Dental Space Maintainers

When primary teeth are extracted early due to significant decay, there are likely years before the permanent tooth will erupt. When leaving those spaces or gaps in between teeth for such a long period of time, there is a chance of the remaining teeth shifting or moving into the empty space. Space maintainers (or spacers) are appliances that hold teeth in position and prevent shifting to keep the space for permanent molars to erupt.

Once the permanent tooth or teeth start erupting then we will remove the appliance.

First we try on appropriate band sizes on the teeth it will be cemented to. Then we will make an impression of the teeth using dental impression material. Once the impression has been made we send it to a lab to fabricate or make the custom space maintainer.

No, it is not removable. It will be cemented onto the appropriate tooth/teeth.

The band(s) are cemented on the appropriate tooth or teeth using dental cement.

Spacers are not meant to move or shift any teeth, so there is usually no pain associated with the spacer. Once placed, children will typically get used to them quickly.

Teeth can move or shift which can cause space loss, making it difficult for adult teeth to erupt. Therefore, there is a large chance your child will need braces in the future.