Space Maintainers
Space maintainers preserve the space needed for permanent teeth when a baby tooth is lost too soon. By keeping nearby teeth from shifting, they help guide adult teeth into the correct position as they erupt.
Space Maintainers in Chester, VA
When a baby tooth is lost too early, the surrounding teeth can shift into the empty space and block the proper eruption of the permanent tooth. Space maintainers are small dental appliances designed to hold that space open, guiding adult teeth into their correct positions as your child grows. They play an important role in preventing crowding, bite issues, and alignment problems that can develop when primary teeth are lost prematurely due to decay, injury, or other causes.
At Chester Road Family Dental, we offer space maintainers as part of our commitment to protecting your child’s long-term oral health. Our team will carefully evaluate your child’s needs and recommend the most appropriate type of space maintainer to support healthy development. With attentive, family-focused care, we help ensure your child’s smile stays on track as they grow.
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How long do space maintainers last?
Space maintainers typically remain in place until the permanent tooth is ready to erupt, which can range from several months to a few years. The exact length of time depends on your child’s age and dental development. Regular dental checkups are important so the dentist can monitor progress and remove the space maintainer at the appropriate time.
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Are space maintainers painful?
Space maintainers are not painful. Most children adjust to them quickly and may only notice mild pressure or awareness at first. Any initial discomfort usually fades within a few days. Space maintainers are designed to fit comfortably in your child’s mouth and should not interfere with eating or speaking once your child becomes accustomed to wearing one.
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Do space maintainers need to be removed?
Yes, space maintainers do need to be removed once the permanent tooth begins to erupt. They are not meant to be permanent and are carefully monitored during routine dental visits. Your dentist will determine the right time for removal to ensure the adult tooth has enough space to come in properly and align correctly within the mouth.
More questions about space maintainers?
If you have additional questions about space-maintaining appliances, reach out to our office and our team will be glad to help.
