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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Space Maintainers in Selkirk
When a baby tooth is lost early, a space maintainer may hold room for the adult tooth. Selkirk parents can ask whether one is needed at our Port Dover office.
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See every service for Selkirk patientsSaving room for adult teeth
An early gap can affect how adult teeth come in.
Baby teeth hold space for the adult teeth developing beneath them. If a baby molar is lost early because of decay or injury, neighbouring teeth can drift into the gap, sometimes leaving too little room for the permanent tooth. A space maintainer is a small appliance that holds the space open until the adult tooth is ready to erupt.
If your child in Selkirk has lost a baby tooth earlier than expected, or needs one removed, ask our Port Dover dentist whether a space maintainer is advisable. The decision depends on which tooth is involved, your child’s age and how soon the adult tooth is expected to appear.
When it is needed
Not every early gap needs a maintainer.
Situations where space may be lost
Space loss is most common when baby molars are lost early, especially the second baby molars, because the first permanent molars tend to drift forward. If the adult tooth is not expected for a long time, the risk of crowding increases. The dentist will look at X-rays to see where the adult tooth is and how far it has developed.
When a maintainer may not be required
If the adult tooth is close to erupting, or the lost tooth is a front baby tooth in certain situations, a maintainer may not be necessary. Some gaps remain stable on their own. The dentist will explain whether monitoring alone is reasonable or whether a maintainer is recommended to reduce the chance of crowding later.
Types of maintainers
The design depends on the space and the child.
Fixed maintainers
Fixed space maintainers are cemented in place, often using a band around a neighbouring tooth with a wire extending across the gap. Because children cannot remove them, they work continuously and are less likely to be lost. They need careful cleaning around the band and wire, and the dentist will check them at regular visits.
Removable maintainers
Removable maintainers resemble a retainer and can be taken out for cleaning. They may also include a replacement tooth for appearance in some cases. They rely on the child wearing them consistently and keeping them safe. The dentist will recommend a type based on the location of the gap, the child’s age and cooperation.
Fitting the appliance
Fitting is usually quick and comfortable.
Impressions or scans
The dentist takes impressions or scans of the area and may fit bands to the anchoring teeth. The maintainer is then made to fit your child’s mouth. Explain the process to your child in simple terms beforehand. Numbing is not usually needed. The appointment is often short, which suits young children well.
Placement and adjustment
At the fitting appointment, the maintainer is cemented or tried in. The dentist checks the fit and bite and shows you and your child how to care for it. Your child may feel the appliance with their tongue for a few days. Mild soreness can occur but should settle. Call the office if anything seems loose or uncomfortable.
Care and follow-up
Regular checks make sure it is still needed.
Daily care at home
Help your child brush carefully around the maintainer and the teeth it is attached to. Avoid sticky candies, gum and hard foods that could loosen or bend it. Discourage your child from pushing on it with their tongue or fingers. For removable maintainers, keep them in a case when not worn and clean them daily.
Monitoring and removal
The dentist will check the maintainer at regular visits and take X-rays to monitor the developing adult tooth. Once the adult tooth begins to erupt, the maintainer is removed. Contact the office promptly if the appliance becomes loose, breaks or is lost, as space can close again quickly without it.
Planning your appointment
Asking about space maintainers from Selkirk.
If your child has lost a baby tooth early or needs one removed, contact our Port Dover office to discuss whether a space maintainer may be recommended.
Bring any recent X-rays of your child’s teeth and let the team know how the tooth was lost, whether by injury, decay or extraction.
Port Dover Family Dentistry
697 Norfolk County Hwy 6, Unit 2, Port Dover, ON N0A 1N2519-583-2929Directions to our office (opens in a new tab)Office hours & contact detailsBefore you book
Space maintainer questions
Have a question about your situation? Our team can help you plan a visit.
Why does my child need a space maintainer?
When a baby tooth is lost early, neighbouring teeth can drift into the space, leaving less room for the adult tooth. A space maintainer holds the gap open until the permanent tooth is ready to come in, reducing the chance of crowding.
Does a space maintainer hurt?
Fitting is usually painless and does not require numbing. Some children feel mild pressure or soreness for a few days. Your child may notice it with their tongue at first. Contact the office if discomfort persists or the appliance feels loose.
How long will my child wear it?
It stays in place until the adult tooth begins to erupt, which may be months or a few years depending on the tooth. The dentist monitors progress with X-rays and removes the maintainer at the appropriate time.
What if the space maintainer comes loose?
Contact the office promptly. Keep the appliance if it comes out completely. Avoid having your child chew on that side. Without the maintainer, space can close relatively quickly, so timely repair or replacement is important.
Can my child eat normally with a maintainer?
Most foods are fine, but sticky candies, gum and very hard foods should be avoided, as they can loosen or bend the appliance. Encourage your child to chew carefully and brush around the maintainer after meals.
Related development care
Children’s Dentistry →Early Orthodontic Assessments →
Some bite and spacing concerns are easier to address while a child is growing. Selkirk parents can book an early orthodontic assessment in Port Dover.
Children’s Dental Exams →
Regular dental exams track how a child’s teeth, bite and habits develop. Selkirk families can book children’s checkups with our Port Dover dental team.