When your child loses a baby tooth too early—whether from decay, injury, or extraction—the surrounding teeth can shift into the empty space. This drift can block permanent teeth from coming in properly, leading to crowding, crooked teeth, and expensive orthodontic problems later. At Dental Sedation Ottawa, we use custom space maintainers to hold that space open and keep your child's dental development on track. And with our comprehensive sedation options, even nervous children can receive this important preventive care in complete comfort.
Think of a space maintainer as a "parking spot holder" for your child's permanent tooth that's still developing under the gums. These small, custom-made appliances keep the neighboring teeth from drifting into the gap left by a lost baby tooth. Baby teeth aren't just placeholders—they guide permanent teeth into their correct positions. When a baby tooth is lost prematurely (more than a year before it would naturally fall out), the teeth on either side tend to lean or shift into that empty space within just 6-12 months.
Space maintainers prevent this drift and preserve the proper space until the permanent tooth is ready to erupt, usually saving your family thousands of dollars in future orthodontic treatment. Most children wear space maintainers for several months to a few years, depending on when the permanent tooth is expected to come in.
There are different types of space maintainers—some are cemented in place (fixed), while others can be removed for cleaning (removable). Your dentist will recommend the best type based on which tooth was lost, your child's age, and their ability to care for a removable appliance.
At Dental Sedation Ottawa, we understand that even simple dental procedures can feel overwhelming for anxious children. Whether your child needs one space maintainer or is receiving other treatments at the same time, we prioritize comfort through comprehensive sedation dentistry options.
Not every lost baby tooth requires a space maintainer. Dentists typically recommend them in specific situations where premature tooth loss threatens proper dental development.
There are different types of space maintainers—some are cemented in place (fixed), while others can be removed for cleaning (removable).
We examine your child's mouth, take X-rays to assess permanent tooth development, and discuss which type of space maintainer will work best. We also talk through sedation options based on your child's anxiety level and whether other treatments are needed during the same visit.
On treatment day, we begin by administering your chosen sedation option. Once your child is comfortable and relaxed (or peacefully asleep with general anesthesia), we ensure complete numbness if any tooth preparation is required. Throughout the procedure, our team continuously monitors your child for safety.
For fixed maintainers, the dentist first cleans and dries the anchor tooth (or teeth). If using a band-and-loop design, a stainless steel band is carefully fitted around the tooth behind the space, similar to how an orthodontic band fits. The wire loop is shaped to touch the tooth in front of the space gently, then the band is cemented permanently in place. For lingual arches, bands go on both back molars with a wire connecting them along the inside of the lower teeth.
For removable maintainers, we take impressions (molds) of your child's teeth at the first visit, and a dental laboratory fabricates the custom appliance. At the second visit, we fit and adjust it for comfort, then teach your child and you how to insert, remove, and clean it properly.
Fixed maintainer placement typically takes 20-30 minutes. If combined with extractions or other procedures under sedation, total appointment time extends accordingly. Removable maintainers require two visits—impressions at the first (15 minutes) and delivery/fitting at the second (20-30 minutes).
Your child will adapt to the space maintainer within a few days. Initially it may feel strange or cause minor speech changes, but these resolve quickly. The maintainer stays in place doing its job silently—most children forget it's there.
Brush thoroughly twice daily, paying special attention to cleaning around the bands and wires where food can trap. Floss daily using floss threaders to clean under the wire loop. Avoid very sticky foods (caramel, taffy, gummy candies) that can loosen the cement. Don't chew ice, hard candies, or non-food objects that could bend or break the appliance. Schedule regular dental checkups every 6 months to monitor the maintainer and permanent tooth development.
Remove and brush the appliance with toothpaste after meals. Store in the provided case when not wearing it (never wrap in napkins—they get thrown away!). Wear it full-time except when eating, brushing, or playing contact sports. Bring it to every dental appointment for professional cleaning and adjustment. Keep it away from pets (they love chewing on them).
Regular X-rays every 6-12 months track the permanent tooth's development. When X-rays show the permanent tooth is about to erupt (usually visible just under the gums), we remove the maintainer in a quick, painless appointment.
Call us at (613) 482-0501 if: the fixed maintainer becomes loose or falls off, wire breaks or pokes the tongue or cheek, removable maintainer cracks or doesn't fit properly, persistent pain, swelling, or sores develop, or the permanent tooth starts erupting while the maintainer is still in place.
Space maintainers typically cost $300-500 per appliance. This one-time investment often prevents $3,000-8,000 in future orthodontic treatment costs by maintaining proper tooth alignment and spacing.
Most pediatric dental insurance plans cover space maintainers at 50-80% when medically necessary to prevent crowding or misalignment. We provide direct billing to major insurance carriers and accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP).
When you consider the alternative—allowing teeth to drift and later requiring braces, extractions, or other orthodontic interventions to create space—space maintainers represent exceptional preventive value. The small upfront cost protects your child's dental development and can save your family thousands in the long run.
We also offer flexible payment options and can discuss financing through third-party providers to make care accessible. Our team reviews your insurance coverage and direct billing options during your consultation.
Our patients consistently rate us 5 stars for gentle, anxiety-free care. Read verified patient experiences on Google.
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