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Assess the gap
We check which tooth is missing, how much space remains, and whether the adult tooth is close.
See stepsTreatments
When a baby molar comes out too soon — from decay, trauma, or extraction — a space maintainer holds the gap so the adult tooth has room to erupt straight. We fit and check them with you in the room.
In this visit
Gap assessment, x-rays when timing is unclear, then fitting a band-and-loop or similar device cemented to a neighbouring tooth.
We check which tooth is missing, how much space remains, and whether the adult tooth is close.
See stepsA custom maintainer is placed and cemented. Most children adapt within a few days.
See stepsWe check it at follow ups until the adult tooth starts through.
FAQsFor parents
Not every early loss needs an appliance. These accordions cover who does, which design we pick, day-to-day care, and links to repair or trauma when the gap came from decay or a knock.
A back baby molar lost before age ten or so, when the adult replacement is still years away.
Not every early loss needs an appliance. We x-ray and explain if nature will manage fine on its own.
Band-and-loop on one side, lingual arch when several teeth are missing, or a distally extended appliance depending on the gap.
We choose the simplest design that will stay put through chewing and brushing.
Avoid sticky lollies that pull it off. Brush around the band. Call if it feels loose or sore.
We remove it when the adult tooth is ready to come through — usually spotted at routine checks.
Early loss from decay? Read pulp treatment for prevention context. Trauma? See trauma care.
Crowding may still need an orthodontic look later — monitoring only here.
The process
How we plan, fit, and review a space maintainer.
Look at the gap, gums, and neighbouring teeth. X-ray if the adult tooth timing is unclear.
Written quote for the appliance and cementation visit.
Prepare the anchor tooth, seat the maintainer, check bite and comfort.
Return visits until the adult tooth erupts, then we remove it.
Honest answers
Comfort, cost, and what happens if the band comes loose.
Fitting is usually comfortable. Some rubbing for a few days is normal — call if it persists.
Quote before we start. CDBS may apply for eligible children.
Keep the piece and contact the clinic promptly. Delay can allow drift.
Maintainers hold space — they do not straighten all crowding. Orthodontics may still help later.
Book a gap assessment
Bring any x-rays you have. Mention if the tooth was knocked out or extracted.
Book appointmentBefore you book
Timing, food, and what happens if you skip the appliance.
Usually when a back baby molar is lost years before the adult molar is due — often under ten. We x-ray to see how far away the replacement is.
Yes, but cut sticky foods that could pull it loose.
No. We only recommend it when x-rays show the adult tooth is far away and drift would cause problems.
Neighbouring teeth may tilt into the gap. That can block the adult tooth and complicate future orthodontic care.
All treatments
Book a gap assessment. We will tell you honestly if a maintainer is worth it for that space — or if the adult tooth is close enough to skip one.
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See how far the adult tooth is.
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Simple appliance that stays put.
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Removed when the new tooth arrives.
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