Space Maintainers in Lancaster, PA

Space maintainers are custom-made devices that help keep children’s teeth from shifting into open spaces while their adult teeth erupt. These appliances are perfect for kids who still have a mix of baby and adult teeth. Made from durable metal or plastic, space maintainers are often recommended when a child loses a tooth too early, before the adult tooth is ready to come in. At Lancaster Pediatric Dental Associates, our experienced dentists specialize in using space maintainers to support healthy tooth development. If your child has lost a tooth early, schedule an appointment with us in Lancaster, PA, and let us help guide their teeth into the right position.

Space maintainers are an important tool in helping your child's permanent teeth develop properly. Here are some key benefits:

• Maintain proper space for permanent teeth to erupt
• Prevent adjacent teeth from shifting out of position
• Minimize the need for future braces or orthodontic treatment
• Provide a virtually pain-free solution
• Offer both fixed and removable options for flexibility
• Support healthy jaw development
• Promote better overall oral health in growing children

Teeth rely on each other to stay in their proper positions. When kids lose a tooth and there’s an empty space, nearby teeth can shift into the gap. This can lead to issues like misalignment as the adult teeth start to come in. Space maintainers are designed to keep the space open until the permanent tooth is ready to erupt. They’re often recommended if a baby tooth is lost too early or needs to be removed due to decay. A consultation at Lancaster Pediatric Dental Associates is the best way to determine if a space maintainer is the right option for your child.

To choose the best space maintainer for your child, our pediatric dentists use 3D imaging to get a detailed view of their mouth. These 3D images also help us create impressions, which we send to our dental lab to create the appliance. Once it’s ready, our team will contact you to schedule a follow-up appointment to comfortably fit the space maintainer. Depending on your child’s needs, the spacer may be permanent or removable. For the best results, we typically secure the device to the nearby teeth using dental cement. Whether your child has one missing tooth or several, our dentists will determine whether a lingual, unilateral, or palatal spacer is the best fit.

After placing a dental space maintainer, we’ll provide an estimated timeline for how long your child may need to wear it. While these devices are important, it can be tricky for kids to properly brush and floss around them. We recommend helping your child with brushing and flossing to keep their teeth and gums healthy. In some cases, we may suggest specific dental products to make cleaning at home easier. During follow-up appointments, we’ll check your child’s dental development to ensure everything is on track. Along with these visits, continue to book regular exams and cleanings with our team to maintain good oral health.

Space maintainers are often covered by most insurance plans. Lancaster Pediatric Dental Associates can reach out to your insurance provider and let you know if there are any out-of-pocket costs not covered by your plan.

Is wearing a space maintainer uncomfortable?

When a space maintainer is first placed, your child may experience some discomfort. However, most children adjust to the device within a few days. At Lancaster Pediatric Dental Associates, we’re here to help make the process as smooth and comfortable as possible for your child. If you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out.

How long will my child have to wear a space maintainer?

A space maintainer is typically worn until the permanent tooth grows in and fills the gap. With proper care, it can last a long time. Depending on the specific tooth and when it was lost, it may take several months or years for the space to close.

What should I do if the space maintainer falls out?

If your child's space maintainer falls out in Lancaster, PA, don’t try to put it back in yourself. Instead, contact Lancaster Pediatric Dental Associates right away. Acting quickly is important to prevent their teeth from shifting into the wrong position. Be sure to store the spacer in a safe place until you can bring it to our office.

Will a space maintainer affect my child's speech?

It’s normal for your child to need some time to adjust to their new space maintainer in Lancaster, PA. While it might feel a bit unusual at first, they should quickly adapt and be able to speak normally in no time.

Do space maintainers make it difficult for permanent teeth to erupt?

No, the main purpose of the space maintainer is to ensure permanent teeth come in comfortably and correctly.

Are there any foods my child should not eat with their space maintainer?

Our experts at Lancaster Pediatric Dental Associates recommend that your child avoid sticky foods like gum, gummy bears, caramel, and similar treats. They should also stay away from hard foods such as carrots, hard candy, or ice.

At Lancaster Pediatric Dental Associates, our pediatric dentists use space maintainers to support healthy dental development. If your child loses a tooth before the adult tooth is ready to come in, a space maintainer prevents nearby teeth from shifting into the empty space. This helps ensure the new tooth grows in properly aligned. Schedule an appointment with our Lancaster, PA team to learn more about how we can help keep your child’s smile healthy and on track.