Space Maintainers in Eastchester, NY
We Help Guide Healthy Smiles as They Grow
What Are Space Maintainers?
When a baby tooth is lost too early—whether due to decay, injury, or necessary extraction—it can create problems for your child’s future smile. Without that baby tooth in place, neighboring teeth may shift into the open space, preventing the permanent tooth underneath from growing in correctly. This can lead to misalignment, crowding, or orthodontic issues later on.
Space maintainers are small, custom-made dental appliances used to hold the empty space open until the permanent tooth is ready to come in. At Once Upon a Tooth, we specialize in designing kid-friendly space maintainers that are comfortable, effective, and easy to maintain.
Why Would My Child Need a Space Maintainer?
Baby teeth do more than just help your child chew and smile—they also act as natural guides for adult teeth. When a baby tooth is lost before its time, a space maintainer protects your child’s developing mouth from long-term complications.
Dr. Lis may recommend a space maintainer if your child:
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Loses a baby tooth prematurely
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Has a tooth extracted due to decay or injury
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Is at risk of teeth shifting into empty spaces
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Needs help preserving space for healthy alignment
By keeping space open, we support proper growth and reduce the need for future orthodontic treatment.
Types of Pediatric Space Maintainers
There are different types of space maintainers based on your child’s age, needs, and the location of the missing tooth.
At Once Upon a Tooth, we offer:
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Fixed Space Maintainers: These are cemented to adjacent teeth and stay in place until the permanent tooth is ready to erupt.
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Removable Space Maintainers: Similar to retainers, these can be taken out for cleaning but are typically recommended for older, more responsible children.
Dr. Lis will recommend the most appropriate option and guide you and your child through how to care for it at home.
What Happens If You Don’t Use a Space Maintainer?
Without a space maintainer, nearby teeth can shift into the empty space. This can block permanent teeth from erupting properly or lead to crowding and bite problems that may require braces or other orthodontic treatment later on.
By placing a space maintainer early, we can help prevent costly and complicated issues—and keep your child’s smile on track as they grow.
Caring for a Space Maintainer
Space maintainers are low-maintenance but still require a little extra care:
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Avoid sticky, hard, or chewy foods
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Keep up with brushing and flossing
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Visit us for regular check-ups to monitor the space and adjust the appliance if needed
Our team will teach you and your child exactly how to care for their appliance so it stays clean and functional.
At Once Upon a Tooth, we believe in proactive, preventive dental care that helps your child grow up with a healthy, confident smile. Space maintainers are just one of the many tools we use to support proper oral development.
Dr. Lis brings years of pediatric dental expertise—and a mom’s perspective—to help your child feel safe, understood, and empowered at every stage of care.