Space Maintainers in Marbella
When a child loses a baby tooth earlier than expected, the surrounding teeth may tilt, shift or move into the void.
* All prices are indicative. The final price depends on the doctor's diagnosis at your consultation. Consultations in English & Spanish.
In short
Space maintainers are custom devices that keep the gap open when a baby tooth is lost early, so the permanent tooth can come through in the right place. Fitting takes about 20–30 minutes, followed by periodic check-ups, and your child can carry on as normal straight away. Indicative price €200–€450, confirmed at your consultation.
Is it for me?
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
About the treatment
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.
Step by step
How it works
Usually one initial fitting plus periodic check‑ups until permanent tooth eruption
Assessment & Impressions
Dentist examines spacing and takes impressions or digital scans.
Appliance Fabrication
Custom space maintainer is made (fixed or removable).
Fitting & Follow-Up
Appliance is placed, hygiene instructions given, and regular check-ups scheduled.
Before your 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
After your 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
Pricing
What it costs
Indicative range only — nothing here is a fixed price. The doctor's diagnosis at your consultation decides the plan and the final price.
| Treatment | Indicative range | Visits |
|---|---|---|
| Space Maintainers | €200 – €450 | 1 + check-ups |
| Braces & Brackets | from €2,500 | — |
| Retainers | from €150 | — |
| Dental Check-Up | from €60 | — |
| Full Mouth Reconstruction | from €5,000 | — |
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
This treatment is not covered by insurance.
Results
How long do 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.
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.
Safety
Risks & considerations
Possible side effects
- Minor irritation of gum or tongue
- Appliance may loosen or break
- Plaque accumulation around the device
Contraindications
- 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.
Questions
Frequently asked
The last one is always open: it answers the question people ask most on WhatsApp.
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.
Ask first, book later
Send a photo or a question on WhatsApp — our patient coordinators reply during opening hours.
Explore more