Space Maintainers

At Smile Town Dentistry in Langley, we apply space maintainers when a child loses a primary tooth too early.

Why does my child need a space maintainer?

If a primary tooth falls out to early, it may disrupt the growth path of the child's permanent teeth. This disruption could cause orthodontic problems in the long run, if not dealt with.

A space maintainer preserves a space in the mouth that is left behind when a primary tooth falls out prematurely, giving the emerging adult tooth room to grow in where it should.

What types of space maintainers are there?

There are a few different styles of space maintainers. They can be either removable or fixed, and can be made of metal, acrylic or a combination of the two.

The space maintainer we ultimately recommend for your child depends on several factors, such as his or her age and responsibility level.

How do I know if my child needs a space maintainer?

When your child pays a visit to our office for a regular cleaning and check up dental appointment, our dental team will examine his or her mouth, and determine whether or not a space maintainer is needed. We will discuss the matter and your options in detail with you during the appointment.

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