Protect Their
Future Smile Today
Don't let early baby tooth loss cause crowding later. We keep the path open for permanent teeth with space maintainers and support your child's jaw development.
- Prevents Crowding
- Economic Pre-treatment
- Custom Design
What is a Space Maintainer?
A space maintainer is an orthodontic appliance that preserves the space left by an early-lost baby tooth to keep space open for the permanent tooth to emerge properly. When a baby tooth is lost prematurely, neighboring teeth shift toward this space and the space for the permanent tooth narrows.
With over 15 years of experience, we successfully perform space maintainer applications. A simple measure like a space maintainer can prevent complex and costly orthodontic treatments in the future.
Space maintainer is one of the most valuable preventive tools in pediatric dentistry.
Stops Space Loss
Prevents neighboring teeth from tipping into the gap, preserving the eruption area for the permanent tooth.
Orthodontic Protection
Reduces or facilitates the need for braces by preventing severe crowding that may occur in the future.
Functional Balance
Ensures a balanced distribution of forces generated during chewing to other teeth.
Impaction Prevention
Eliminates the risk of trapped teeth that cannot emerge because the space is closed.
Precise Planning and Application
At Altes Clinic, we determine the need for space maintainers with digital panoramic X-rays. We decide on the most suitable appliance type by looking at the position of the permanent tooth in the bone and when it will emerge.
Simple and Effective Steps
Radiological Analysis
Root development and eruption time of the permanent tooth are evaluated by our specialist with panoramic film.
Oral Impression
Precise impression is taken for the appliance that will fit your child's jaw structure perfectly.
Appliance Placement
The prepared space maintainer (fixed or removable) is applied to the mouth and checked for fit.
Periodic Follow-up
The process and appliance health are monitored with 6-month check-ups until the permanent tooth appears.
Altes Clinic Space Maintainer Types
Band-Loop (Fixed)
A very comfortable and reliable fixed appliance used in single tooth gaps.
Lingual Arch
A system that holds space from the tongue-facing side, used for multiple tooth loss in the lower jaw.
Removable Packs
Appliances similar to toothed retainers that also help with chewing when multiple teeth are missing.
Distal Shoe
Special design that guides the yet-to-emerge permanent molar when the last baby molar is lost.
Nance Appliance
Prevents front teeth from protruding or back teeth from shifting by taking support from the palate in the upper jaw.
Curiosities About Space Maintainers
Most frequently asked questions after early tooth loss:
My child's baby tooth fell out early, is a space maintainer necessary?
If there are more than 6 months until the permanent tooth emerges, it is usually necessary to prevent space loss.
Will there be pain after the space maintainer is placed?
No, space maintainers do not move teeth, they only preserve existing space; therefore they don't cause pain.
Is fixed or removable better?
Fixed ones because there is no risk of loss in small children; removable ones may be preferred in older and cooperative children.
When is the space maintainer removed?
The task of the space maintainer ends and it is removed the moment we see the tip of the coming permanent tooth in the mouth.
What problems occur if it's not fitted?
Space can close completely, challenging orthodontic treatments requiring tooth extraction or lasting 2-3 years may be needed.
Intervene Before Problems Arise
Stopping orthodontic disorders before they even start is your best investment in childhood.
Space Maintainer Practices
Was your child's baby tooth extracted early due to decay or trauma?
Consult Our Specialist for Space Analysis: +90 533 474 43 94Frequently Asked Questions
Usually no, but sticky foods (gum, caramel) should be avoided as they can displace the appliance.
Our clinic should be contacted immediately; space loss can start very quickly.
Fixed ones are always in the mouth anyway; removable ones should usually be worn at night as well, according to your doctor's recommendation.
Fixed ones are brushed with the teeth, while removable ones are cleaned with a special brush and soap.
No, but if plaques accumulating around the appliance are not brushed well, gum problems can occur; good hygiene is essential.
Book a Space Analysis Appointment
Let our specialist dentists evaluate the risk of space loss in your child's teeth.
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