Space Maintainers
Keeping growing smiles aligned and healthy.
When a baby tooth is lost too early, nearby teeth can shift out of place - which can make it harder for adult teeth to come in properly. A custom-made space maintainer gently holds that space open, guiding the new tooth into the right spot. It’s a simple way to protect your child’s natural smile and support healthy growth.
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Serena Yu, Lead Paediatric Dentist at Starlight Dental. A.B. Brown University (USA), DMD Tufts University (USA), Paediatric Dentistry NYU Langone (USA)
Why It’s Important
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Guides Healthy Growth
Keeps the right space open after a baby tooth is lost, helping new teeth come in straight and supporting balanced, natural development.
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Prevents Crowding Early
Stops nearby teeth from drifting into empty spaces, reducing the risk of misalignment and the need for orthodontic treatment later on.
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Gentle & Comfortable Fit
Each space maintainer is custom-made for your child’s smile - lightweight, easy to wear, and designed for everyday comfort.
What happens if a baby tooth is lost too early
Baby teeth act as placeholders. When one is lost early, from decay or injury, nearby teeth can drift into the gap within weeks, closing the space the adult tooth needs. That crowding can mean the incoming tooth erupts sideways, gets stuck, or needs orthodontic correction down the line, all of which a simple space maintainer can help prevent.
Does your child need a space maintainer
Fixed space maintainers (cemented to neighbouring teeth) suit most cases. Removable ones are an option for older, more cooperative children who can be trusted to wear them consistently. Not every early loss needs one, it depends on which tooth, your child’s age, and how close the adult tooth is to erupting, so we’ll recommend the right approach at the check-up rather than assuming.
Fitting and living with a space maintainer
Fitting takes a single short visit with no anaesthetic needed for most cases. Kids adjust within a day or two and can eat and brush normally, we’ll show you exactly how to clean around it so it’s one less thing to worry about.
FAQs
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Only if a baby tooth is lost well before the adult tooth is ready to come through, we’ll confirm at a check-up.
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Until the permanent tooth is ready to come through, monitored at regular check-ups.
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Occasionally with hard or sticky foods, just bring your child back in if it does, rather than leaving the space unprotected.