Baby teeth play an important role in a child’s oral health.  Although they eventually become replaced by permanent(Adult) teeth, they act as a place holder and guide the permanent teeth into place.  If a child loses their baby teeth too early, it is important to have a space maintainer hold the gap in place until the permanent tooth is ready to erupt.

There are several reasons why a child may lose their baby teeth too early (see extraction page). With out baby teeth, surrounding teeth may move, shift and tilt. This crowding can make it difficult for the adult tooth to grow in properly. Which may cause a serious case for orthodontics(braces), the space maintainers hold open the place left by a missing tooth, leaving plenty of room for the adult tooth to grow into place.

Our office has a few options for space maintainers, which will be addressed to you if/when necessary.