What Is a Space Maintainer?
A space maintainer is a small, safe dental device that holds open the space left by a missing baby tooth. When a child loses a tooth too early—whether from injury, decay, or natural causes—it can cause nearby teeth to shift into the empty space. This can block the adult tooth underneath from growing in properly.
Space maintainers:
- Help guide permanent teeth into their proper place
- Prevent crowding, misalignment, or impaction
- Reduce the need for orthodontic treatment later
- Are custom-made for your child’s mouth
- Can be fixed (cemented in place) or removable
Perfect Smiles of Beverly offers both types, depending on your child’s age, dental needs, and ability to care for the appliance.
Why Your Child Might Need a Space Maintainer
Early tooth loss is more common than many parents think—and the effects can last well into adulthood if not treated properly.
Common reasons for space maintainers include:
- Injury or decay led to premature loss of baby teeth
- Delayed eruption of permanent teeth
- Teeth shifting after an extraction or missing tooth
- Congenital absence (when a permanent tooth is missing entirely)
We often hear from parents whose child’s adult tooth is “stuck” or isn’t coming in, and space maintainers are a safe, effective way to support natural development and prevent more complex dental issues.
When placed early, a space maintainer:
- Supports proper jaw growth
- Keeps bite alignment on track
- Reduces future dental costs and treatments
If you’re unsure whether your child needs one, our experienced team at Perfect Smiles of Beverly is here to evaluate their smile and walk you through every option.