Space Maintainers

When a baby tooth is lost too early, the space it leaves behind doesn't always stay open on its own. A space maintainer is a small dental appliance designed to hold that spot so nearby teeth don't drift into it, giving the permanent tooth underneath room to come in where it belongs. Dr. Hayley Grandeau, who enjoys caring for patients of all ages including children, can evaluate whether a space maintainer is appropriate.

Why Space Matters

Baby teeth do more than chew — they act as placeholders. Losing one ahead of schedule, whether from decay, injury, or extraction, can let surrounding teeth shift before the adult tooth is ready to erupt. That shifting can lead to crowding or a misaligned bite later on.

Types of Space Maintainers

Fixed appliances — cemented to nearby teeth and left in place until the permanent tooth is ready to emerge.
Removable appliances — similar to a small retainer, taken out for cleaning as directed.

Fitting Your Appliance

Instead of a traditional mold, our intraoral scanner can capture a digital impression of the mouth, which helps in designing a space maintainer that fits comfortably and stays in place while the tooth beneath it develops.