Helping Your Child’s Smile Grow Strong

Losing a baby tooth early can be a surprise for both you and your child. While it might seem like a minor setback, it can actually lead to complications down the road.  Whether due to injury, tooth decay, or any other reasons, if early tooth loss has occurred, Dr. Ritchie may recommend a space maintainer for your child to help their smile grow normally.

What is a Space Maintainer?

A space maintainer is a small acrylic or metal appliance that is custom-fabricated for your child’s mouth. It is inserted into the opening left by the missing tooth or teeth to hold the space open. The space maintainer is left in place to “hold the fort” until their permanent tooth starts to erupt.

The space maintainer helps keep surrounding teeth from shifting into the opening. Without that protection, your child may experience crowding, misalignment, and other issues for both baby and permanent teeth.

Has Your Child Lost a Tooth?

If your child has lost a baby tooth early, schedule an appointment with Dr. Ritchie. During the visit, we will assess your child’s needs and discuss whether a space maintainer is the right option. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact Tyler Pediatric Dentistry.