Space Maintainers for Children
in Northeast Brampton
When a baby tooth is lost too early, nearby teeth can drift into the gap. A space maintainer holds that space so the permanent tooth can come in properly. At Gardenbrooke Dental in Northeast Brampton, we create custom space maintainers that fit each child's mouth.
What Is a Space Maintainer?
A space maintainer is a small appliance that keeps the gap open after early tooth loss. It can prevent crowding and may reduce or avoid later orthodontic treatment.
Types
- Fixed: band-and-loop and lingual arch designs cemented to neighbouring teeth. They need no cooperation from the child.
- Removable: similar to a retainer, used when a child is old enough to manage it responsibly.
Benefits
- Prevents neighbouring teeth from drifting into the gap.
- Creates room for the permanent tooth to erupt normally.
- Can reduce future orthodontic needs and costs.
- Low maintenance.
The Process
- Assessment: we evaluate the gap, the developing permanent tooth and the risk of drifting.
- Type selection: based on tooth location and age.
- Fitting: a band is fitted and an impression taken for fixed types.
- Placement: the appliance is cemented or delivered and the bite checked.
- Monitoring: checked at each visit and removed when the permanent tooth begins to erupt.
Before Your Visit
- Tell us when the tooth was lost and how.
- Bring any X-rays or records.
- Prepare your child with a simple, positive explanation.
- Bring insurance or CDCP information.
After Your Treatment
- Most children adapt within a few days.
- Avoid sticky foods and hard candies.
- Brush carefully around the appliance.
- Do not let your child play with it.
- Call us if it loosens, breaks or irritates the gum.
Cost and Coverage
Band-and-loop maintainers start from $400. We can review insurance, NIHB and CDCP coverage with you.
Why Choose Gardenbrooke Dental
- Careful planning by Dr. Tanya Khattra, DDS.
- Same-day appointments available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my child really need a space maintainer after losing a baby tooth early?
Not always. It depends on your child's age, which tooth was lost and how close the permanent tooth is to erupting. If the permanent tooth is more than a year away, a maintainer is usually worth placing. The dentist takes an X-ray to assess.
Will the space maintainer bother my child?
Most children adapt to a fixed maintainer within a few days. It is small and unobtrusive. We advise on food restrictions and check comfort at follow-up.
What happens if my child doesn't get one?
Neighbouring teeth can shift significantly within weeks, and once space is lost it is difficult to recover without orthodontic treatment.
How long does the maintainer stay in?
Until the permanent tooth begins to erupt.
How much does a space maintainer cost?
Band-and-loop maintainers start from $400.
Book Your Visit in Northeast Brampton
Book your child's space maintainer assessment in Northeast Brampton.
- Phone: (905) 913-7878
- Address: 275 Gardenbrooke Trail, Brampton, ON L6P 4M6
- New patients are always welcome, and same-day appointments are available. We are open seven days a week.