SpaceMaintainers.
When a baby tooth is lost too soon, a space maintainer holds the gap open so the adult tooth can erupt in the right position, reducing the risk of crowding and future orthodontic treatment.
What is a space maintainer at Nanwood Dental?
At Nanwood Dental in Brampton, a space maintainer is a small dental appliance, fixed or removable, placed in the gap left by a baby tooth that was lost earlier than expected. Its purpose is straightforward: it holds the surrounding teeth in position so they do not drift or tip into the empty space.
Baby teeth do more than help children chew and speak. They act as natural placeholders that guide incoming permanent teeth into correct alignment. When a primary tooth is lost prematurely, whether through decay, infection, or injury, neighbouring teeth can shift and narrow the space the adult tooth needs to erupt properly.
Why does early tooth loss matter for my child's smile?
Children's jaws are still developing, and teeth move quickly in response to gaps. Without treatment, a premature loss can set off a chain of alignment issues that become far more complex, and costly, to correct in the teenage years.
At Nanwood Dental in Brampton, we assess each child individually to determine whether a space maintainer is needed and, if so, which type fits their age, jaw development, and the location of the missing tooth.
What types of space maintainers does Nanwood Dental use?
Nanwood Dental fits four main types of space maintainers in Brampton, chosen based on which tooth was lost and how the surrounding teeth are developing.
Band-and-loop (fixed unilateral). A metal band is cemented to the tooth adjacent to the gap, with a loop that spans the space. This is the most common type and requires no active maintenance by the child.
Distal shoe (fixed). Used when the permanent first molar has not yet erupted. A small extension guides the incoming molar into its correct position while maintaining the space.
Lingual holding arch (fixed bilateral). Connects teeth on both sides of the lower jaw via a wire running along the tongue side, preserving space across multiple missing teeth.
Removable space maintainer. Similar in appearance to a retainer with an artificial tooth. Suitable for older children who can manage removal for cleaning, or when aesthetics are a concern in a visible area.
When does my child need a space maintainer at Nanwood Dental?
Not every early tooth loss requires a space maintainer. If the permanent tooth is already close to erupting, the space may not close significantly. Our Brampton team takes X-rays to assess how far the incoming tooth has developed and to estimate how long it will take to emerge naturally.
A space maintainer is typically recommended when a back baby tooth, particularly a first or second primary molar, is lost before the child is ready and the permanent replacement is still a year or more away. Front teeth are less often treated with a maintainer, since surrounding teeth tend not to shift as dramatically in that region.
How do I care for my child's space maintainer?
Placement is quick and comfortable. The appliance is fitted and cemented in a single appointment at Nanwood Dental, with no needles or drilling involved in most cases.
Children should avoid sticky or chewy foods, such as caramel or gummy candies, that could dislodge a fixed appliance.
Regular checkups let our Brampton team monitor the appliance and remove it as soon as the permanent tooth begins to erupt. Timing matters, since the maintainer should not obstruct the incoming tooth.
Most children adapt to the appliance within a few days and report little to no discomfort during normal use.
Office Hours
- Tue & Fri
- 10am – 7pm
- Mon, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun
- Closed
Space Maintainers Questions, Answered
Why does Nanwood Dental recommend a space maintainer after a baby tooth is lost?
Nanwood Dental recommends a space maintainer when a back baby tooth is lost too early, since nearby teeth can drift into the gap before the adult tooth is ready to erupt. Left alone, that drifting can crowd the permanent tooth out of its natural position. Our Brampton team takes X-rays to confirm how far the incoming tooth has developed before recommending a space maintainer.
How long will my child wear a space maintainer from Nanwood Dental?
Most children wear a space maintainer from Nanwood Dental until the permanent tooth is ready to erupt, often a year or more after placement. We schedule regular checkups at our Brampton office to track the timing and remove the appliance as soon as the adult tooth starts to come in, so it does not block eruption.
How do I care for my child's space maintainer at home?
Caring for a space maintainer means avoiding sticky or chewy foods, such as caramel or gummy candies, that can dislodge a fixed appliance. Brush around the appliance daily to keep the area clean. Nanwood Dental also recommends regular checkups in Brampton so we can confirm the maintainer is holding securely between visits.
Does Nanwood Dental accept insurance for space maintainers in Brampton?
Yes, Nanwood Dental direct-bills most major insurance plans for space maintainers in Brampton, including Sun Life, Manulife, Great-West Life, Blue Cross, Canada Life, Desjardins, and Green Shield. Bring your insurance details to your child's appointment and our front desk will confirm coverage before treatment begins.