A Parent’s Guide: How Long Does a Space Maintainer Need to Stay In?

If your child lost a baby tooth too early, don’t be alarmed. Their pediatric dentist can place a space maintainer to keep their other teeth in place until the permanent one is ready to erupt. This is good news, but like any parent, you may wonder how long it will need to stay in place. Ultimately, it depends on your child’s smile, but keep reading if you want a more detailed explanation of what you can expect.

How Does a Space Maintainer Work?

When your child is young, it can take years for their baby teeth to fall out. Some may do it right on time, while others may take an early leave. When this happens, their pediatric dentist can place a space maintainer. This small, metal appliance fits over the adjacent tooth and prevents other teeth from shifting into the empty area. Otherwise, your child might face alignment issues, or their permanent tooth may have trouble erupting.

How Long Will Your Child Need to Wear a Space Maintainer?

Space maintainers can be fixed or removable, so how long your child needs to wear one depends on their case. Generally, once their permanent tooth starts to erupt, the device can come out, but this can take months or years, depending on the tooth.

Your child’s pediatric dentist will closely monitor their progress at each dental checkup and cleaning and provide you with an update. Keeping the space maintainer in place is important, especially if you want to avoid paying for additional treatment down the road (orthodontics).

How Do You Care for a Space Maintainer?

Your child may need to wear their space maintainer for a while, so it’s important to know how to care for it:

• Make sure your child brushes their teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. They also need to floss once a day to remove any bacteria and food particles.
• Don’t let them eat hard or sticky foods. These can dislodge the space maintainer and require a visit to the dentist for reattachment.
• Watch out for signs that it might be loose or is causing discomfort.

Don’t underestimate the power of a space maintainer. They may be small, but they accomplish big things in your child’s smile. By working with their pediatric dentist to keep it clean and firmly in place, your little one will enjoy a healthier smile in the future.

About the Author

Dr. Allen Pearson has over 20 years of experience as a board-certified pediatric dentist and opened his dental practice in 2003. He earned his dental degree from the Creighton University School of Dentistry and later obtained his pediatric dental specialty certificate at the University of Rochester Medical Center and Eastman Dental College. Working with young patients to create healthy smiles, he invites you to visit our website or call (972) 429–7070 to schedule an appointment if your child has lost a baby tooth.