Unilateral and bilateral. Unilateral space maintainers are designed to maintain the gap on one side, while bilateral space maintainers hold open the space left by missing teeth on both sides of the mouth.

At Maitland Pediatric Dentistry, we offer removable and fixed space maintainers. Removable space maintainers are easy to take out and clean, but they require a commitment on your child’s part to wear them as directed. Fixed space maintainers, on the other hand, are cemented in place and can only be removed by a dental professional.

Will Your Child Need a Space Maintainer?

Not every missing tooth requires a space maintainer. It will depend on the location of the tooth and your child’s age. Younger children have a longer time before their permanent teeth emerge, leaving them at a higher risk of complications. An older child, on the other hand, may be weeks or months away from the permanent tooth erupting, meaning space maintenance may not be necessary.

The location of the tooth is also an essential factor. Front teeth, also known as incisors, may not always require space maintainers if lost prematurely. The back teeth, on the other hand, are critical landmarks for your child’s future oral health and dental alignment. Their premature loss can lead to serious oral health complications without space maintainers.

How We Help Your Child Relax During Treatment

We strive to ensure every visit is a calm, relaxed, and happy experience.
Here's what sets Maitland Pediatric Dentistry apart:

We're a Friendly,
Kid-Centered Team

Dr. Aloise and our team members love kids and work hard to make your child's time memorable and free of stress.

We Speak Your
Child's Language

We use kid-friendly language, turning toothbrushes into "Mr. Bumpy" and the dental drill into a sensational "water gun."

We Offer Happy Air for Calm Treatments

We offer nitrous oxide, or "happy air," if needed, to help your child feel calm and relaxed while getting outstanding dental care.

Your Child can Watch TV During Treatment

Your child will enjoy watching a favorite TV show while getting the best possible dental care!

We Have Treasure
Box Rewards

Your child will love our treasure box rewards - every visit ends on a delightful note!