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Smiling child showing its baby teeth

Space maintainers and children's dentures

Besides the chewing function, baby teeth are above all space maintainers for the permanent teeth. If a baby tooth is lost too early – through decay or an accident – the neighbouring teeth migrate into the gap. Later there is then not enough space for the permanent tooth coming through.

The early loss of several baby teeth can also affect speech development.

To prevent this, we keep the gap open orthodontically – with a removable or fixed space maintainer, also known as a gap maintainer.

A brace your child likes to wear

The removable gap maintainer is a loose brace that is usually worn at night. It is made individually for your child in the dental laboratory – and your child is allowed to choose the colour of the plastic itself.

It can take several years until the permanent tooth grows through. We check the fit regularly and adapt the space maintainer to growth.

The most important points at a glance

  • Baby teeth are above all space maintainers for the permanent teeth.
  • If a baby tooth is lost too early, the neighbouring teeth migrate into the gap.
  • The early loss of several baby teeth can also affect speech development.
  • The removable gap maintainer is made individually in the dental laboratory – your child may choose the colour.
  • It is usually worn at night; we check the fit regularly and adapt it to growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a space maintainer at the dentist?
A space maintainer, also called a gap maintainer, keeps the gap of a baby tooth lost too early open. In this way the neighbouring teeth cannot move in and the permanent tooth later finds enough room.
What happens if a baby tooth falls out too early?
The neighbouring teeth gradually move into the gap. Later there is then not enough room for the permanent tooth coming through. Losing several baby teeth early can also affect speech development.
How long does my child have to wear the space maintainer?
Until the permanent tooth grows through – that can be a few years. During this time we check the fit regularly and adapt the space maintainer to your child's growth.
Does my child have to wear the gap maintainer all day?
The removable gap maintainer is a loose brace that is generally worn at night. How much wearing time is necessary in an individual case we will tell you when it is fitted.
May my child choose the colour of the brace?
Yes. The gap maintainer is made individually in the dental laboratory, and your child may choose the colour of the plastic itself. Experience shows that a brace chosen by the child is worn more willingly.