Space Maintainers in Pleasanton, TX Space maintainers are small, metal appliances that are designed to fit over teeth and gaps in a patient’s smile to hold space open.

When kids lose one or more teeth too early, they may need a space maintainer, and we recommend visiting our office to receive a professional opinion. Contact our office today!

smiling girl wearing a space maintainer

When are space maintainers used?

Space maintainers are used when a baby tooth is dislodged too early and the adult tooth underneath is not ready to grow in yet. Space maintainers help hold the space open by preventing nearby teeth from shifting into the gap and blocking the adult tooth from growing in properly. These simple oral appliances can make a huge difference in a child’s orthodontic treatment plan and can prevent a lot of pain down the road, so it’s worth it to schedule a visit for your child to see if they need a space maintainer.

pediatric dentist in pleasanton
little boy covering his mouth

Are space maintainers painful?

Space maintainers typically take some time to get used to, but they should not be painful. If a child was in an accident that caused them to lose one or more baby teeth prematurely, their teeth and gums may be extra sensitive for a while as they heal. If your child complains of pain after a few days of wearing their space maintainer, please let us know, as we may want to take a look and make adjustments if necessary. Kids with space maintainers should also visit our office routinely so we can ensure that decay isn’t developing around it and take it off when the adult tooth begins growing in.

dentist inserting a space maintainer onto a boy's teeth

Are space maintainers expensive?

At Pleasanton Children’s Dentistry & Braces, we understand that any unexpected dental costs can be stressful for families. However, space maintainers tend to be far less costly than the orthodontic treatments required to treat crowding. Our practice accepts cash, debit and credit cards, dental insurance, FSAs and HSAs, and Medicaid. If you have any financial questions or concerns regarding your child’s space maintainer, please let our team know, and we will be happy to help you find a budget-friendly financing option.

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