When a child loses a baby tooth too early, it can affect how their permanent teeth grow in. That’s where space maintainers come in. These small dental devices keep the empty space open until the new tooth is ready to come in naturally.

Space maintainers are simple, comfortable, and highly effective in guiding proper tooth alignment. They help prevent future orthodontic problems and ensure your child’s smile develops the way it should.

Children’s teeth play an important role in developing speech, chewing, and guiding the growth of adult teeth. Losing a tooth too early — due to decay, injury, or extraction — can cause neighboring teeth to shift out of place.

Without a space maintainer:

→ Teeth may crowd or overlap.

→ Permanent teeth may erupt in the wrong position.

→ Bite alignment can become uneven.

→ Future orthodontic treatment may become more complicated or expensive.

By using a space maintainer, you can help your child avoid these problems and support natural, healthy dental development.

Space maintainers are recommended for children who have:

→ Lost a baby tooth too early due to injury or decay

→ Premature extractions of baby molars

→ Growing permanent teeth that haven’t yet erupted

→ Shifting or crowding in developing teeth

It’s not usually needed if a child loses a front baby tooth early, since that space is less likely to cause alignment issues.