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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Space Maintainers in Villa Nova
When a baby tooth is lost early, a space maintainer may hold room for the adult tooth. Villa Nova parents can learn how they work and how to care for them.
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Caring for Villa Nova patients at our Port Dover office
Every dental service for Villa NovaHolding room for adult teeth
Early tooth loss can affect where adult teeth come in.
Baby teeth hold space in the jaw for the adult teeth developing beneath them. When a baby tooth is lost early due to decay, injury or extraction, neighbouring teeth can drift into the gap, which may leave too little room for the adult tooth. A space maintainer is a small appliance that holds that space open until the permanent tooth is ready to erupt.
Villa Nova families whose child has lost a baby tooth early can ask about space maintainers at our Port Dover office. The dentist will assess whether one is needed and what type would suit your child.
When needed
Not every early tooth loss requires a space maintainer.
Factors the dentist considers
The dentist considers which tooth was lost, your child’s age, how soon the adult tooth is expected to erupt and how much space there is. Back baby teeth, particularly molars, are more likely to need a maintainer because neighbouring teeth tend to shift into those spaces.
When a maintainer may not be necessary
If the adult tooth is about to come in, or the space is unlikely to close, a maintainer may not be needed. X-rays help the dentist see how the adult tooth is developing. The dentist will explain the reasoning behind any recommendation.
Types
Different designs suit different situations.
Fixed space maintainers
Fixed maintainers are cemented to one or more teeth and usually consist of a band and a wire that spans the gap. They stay in place until removed by the dentist and are often used for young children who might lose a removable appliance.
Removable space maintainers
Removable maintainers resemble a retainer and can be taken out for cleaning. They may include a replacement tooth for appearance in some cases. They rely on your child wearing them consistently. The dentist will suggest a design based on your child’s age and needs.
Fitting
The process is usually straightforward.
Measurements and impressions
The dentist takes impressions or scans of your child’s teeth and may fit bands around supporting teeth. The appliance is then made to fit. Explain the process to your child in simple terms beforehand, and let the team know about any anxiety or sensory sensitivities.
Placing the appliance
At the fitting appointment, a fixed maintainer is cemented in place, or a removable one is checked and adjusted. Your child may feel some pressure or notice the appliance with their tongue at first, which usually becomes less noticeable within a few days.
Care and monitoring
Care at home and regular visits keep it working.
Cleaning and eating habits
Help your child brush carefully around the maintainer, as food can collect around bands and wires. Avoid sticky candies, gum and hard foods that could bend or loosen it. Discourage pushing or pulling on the appliance with fingers or the tongue.
Regular checks until removal
The dentist will check the maintainer at regular visits and monitor the adult tooth’s development. Contact the office if the appliance becomes loose, bent or uncomfortable. It is removed once the adult tooth begins to erupt into the space.
Planning your appointment
Asking about space maintainers from Villa Nova
Call our Port Dover office if your child has lost a baby tooth early. The dentist can assess whether a space maintainer is needed and explain the options.
Mention how and when the tooth was lost, and bring your child for a checkup so the space can be evaluated.
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.
Does every lost baby tooth need a maintainer?
No. It depends on which tooth, your child’s age and when the adult tooth is expected. The dentist will advise based on an exam and X-rays.
Is getting a space maintainer painful?
Usually not. Your child may feel some pressure during fitting and notice the appliance for a few days afterward.
How long will my child wear it?
Until the adult tooth begins to come in. The dentist monitors development at regular visits and removes the maintainer when appropriate.
What if the maintainer comes loose?
Call the office. Keep the appliance if it comes out. The dentist will check and recement or replace it as needed.
Can my child eat normally with a maintainer?
Most foods are fine. Avoid sticky, chewy and very hard foods that could damage or loosen the appliance.
Guidance for growing smiles
Children’s Dentistry →Early Orthodontic Assessments →
Crowding, crossbites or a narrow jaw can sometimes be spotted early. Villa Nova parents can learn what an early bite assessment looks for in Port Dover.
Children’s Dental Exams →
Regular checkups follow a child’s teeth as they grow. See what a children’s dental exam involves for Villa Nova families visiting our Port Dover practice.