Custom Space Maintainers for Children in Scarborough
Kids Dental Care In Dentistry at Sullivan
Protecting Your Child’s Smile Today—for a Healthier Tomorrow
At Dentistry at Sullivan
When a child loses a baby tooth earlier than expected—whether due to decay, injury, or natural development—it might seem like a minor event. But did you know that missing teeth can affect the way permanent teeth grow in?
That’s where space maintainers come in—and at Dentistry at Sullivan, we’re here to guide you through every step in keeping your child’s smile healthy and properly aligned.
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What Is a Space Maintainer?
A space maintainer is a small custom-made dental device designed to hold space open for a permanent tooth after a baby tooth has been lost too early. It ensures that the surrounding teeth don’t shift into the empty space, which could lead to crowding, misalignment, or bite problems down the road.
Think of it as a placeholder—a little helper that keeps your child’s dental development on track until their adult teeth are ready to come in naturally.
Why Are Space Maintainers Important?
Children’s mouths are always changing. If a baby tooth is lost too soon and the space is not maintained, nearby teeth can drift, causing problems such as:
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Crowded or crooked teeth
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Impacted permanent teeth
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Misaligned bites (malocclusion)
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The need for more extensive orthodontic treatment later on
By using a space maintainer, we help ensure that your child’s permanent teeth erupt in the right place at the right time—saving time, money, and discomfort in the future.
Types of Space Maintainers
At Dentistry at Sullivan, we offer several types of space maintainers, based on your child’s unique needs and which tooth is missing:
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Fixed (non-removable) space maintainers – cemented into place, typically used for younger children
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Removable space maintainers – more suitable for older children who can manage wearing and cleaning the device
Each one is custom-designed for comfort, safety, and effectiveness.
A Gentle Approach with a Big Impact
Our team at Dentistry at Sullivan understands how important it is to keep kids comfortable and calm during dental visits. That’s why we take extra time to explain the process to both kids and parents in a way that’s simple, reassuring, and even fun.
We specialize in pediatric-friendly care, offering services like space maintainers to support the healthy growth of young smiles—without stress or fear.
What to Expect During Treatment
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Consultation & Evaluation
We’ll start with a gentle exam and X-rays (if needed) to assess your child’s dental development and determine if a space maintainer is appropriate. -
Custom Design
If a space maintainer is needed, we’ll take impressions of your child’s mouth to ensure the perfect fit. -
Placement
Once ready, we’ll place the space maintainer comfortably and provide easy instructions for care and follow-up. -
Regular Check-Ups
We’ll monitor the space and the growth of the permanent tooth, and when the time is right, we’ll remove the device—painlessly and quickly.
Give Your Child the Best Start
A space maintainer might be small, but its impact on your child’s future oral health is huge. If your child has lost a baby tooth early or you’ve been told a space maintainer might be needed, we’re here to help with expert care and a kind touch.
