Childrens Teeth » Space Maintainers

Baby teeth aren't just for chewing. Each one also acts as a guide for the permanent tooth that replaces it. If a baby tooth is lost too early, the permanent tooth loses its guide and can drift or erupt incorrectly into the mouth. Neighboring teeth also can move or tilt into the space, so the permanent tooth can't come in.

If your child's baby tooth needs to be extraced due to trauma or decay, a space maintainer may be used to hold the space until it is time for the permanent tooth to come in.

There are several different types of space maintainers.  They are usually made from metal or plastic or a combination of the two.  The type of space maintainer used depends on the location, and number of missing teeth.