Space maintainers are small devices that are made for children when their baby teeth fall out at an early age before their permanent teeth have come in. The purpose of a space maintainer is to prevent the neighboring teeth from moving into the space where the baby tooth was removed, keeping the space open for the permanent tooth to grow into when it is ready.

If your child loses a tooth due to injury, infection, or the need for extraction, most of the space between the teeth may be lost, which can cause problems with tooth movement, crowding, or misalignment. This is because the teeth on either side of the extraction site will start to move into the empty space, leaving no room for the permanent tooth.

There are two main types of space maintainers:

• Fixed space maintainers:

These are devices made of metal or acrylic that are cemented to the teeth using wires or glue.

• Removable space maintainers:

These are devices made of acrylic that the child can remove and clean themselves.

The type of space maintainer that is right for your child will be determined by your dentist based on several factors, including:

The child's age: Fixed space maintainers are typically more suitable for young children who may not be able to care for removable space maintainers properly.

The location of the missing teeth: Some types of space maintainers may be more suitable for maintaining space between the teeth in certain locations.

The overall condition of the teeth: Some types of space maintainers may be more suitable for children who have loose or crooked teeth.

Space maintainers are typically worn for a period of 6 months to 2 years, or until the permanent teeth have erupted into their correct positions.

Here are some of the benefits of space maintainers:
-They help to maintain the space needed for the permanent teeth to grow in when they are ready.

-They prevent the neighboring teeth from moving into the space where the baby tooth was removed.

-They help to prevent crowding or misalignment of the teeth.