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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Space Maintainers in Wilsonville
When a baby tooth is lost early, a space maintainer can hold room for the adult tooth. Wilsonville parents can learn how they work and how to care for one in Port Dover.
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Caring for Wilsonville patients at our Port Dover office
See every dental service for WilsonvilleSaving room for adult teeth
An early gap can be held open until the adult tooth arrives.
Baby teeth hold space for the adult teeth developing beneath them. When a baby tooth is lost early because of decay, injury or extraction, neighbouring teeth can drift into the gap and block the adult tooth’s path. A space maintainer is a small appliance that keeps the space open until the permanent tooth is ready to come in.
Families from Wilsonville whose child has lost a baby tooth early can ask our Port Dover team whether a space maintainer is needed. The dentist will consider which tooth was lost, your child’s age and the position of the developing adult tooth before recommending one.
When needed
Not every early tooth loss needs a maintainer.
Which gaps need holding
Space maintainers are most often considered when a baby molar is lost early, especially if the adult tooth is not expected to appear for some time. Losing back teeth early can lead to significant shifting. X-rays help the dentist see how far the adult tooth has developed.
When monitoring is enough
If the adult tooth is close to erupting, or if the lost tooth is a front baby tooth, monitoring may be enough. The dentist will explain why a maintainer is or is not recommended and what to watch for at home.
Types
Different designs suit different situations.
Fixed maintainers
Fixed space maintainers are cemented to a neighbouring tooth and use a wire loop to hold the space. Children cannot remove them, which means they do not get lost. They are common for back teeth. Some designs span both sides of the mouth when several teeth are missing.
Removable maintainers
Removable space maintainers look similar to a retainer and can be taken out for cleaning. They may include an artificial tooth for appearance. They rely on the child wearing them consistently. The dentist will recommend the design that suits your child.
Fitting
The process is usually quick and comfortable.
Measuring and making it
The dentist may fit a band around the supporting tooth and take an impression or scan. The maintainer is then made to fit. Freezing is usually not needed for this step. Explain to your child that the dentist is measuring for a special helper to save space for a new tooth.
Fitting the appliance
At the fitting appointment, the maintainer is checked and cemented in place, or a removable appliance is adjusted. Your child may feel it with their tongue for a few days. The team will explain how to care for it and what foods to avoid.
Care
Good care helps the maintainer do its job.
Daily cleaning and foods to avoid
Help your child brush around the maintainer and supporting tooth carefully. Avoid sticky candies, gum and very hard foods that can loosen or bend it. Discourage pushing or pulling on the wire with fingers or the tongue. Contact the office if it becomes loose or damaged.
Checkups and removal
Regular checkups allow the dentist to check the maintainer and monitor the adult tooth’s progress. When the permanent tooth begins to come in, the maintainer is removed. The dentist will tell you when this is expected.
Planning your appointment
Space maintainer care for Wilsonville families.
Call our Port Dover office if your child has lost a baby tooth early. The dentist will assess whether a space maintainer is needed and explain the fitting process.
Bring details of how the tooth was lost and any previous X-rays, and let the team know about habits like thumb sucking.
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.
Is a space maintainer uncomfortable?
Most children adjust within a few days. The appliance may feel strange at first. Contact the office if it causes pain or irritation.
How long will my child wear it?
Until the adult tooth starts to come in, which may be months or years depending on the tooth. The dentist monitors progress at checkups.
What if it comes loose?
Call the office. A loose maintainer should be re-cemented or replaced to keep the space open. Keep it if it falls out completely.
Can my child eat normally?
Most foods are fine. Avoid sticky candies, gum and hard foods that could damage or dislodge the appliance.
Is it necessary if the tooth will grow in anyway?
If the adult tooth is far from erupting, nearby teeth may shift and block it. A maintainer helps prevent this. The dentist will advise based on X-rays.
Bite development and checkups
Children’s Dentistry →Early Orthodontic Assessments →
Some bite and spacing issues are easier to guide while a child is still growing. Wilsonville parents can book an early orthodontic assessment in Port Dover.
Children’s Dental Exams →
Regular checkups follow how a child’s teeth, bite and habits change with age. Wilsonville parents can book children’s exams at our family office in Port Dover.