Protecting Space for Permanent Teeth
When a baby tooth is lost too early – whether from decay, injury, or extraction – the teeth next to the gap can drift into the empty space. This can block the permanent tooth from coming through properly, leading to crowding and the need for more extensive orthodontic treatment later. Space maintainers prevent these problems.
Why Space Maintenance Matters
Baby teeth do more than chew food – they guide permanent teeth into position. When a baby molar is lost early:
- Adjacent teeth drift into the gap within weeks
- The permanent tooth underneath may become blocked
- Teeth can come through crooked or in wrong positions
- Crowding develops requiring braces later
- The bite can become misaligned
A simple space maintainer prevents all these complications.
Pricing
| Appliance Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Space Maintainer | 200 EUR |
Types of Space Maintainers
Band and Loop
The most common type for single tooth loss. A metal band fits around an adjacent tooth, with a loop extending into the gap to hold the space. Fixed in place and requires no effort from your child.
Lingual Holding Arch
Used when multiple baby teeth are lost on both sides. A wire runs along the inside of the lower teeth, attached to bands on the back molars. Maintains space for several teeth at once.
Distal Shoe
A specialised maintainer used when a baby molar is lost before the permanent molar behind it has come through. It guides the permanent tooth into correct position.
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The Fitting Process
We take impressions of your childs teeth and have the maintainer custom-made. At the fitting appointment, we cement it in place and check the fit. The whole process is painless and quick.
Caring for Space Maintainers
- Brush carefully around the appliance
- Avoid sticky sweets that could dislodge it
- Do not push or play with the maintainer
- Attend regular check-ups to monitor the permanent tooth
- Contact us if the maintainer feels loose or breaks
When to Remove
We monitor your childs development at each check-up. When the permanent tooth is ready to come through, we simply remove the maintainer. This allows the new tooth to erupt into its preserved space.