Saving space for the future

When a baby tooth is lost too early, it can feel like a small thing. But that little gap matters, because it's the spot the adult tooth is waiting to fill. At Brave Kids Dental Co., we use space maintainers for kids in Sandy, UT to hold that space open, so your child's smile can grow in the way it should.

What is a space maintainer?

A space maintainer is a small, custom appliance that keeps the space left by a missing baby tooth open. When your child loses a baby tooth early, a space maintainer helps keep that space so the adult tooth can come in.

Why baby tooth spacing matters

Baby teeth act as natural placeholders for adult teeth. If one is lost early, the neighboring teeth can drift into the gap and block the adult tooth. Our ultimate goal is to prevent that space loss. If space is lost and can't be regained, braces may be needed in the future.

When might a child need one?

• A baby tooth was removed because of a large cavity or infection
• A tooth was lost early in an accident
• The adult tooth isn't expected to come in for a while

Not every early tooth loss needs a space maintainer. Dr. Vy will look at your child's age, which tooth is missing and how the adult teeth are developing, and explain whether one is right for your child.

Benefits of a space maintainer

• Helps prevent crowding. Keeps neighboring teeth from drifting into the gap.
• Keeps adult teeth on track. Holds room so they can come in where they belong.
• May reduce future treatment. Preventing space loss now can help avoid bigger problems later.
• Comfortable to wear. Most kids get used to it within a few days.

What to expect, step by step

1. A check and a plan. Dr. Vy looks at the space and explains what she recommends and why.
2. Fitting. We take what we need to make a space maintainer that fits your child's mouth, explaining each step in hands-on ways.
3. Placement. We place the space maintainer and make sure it feels comfortable.
4. Regular checks. We check it at every visit and remove it when the adult tooth is ready to come in.

Our ceiling TVs, noise-reducing headphones and weighted lap pads help kids stay relaxed throughout.

Caring for a space maintainer

• Brush gently around it every day
• Avoid sticky, chewy candy and very hard foods
• Don't push or pull on it with fingers or tongue
• Call us if it feels loose, bent or broken

Related care

Space maintainers are often part of a plan after a tooth extraction. Whenever possible, we try to save baby teeth with fillings, crowns or a pulpotomy first.

A tip for parents

Kids often play with a new appliance using their tongue. Remind them gently, and bring the space maintainer to every checkup so we can make sure it's still working well as your child grows.