Space Maintainers

A space maintainer is a custom-made orthodontic appliance that holds open the gap left by a baby tooth that has been lost too early. When a baby tooth falls out before the permanent tooth is ready to erupt, the surrounding teeth can drift into that open space, blocking or crowding the incoming adult tooth. Space maintainers prevent this from happening by keeping that space open and intact until the permanent tooth is ready to come in. At Kids Smiles Pediatric Dentistry in St. Louis, Dr. Kelly Jobe fits and places space maintainers in just one or two visits.

Space maintainers are most commonly recommended when a baby tooth is lost prematurely due to tooth decay, injury, or extraction. Baby teeth serve as natural guides for where permanent teeth need to grow. When that guide is removed too early, neighboring teeth tend to tip or drift into the gap, which can prevent the permanent tooth from erupting in its correct position. This often leads to crowding, misalignment, and the potential need for more extensive orthodontic treatment later. A space maintainer is a simple, proactive solution that can prevent all of that.

Space maintainers come in two main varieties: fixed and removable. Fixed space maintainers are cemented onto neighboring teeth and stay in place until Dr. Jobe determines they are no longer needed. Removable space maintainers look similar to a retainer and can be taken out by the child for cleaning. The best type for your child depends on which tooth was lost, the child’s age, and their level of cooperation. Dr. Jobe will discuss the options with you and recommend the most appropriate choice for your child’s specific situation.

No. Space maintainers do not move teeth the way braces do, so there is no pressure-related discomfort associated with wearing them. The placement process is straightforward and comfortable for most children. Some kids may notice the appliance in their mouth for the first few days as they get used to it, but this typically passes quickly without any pain. If your child reports ongoing discomfort, our St. Louis team is happy to take a look and make any necessary adjustments.

The process is simple and typically completed in one to two appointments. An impression or scan of your child’s teeth is taken so the space maintainer can be custom-made to fit properly. At the placement appointment, the appliance is fitted and either cemented into place or handed to your child with instructions for removable versions. The whole process is non-invasive and requires no anesthesia in most cases.

The length of time depends on how long it takes for the permanent tooth to erupt into the maintained space. Some children wear space maintainers for a few months, while others may need them for a year or more. Dr. Jobe monitors the space and the progress of the incoming permanent tooth at each checkup. Once the permanent tooth has erupted sufficiently into position, the space maintainer is removed. Regular six-month visits at our St. Louis office are the best way to track this progress.

If your child has lost a baby tooth early, or if you are concerned about how their teeth are developing, scheduling an evaluation at Kids Smiles Pediatric Dentistry is the right next step. Dr. Jobe will review your child’s dental development and let you know whether a space maintainer is needed. Call us at (314) 270-5817 or book an appointment online. Our office is located at 9735 Landmark Parkway Dr., Suite 16, St. Louis, MO 63127.