Does your child have a loose tooth? Kids can lose baby teeth early for all kinds of reasons, such as an unexpected fall or a cavity that couldn’t be saved. When that happens, it can throw off how and when their adult teeth come in. That’s why your dentist in Lawton, Oklahoma, might suggest a space maintainer. These small dental appliances are designed to open the spot until your child’s grown-up tooth is ready to move in. If your child has lost a baby tooth earlier than expected, a space maintainer might help keep their smile on the right track.

What is a space maintainer?

We know you’ve got questions. And of course, the biggest one is, what is a space maintainer? After all, when it comes to your child’s health, you want to make sure you know what you are getting into.

As we suggested earlier, a space maintainer is a small dental device that holds the space where a baby tooth used to be. It’s not anything big or scary—it’s usually made of metal or plastic and fits right along the gumline. The goal is to keep nearby teeth from shifting into that open spot, so the adult tooth has room to grow in correctly. And before long, your child will forget it’s even there.

Why Some Kids Need Space Maintainers

When we talk to the parents of our young patients, we’re often asked about other kids who have been down the same path. This begs the question—why do some kids need space maintainers and others do not?

It usually comes down to timing. If a child loses a baby tooth too early—before the adult tooth is ready to come in—a space maintainer can help hold that spot open. Without it, nearby teeth might shift into the gap, making it harder for the new tooth to come in the right way. Over time, this can lead to crowding or alignment issues that are tougher to fix later. Space maintainers help keep everything in place while nature does its thing.

Types of Space Maintainers

The type of space maintainer that your dentist in Lawton, Oklahoma, will use will depend on your child’s unique dental situation. But before we get to that, we want to share that there are two types: removable and fixed. A removal space maintainer works much like a retainer. This gives your child the opportunity to remove the device when eating and brushing their teeth.

A fixed space maintainer, on the other hand, is just as it sounds. This device is fixed in place, attached to the surrounding teeth. So, why do we use one type of space maintainer versus the other? 

It depends on your child’s age, how many teeth are involved, and how long it might take for the adult tooth to come in. Fixed maintainers are often used for younger kids who might have trouble remembering to wear a removable one. Your dentist will talk through the options and recommend what makes the most sense.

What to Expect

Getting a space maintainer is usually quick and simple. Most kids handle the placement just fine—it’s not painful, and your dental team will make sure your child is comfortable the whole time.

Once it’s in place, keeping it clean is important. Your child should brush around it gently but thoroughly to keep food and plaque from building up. With proper care and a little diligence, space maintainers do their job well—in fact, about 63% of them last their full expected lifespans.

Your dentist will also want to see your child for regular check-ins. These visits help monitor progress and make sure the space maintainer is still doing what it’s supposed to do until the adult tooth is ready to come in.

When It’s Time to Remove the Space Maintainer

Space maintainers are a temporary solution. They’re there to do an important job, but they don’t stay in forever. Most of the time, the device is removed once the adult tooth starts to come in and is ready to take its place.

Your dentist will keep an eye on things during regular checkups and decide when it’s the right time to take it out. Removal is usually quick and simple—just another step in helping your child’s smile grow the way it should.

Helping Young Smiles Stay on Track

A space maintainer might be a small device, but it can make a big difference in guiding your child toward healthy, straight teeth. If your child loses a baby tooth earlier than expected, talk to your dentist in Lawton, Oklahoma. 

Taking action now can help prevent future orthodontic problems and keep your child’s smile on the right path. Our team is here to answer your questions and help you make the best choice for your child’s dental health. Contact us today.