Space Maintainer

Definition: A space maintainer is a custom appliance, fixed or removable, that holds open the gap left when a baby tooth is lost early so the neighboring teeth do not drift into the space before the permanent tooth comes in.

Why it matters

If teeth shift into the gap, the permanent tooth may come in crowded or out of position. Whether a maintainer is needed depends on which tooth was lost, the child’s age and how the permanent tooth is developing.