Space maintainers are custom-made orthodontic appliances designed to preserve the gap left by a prematurely lost baby tooth. These devices work by “holding the place” for the permanent tooth that will eventually erupt, preventing adjacent teeth from drifting into the empty space and creating alignment problems.
These simple yet effective devices serve as placeholders, mimicking the natural spacing function of the lost primary tooth. Without space maintenance, the surrounding teeth may shift, leading to crowding, misalignment, and potentially more complex orthodontic issues as your child develops.
Space maintainers are typically made of metal, acrylic, or a combination of materials, and are customized to fit comfortably in your child’s mouth. Depending on the location of the missing tooth and your child’s specific needs, Dr. McCullum will recommend the most appropriate type of space maintainer.
Space maintainers “hold the place” for a permanent tooth after a baby tooth is lost too early — preventing adjacent teeth from shifting and causing misalignment.
Without space maintenance, teeth can drift, leading to crowding, crooked eruptions, or more complex orthodontic issues down the line.
Made from metal, acrylic, or both, each space maintainer is customized for comfort and function based on your child’s specific dental needs.
Not every prematurely lost baby tooth requires a space maintainer. At McCullum Orthodontics, Dr. Heather McCullum carefully evaluates each child’s unique situation to determine whether space maintenance is the right approach.
She considers several key factors, including:
Which tooth was lost
The child’s age and growth stage
Development of the permanent tooth underneath
Current space in the dental arch
Presence of crowding or other orthodontic concerns
Space maintainers are most often recommended when:
Molars or canines are lost too early
The permanent tooth is not close to eruption
There’s existing crowding or limited space
Multiple baby teeth are missing
Developmental conditions may delay eruption
During your child’s evaluation, Dr. McCullum takes a comprehensive view — addressing both the immediate spacing issue and your child’s overall dental growth and future orthodontic needs.
We commonly collaborate with other healthcare professionals to offer specialized care for complex dental cases and are committed to providing the best for your patients.
Dr. McCullum begins with a thorough exam, including X-rays if needed, to determine if a space maintainer is necessary. At McCullum Orthodontics, we’re impression-free. We use comfortable digital scans instead of old-fashioned messy impressions to create your custom appliances.
For fixed maintainers, anchor teeth are prepared, bands or crowns fitted, and the appliance cemented securely. Removable maintainers are fitted and patients receive instructions on wear and care.
Regular check-ups ensure the appliance remains secure and comfortable, monitor permanent teeth development, make adjustments if needed, and decide when removal is appropriate.
Dr. McCullum has advanced training in orthodontics and specializes in pediatric care, providing precise, timely interventions tailored to your child’s growth. Our welcoming, child-friendly environment ensures a positive experience for both kids and parents.
McCullum Orthodontics is conveniently located in Jeffersonville, Indiana, serving patients throughout southern Indiana and the greater Louisville area.
ABOUT
Dr. Heather McCullum brings advanced orthodontic care to Jeffersonville and southern Indiana. With over a decade of experience, she offers personalized, comprehensive orthodontic services, including braces, clear aligners, and early orthodontic treatment. At McCullum Orthodontics, your treatment is customized for your needs and lifestyle. Dr. McCullum combines cutting-edge technology with personalized, compassionate care to help patients of all ages achieve healthy, beautiful smiles in a welcoming environment.
Schedule your free consultation today and discover the difference personalized orthodontic care can make.
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