Space Maintainers
When a baby tooth is lost earlier than expected, the neighbouring teeth can drift into the gap. That can leave too little room for the permanent tooth that is waiting underneath. A space maintainer is a simple, custom-made device that holds the space open until the adult tooth is ready. At Edgemont Dental in Southwest Edmonton, we look after your child's growing smile with a gentle, unhurried approach.
What Is a Space Maintainer?
A space maintainer is a small appliance made to fit your child's mouth. It sits in the gap left by a missing baby tooth and keeps the surrounding teeth from moving into the space. When the permanent tooth is ready to come in, it has room to do so in the right position. No needles are needed to place it.
Why Baby Teeth Matter
Baby teeth do more than help your child chew and speak. They also hold space for the permanent teeth. When a baby tooth is lost too early, because of decay, injury or other reasons, nearby teeth may shift, which can lead to crowding or misaligned adult teeth. A space maintainer helps avoid that.
When Might Your Child Need One?
- A baby tooth was lost more than a year before the permanent tooth is expected
- Several teeth were lost in the same area
- A baby tooth was knocked out by injury
- A baby tooth was extracted because of severe decay or an abscess
- Nearby teeth have already started drifting into the space
Not every early tooth loss needs a space maintainer. Your dentist will examine your child, take x-rays to see where the adult tooth is and recommend whether one is needed.
What to Expect
1. Exam and x-rays
Your dentist checks the area and takes x-rays to see the position of the permanent tooth and estimate when it will come in.
2. Impression and fitting
We take a gentle, quick impression or scan of the teeth so the space maintainer fits your child's mouth. When the device is ready, we check the fit and cement it in place at a short follow-up appointment.
3. Monitoring and removal
We check the space maintainer at regular checkups and remove it once the permanent tooth starts to come in.
Before Your Child's Visit
- Explain in simple, positive words that the dentist will help save room for the grown-up tooth.
- Bring any previous x-rays you have, and tell us when and how the baby tooth was lost.
- Let us know if your child is nervous, so we can take extra time.
After Your Child's Treatment
- Your child may notice the device for a few days and then get used to it.
- Avoid sticky or hard foods, such as gummy candies and caramel, which can dislodge a fixed space maintainer.
- Brush carefully around the device twice a day, and keep up regular dental visits.
- Call us if it becomes loose, bent or comes off, and keep the device and bring it with you.
Caring for a Space Maintainer
- Discourage your child from pushing on it with their tongue or fingers
- Fixed maintainers cannot be removed by your child. Removable ones need careful handling, so they are generally suited to older children
Why Choose Edgemont Dental
- A gentle, child-focused team
- Digital x-rays to monitor your child's growing teeth
- Care for the whole family under one roof
- A clear plan and cost estimate before treatment begins
- Direct billing to most major insurance providers
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a space maintainer uncomfortable?
Children may notice it for a few days, but most get used to it quickly.
How long does my child need it?
Until the permanent tooth is ready to come in. Your dentist will monitor this at regular visits.
What if the space maintainer comes loose?
Call us as soon as you can. Keep the device if it comes out and bring it with you.
Can my child still eat normally?
Yes, with a few sticky or hard foods to avoid. We will give you advice about what to watch for.
Does my child need x-rays before getting a space maintainer?
Usually yes. X-rays show where the permanent tooth is and when it is likely to come in, which helps your dentist decide whether a space maintainer is needed and how long it should stay.
Book Your Child's Visit in Edmonton
Call (780) 761-7070 or book online. You will find us at 20036 Lessard Rd NW, Edmonton, AB T6M 0T9.