What Is a Space Maintainer?

A space maintainer is a custom dental appliance that holds open the gap left by a missing baby tooth. Its job? To make sure there’s enough room for the permanent tooth to come in properly.

Think of it like a placeholder — without it, neighboring teeth can drift into the empty space, causing crowding or alignment issues down the road.

Why Would a Child Need One?

There are several reasons a child might lose a tooth earlier than expected:

• Tooth decay or infection

• Trauma or injury

• Certain medical conditions

When a baby tooth is lost too soon, the adult tooth underneath may not be ready to erupt. That’s where a space maintainer steps in — keeping everything aligned and preventing future orthodontic complications.

How Are Space Maintainers Placed?

At Molar Opposites in Sedona, your child’s pediatric dentist will:

1. Evaluate the space using X-rays and an exam

2. Take impressions to create a custom-fit maintainer

3. Place the device painlessly during a quick visit

There are both fixed and removable types — your dentist will recommend the best option based on your child’s needs and age.

Caring for a Space Maintainer

Proper care helps ensure it does its job effectively:

• Avoid sticky or chewy foods that could dislodge it

• Brush and floss carefully to keep the area clean

• Attend regular dental checkups to monitor progress

Most kids adapt quickly — and the maintainer usually stays in place only until the adult tooth starts coming in naturally.

Why It Matters

Early tooth loss might seem like “no big deal,” but it can have a long-term impact on your child’s smile. A simple space maintainer today can help prevent complex (and costly) orthodontic treatment later.

At Molar Opposites Sedona, we specialize in gentle, preventive kids dentistry in Sedona, AZ, and we’re always here to answer your questions about your child’s dental health.

Need a consultation or have questions about space maintainers?Visit sedonamolarkids.com to book an appointment with your trusted pediatric dentist in Sedona, AZ today!