Space Maintainers - City Clinic Marbella

Dentistry▸Orthodontics

Space Maintainers

Space maintainers are custom dental devices designed to preserve the gap created when a primary (baby) tooth is lost prematurely. They ensure the adjacent teeth do not drift into the space, allowing the corresponding permanent tooth to erupt properly.

Doctors & Specialists:

Dr.Marino Martín Luque

When a child loses a baby tooth earlier than expected, the surrounding teeth may tilt, shift or move into the void. This reduces the space needed for the erupting adult tooth and can lead to misalignment or crowding later on. Space maintainers prevent these issues by holding the space until the permanent tooth emerges. At City Clinic, we use fixed or removable appliances tailored to the child’s mouth and developmental stage, thereby safeguarding future orthodontic needs and facilitating proper eruption of permanent teeth.

Indications

Early loss of a baby tooth

Preventing space loss before permanent tooth eruption

Guiding proper alignment of adult teeth

Avoiding crowding or shifting of nearby teeth

Maintaining arch shape during growth

Causes

Tooth decay causing early extraction

Accidental trauma or tooth fracture

Natural early exfoliation of baby teeth

Teeth shifting after untreated loss

Treatment Details

Procedure Steps

1

Assessment & Impressions: Dentist examines spacing and takes impressions or digital scans.

2

Appliance Fabrication: Custom space maintainer is made (fixed or removable).

3

Fitting & Follow-Up: Appliance is placed, hygiene instructions given, and regular check-ups scheduled.

Duration:

The fitting appointment typically takes about 20–30 minutes

Number of Sessions:

Usually one initial fitting plus periodic check‑ups until permanent tooth eruption

Recovery / Downtime:

None significant — the child resumes normal activities immediately

Pain Level:

None — the procedure is non‑invasive and comfortable

Pre-Treatment:

Maintain good oral hygiene in the child’s mouth
Discuss with your dentist when the baby tooth was lost and eruption timeline of permanent tooth
Avoid sticky or hard foods until appliance is fitted

Post-Treatment:

Instruct the child to brush and floss around the appliance carefully
Avoid chewing very sticky or hard items that could dislodge the appliance
Attend follow‑up visits to ensure appliance remains secure and the permanent tooth is erupting in correct position
Report to the dentist if appliance feels loose, causes discomfort or the eruption path seems altered

Results

Expected Outcome

Short‑term: The space maintainer preserves the gap and prevents neighbouring teeth from drifting.
Long‑term: It supports proper eruption of the permanent tooth, reduces risk of orthodontic intervention and helps maintain arch length and alignment.

How Long
Results Last? 

The device remains in place until the permanent tooth begins to erupt in the maintained space — often several months to a few years depending on the child’s development.

Risks & Considerations

Possible Side Effects 

• Minor irritation of gum or tongue • Appliance may loosen or break • Plaque accumulation around the device

Contraindications (who should avoid it)

• The permanent tooth is ready to erupt soon
• The loss of the baby tooth is so recent that the space is expected to be naturally maintained
• Poor cooperation or inability of the child to maintain hygiene around the device

Safety Notes

At City Clinic, space maintainers are designed with high standards of fit, hygiene and monitoring. Our paediatric dental specialists ensure the appliance is placed and managed safely, with regular check‑ups to adjust or remove as needed.

Pricing

Price Range (approximate)

Factors Affecting Price

• Fixed appliance (band‑loop, lingual arch) vs removable plate
• Custom fabrication and lab work required
• Number of teeth involved and need for adjustments
• Duration the appliance will remain in place

Insurance Coverage

Space Maintainers is not covered by insurance.

FAQs

Does the appliance hurt?

No, after initial fitting most children feel comfortable; some may feel slight pressure for a day or two.

How long will it be needed?

Until the permanent tooth erupts into the space — may range from a few months to a few years.

What happens if the appliance comes loose?

Contact the clinic immediately so it can be fixed; a loose appliance may allow neighbouring teeth to drift.

Can the child eat normally?

Yes — but avoid sticky candies or hard foods that might damage the appliance.

Is it always needed when a baby tooth is lost early?

Not always; your dentist will evaluate based on the tooth, timing, and development of the permanent tooth.

Related Treatments

Dental Check-Up

A dental check-up and oral examination is a routine yet essential evaluation of your teeth, gums, and mouth designed to prevent dental problems before they develop. At City Clinic, this preventive appointment is the cornerstone of long-term oral health, ensuring early detection and gentle, effective care.

Retainers

Retainers are custom devices—either fixed or removable—designed to hold teeth in their new positions after orthodontic treatment. They prevent relapse by stabilizing the teeth while bone, gums, and soft tissues adapt to the corrected alignment.

Full Mouth Reconstruction

Full mouth reconstruction is a comprehensive dental treatment designed to restore, rebuild, and optimize all teeth in both the upper and lower arches. At City Clinic, this multidisciplinary approach combines restorative, cosmetic, and functional dentistry to improve oral health, aesthetics, and overall function.

Braces & Brackets

Braces (also called brackets) are fixed orthodontic appliances used to gradually move and align teeth, correct bite irregularities, and optimize the overall function and aesthetics of the smile.