Space Maintainers for Children in Aurora

What it is

Baby teeth do more than help children chew. Each one saves a spot in the jaw for the adult tooth growing underneath. Most baby teeth fall out on their own when the adult tooth is ready. Sometimes a baby tooth is lost far earlier, because of a deep cavity, an infection or a fall. When that happens, the neighbouring teeth can tip or slide into the empty space. The adult tooth may then come in crooked, get blocked, or not have room at all.

A space maintainer keeps the gap open. The most common kind is fixed: a metal band or crown goes around a back tooth beside the gap, with a small wire loop that rests against the tooth on the other side. When several back teeth are missing, a wire running behind the lower or upper teeth can hold space on both sides at once. Removable space maintainers look a little like a retainer and can include a false tooth, which may help when a front tooth is lost.

Not every early gap needs one. Your dentist looks at which tooth was lost, how long ago, how far the adult tooth has developed on the X-ray, and whether your child can care for an appliance. If the adult tooth is close to coming in, waiting may make more sense. Children's care here is provided by our general dentists. If a case would be better handled by a paediatric dental office, we'll explain the referral.

Once it is in, a space maintainer needs a little attention. It should be checked at each visit to make sure it has not loosened, and it is removed once the adult tooth starts to come through.

Is it right for me?

• Your child lost a back baby tooth early because of decay or an infection.
• A baby tooth had to be removed and the adult tooth is still some way off.
• You notice teeth tipping toward a gap left by a lost baby tooth.
• A front baby tooth was knocked out and you are wondering about the gap.
• Your child had a space maintainer before and it feels loose or has come off.

Step by step

1. Check the gapYour dentist looks at the gap and takes an X-ray to see where the adult tooth is and how far it has grown.
2. Explain the choicesWe tell you whether a space maintainer is needed now, which type suits the gap, and how long it is likely to stay in.
3. Records for a custom fitA small band may be tried on a nearby tooth, and an impression or scan records the space.
4. PlacementA fixed maintainer is cemented to the band tooth, and we check that it does not press on the gum. A removable one is fitted and your child practises taking it in and out.
5. Checks and removalAt regular visits we check the appliance. When the adult tooth starts to arrive, the maintainer comes off.

How it compares

General information. Your dentist will explain what applies to you.

Benefits and risks

Cost and coverage

The fee for a space maintainer depends on its type, the number of gaps and the X-rays and visits needed, with the Ontario Dental Association fee guide as our reference. Many family insurance plans include space maintainers for children, and we bill all plans directly. If your child is covered by the Canadian Dental Care Plan or IFHP, we check what the program includes for your child before we start, since some services need approval first. Ask about our in-house dental plan, too. You'll get a written estimate before the appliance is made.

What shapes your estimate

• The type of maintainer and how many gaps it holds
• X-rays needed to see the adult tooth
• Whether a cavity or infection needs treating first
• Re-cementing or replacing if it loosens or is lost
• Your plan's coverage for children's appliances

Read more about insurance and payment, the Canadian Dental Care Plan and IFHP coverage.

After your visit

• Avoid sticky candy, gum and hard foods that can loosen or bend the wire.
• Brush carefully around the band and wire twice a day.
• Ask your child not to push on the wire with their tongue or fingers.
• Call us if the appliance feels loose, comes off or rubs the gum.

Questions