Space Maintainers in Utah

Space maintainers are orthodontic appliances used to preserve the space left behind when a baby tooth is lost too early. At Utah Orthodontic Care, we offer space maintainer solutions as part of our comprehensive Phase I Orthodontics program. These small, custom devices play a critical role in ensuring proper eruption and alignment of permanent teeth — preventing crowding, misalignment, and more complex orthodontic issues down the road.

When baby teeth fall out too early due to decay, injury, or extractions, the surrounding teeth may begin to drift into the vacant space. Without intervention, this movement can block the proper path for permanent teeth, leading to the need for future orthodontic correction. Space maintainers hold that space open until the new tooth is ready to come in naturally.

Space maintainers are typically recommended for children between ages 5 and 10, during a period of active dental development. Your child may need a space maintainer if:

• A baby tooth is lost earlier than expected
• There is no immediate replacement tooth emerging
• There is a risk of nearby teeth drifting or tipping into the space
• Your orthodontic specialist anticipates crowding or blocked eruption
• Spacing needs to be preserved for growth and alignment

We’ll determine the right time for placement during a growth and development evaluation or early alignment checkup.

At Utah Orthodontic Care, we provide several types of space maintainers — customized to the child’s age, dental anatomy, and the location of tooth loss. They may be fixed (cemented) or removable, depending on your child’s needs.

1. Unilateral (band and loop): Holds space for a single tooth on one side of the mouth
2. Bilateral (lingual arch or Nance appliance): Maintains space across both sides of the arch
3. Distal shoe: Guides eruption of a first permanent molar when the second baby molar is lost early
4. Removable appliances: Typically used when multiple teeth are missing or for short-term needs

Our experts in orthodontics will recommend the appropriate appliance during a child’s Phase I evaluation or as part of a developmental guidance plan.

Proper care and regular monitoring are important to ensure that the appliance works effectively.

• Avoid sticky or hard foods that may loosen the appliance
• Maintain good brushing and flossing habits
• Visit your dentist specializing in orthodontics regularly for checkups
• Notify your provider if the appliance feels loose or uncomfortable

You can learn more about caring for appliances and what to expect in our Life with Braces guide and Oral Hygiene section.