When a Baby Tooth Falls Out Too Soon: Space Maintainers Explained
Reviewed by Dr. Paul Rubin
Reading time: three minutes.
When a baby tooth makes an early exit, it can be a little worrying. But don’t fret! A simple, custom-fit appliance called a space maintainer can hold the spot for the new tooth, preventing bigger problems down the road.
We are always accepting new patients at our offices in Frisco, McKinney and Prosper, TX
Table of Contents
Key Takeaway
A space maintainer is a simple appliance that preserves proper spacing after early tooth loss, helping permanent teeth grow in straight and healthy.
Why Losing a Baby Tooth Too Early Matters
Baby teeth help permanent teeth grow into the right position. If one falls out sooner than expected because of decay, injury, or extraction, the nearby teeth may start drifting into the empty space. This can lead to crowding, bite problems, or the need for orthodontic treatment later.
What is a Space Maintainer?
A space maintainer is a small, custom dental appliance that holds the place of a lost baby tooth. By keeping that space open, it ensures the permanent tooth has room to come in straight. Without one, teeth may shift or tilt into the gap, which can create bigger dental issues in the future.
Types of Space Maintainers
There are a few different types available, and the one used depends on which tooth was lost:
- Band and Loop: A small metal band wraps around a nearby tooth, with a thin wire loop that stretches across the gap to hold the space.
- Lower Lingual Holding Arch: A thin wire runs along the inside of the lower teeth, anchored to the back molars with bands.
- Distal Shoe: A band on a molar connects to a small metal extension that gently sits under the gums to guide the new tooth.
- Nance Appliance: Two back molars are joined by a wire with a smooth acrylic button that rests against the roof of the mouth.
| Note Fixed space maintainers like band and loop, and distal shoe are made and fitted on the same day as the tooth extraction. Bilateral space maintainers are made custom-made in a lab. An impression or a digital scan will be taken when the tooth is extracted and sent to the lab. Your child will return for a second appointment to have the space maintainer fitted. |
Situations That Call for a Space Maintainer
Not every lost baby tooth requires a space maintainer. If a permanent tooth is ready to erupt soon, or if the tooth lost is not critical for guiding alignment, your dentist may simply monitor the space. However, if a molar or other key tooth is lost too early, a space maintainer is usually recommended to prevent crowded teeth and protect healthy oral development.
Book a Dental Exam in Prosper
If your child has lost a baby tooth sooner than expected, let’s create a plan together. A simple evaluation can determine if a space maintainer is needed to protect their future smile. Contact our Prosper office today to schedule a visit with our caring team.
To book an appointment at our pediatric dental office in Prosper, TX, call (469) 228-4402, request an appointment online, or visit us at 240 S. Preston Road, Suite 10 Prosper, TX 75078.
📍Other locations
Lonestar Kid’s Dentistry in Frisco, TX
Lonestar Kid’s Dentistry in McKinney, TX
FAQs
In most cases, children begin losing baby teeth around age 6 or 7. If a tooth is lost at age 4, it is usually considered early and should be evaluated by a pediatric dentist. Sometimes it may be natural variation, but often it requires monitoring or the use of a space maintainer to protect proper alignment.
If your child loses a baby tooth earlier than expected, schedule a dental evaluation. The dentist can check whether the permanent tooth is close to erupting and determine if a space maintainer is necessary. Acting quickly helps prevent shifting, crowding, or misalignment later on.
Lonestar Kid’s Dentistry is accepting new patients at our offices in Prosper, Frisco, and McKinney, TX. For our Prosper location, call (469) 228-4402. For our Frisco location, call (214) 618-5200. For our McKinney location, call (214) 436-5555.