118 N Main St, Belmont, NC 28012
When a baby tooth is lost too early, whether through decay, trauma, or extraction, the surrounding teeth can shift into the empty space. This creates alignment problems that affect how permanent teeth come in. Space maintainers are orthodontic devices that Dr. Matthew Savage uses at Main Street Pediatric Dentistry to hold the gap open until the permanent tooth is ready to emerge naturally. As the only dentist at Main Street Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Savage provides consistent, comprehensive care backed by 20 years of board-certified pediatric dental experience.
Early tooth loss happens more often than many parents realize. An accident on the playground, extensive decay, or a necessary extraction can leave a gap that needs protection. Without intervention, neighboring teeth drift toward the open space. This movement changes your child's bite, blocks the path for permanent teeth, and often leads to more complex orthodontic problems later.
A space maintainer is a custom appliance that fits comfortably in your child’s mouth. Dr. Savage creates each device to match your child’s specific needs based on which tooth was lost and where it’s located. The maintainer keeps the space open so the permanent tooth has room to erupt in its proper position.
These devices fall into two main categories. Fixed maintainers attach to adjacent teeth with dental cement and stay in place until the permanent tooth starts coming in. Your child can’t remove them, which makes them ideal for younger patients who might forget to wear a removable device. Removable maintainers work like retainers and can be taken out for cleaning and eating. Dr. Savage recommends these for older children who can follow care instructions reliably.
The type of maintainer your child needs depends on several factors. The location of the missing tooth matters because back teeth support different chewing patterns than front teeth. Your child’s age affects the timeline for permanent tooth eruption. The condition of surrounding teeth determines which type of attachment will work best. Dr. Savage evaluates all these elements during the consultation to select the most effective option.
The first step is a thorough dental exam where Dr. Savage checks the gap, reviews x-rays, and discusses treatment options with you. He explains which type of maintainer will work best for your child’s situation and answers all your questions about the process.
Creating the maintainer requires precise measurements. Dr. Savage takes impressions of your child’s teeth to ensure the device fits perfectly. Most fixed maintainers can be placed during a single appointment. The procedure is quick and comfortable. Dr. Savage uses gentle techniques that help children feel at ease throughout the process.
Once the maintainer is in place, your child adapts quickly. Most children forget they’re wearing it within a few days. Fixed maintainers require minimal adjustment to daily routines. Your child can eat normally, though Dr. Savage recommends avoiding sticky candies and hard foods that might damage the device. Regular dental cleanings keep the maintainer and surrounding teeth healthy.
Permanent teeth develop on a schedule. When a baby tooth is lost prematurely, that schedule doesn’t change. The permanent tooth continues developing beneath the gums, waiting for the right time to emerge. If the space closes before eruption begins, the tooth either comes in crooked or becomes impacted.
Impacted teeth create serious problems. They may require surgical exposure and orthodontic treatment to guide them into position. Some impacted teeth never erupt naturally and need extraction. These complications are expensive, uncomfortable, and completely avoidable with proper space maintenance.
According to the American Dental Association, space maintainers are one of the most effective preventive measures in pediatric dentistry. They cost far less than corrective orthodontic treatment and spare your child from unnecessary procedures. Dr. Savage has seen countless children benefit from this straightforward intervention.
Fixed maintainers need the same care as natural teeth. Your child should brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, paying special attention to the areas around the device. Flossing remains important, though you may need to use a floss threader to clean beneath the maintainer’s band or wire.
Dr. Savage checks the maintainer at every routine visit. These appointments allow him to monitor how well the device is working and watch for any signs that adjustments are needed. If the maintainer becomes loose or causes discomfort, contact our office right away. Quick attention prevents minor issues from becoming bigger problems.
The maintainer comes out once the permanent tooth starts erupting. Dr. Savage removes the device during a simple appointment that takes just a few minutes. Your child experiences no discomfort during removal, and the tooth continues emerging naturally into the space that was preserved.
Some children lose multiple baby teeth early due to decay or developmental conditions. Dr. Savage can create maintainers that preserve several spaces simultaneously. These devices work just as effectively as single-space maintainers while requiring only one adjustment period.
Children with special needs may need additional support during treatment. Dr. Savage has extensive experience working with children who have various medical and developmental conditions. He adapts his approach to ensure every child receives comfortable, effective care that meets their unique needs.
The benefits of space maintenance extend beyond preventing crooked teeth. Preserving proper spacing supports normal jaw development. It maintains your child’s bite alignment, which affects how they chew and speak. Early intervention often reduces or eliminates the need for extensive orthodontic treatment during the teenage years.
Not every early tooth loss requires a space maintainer. If a baby tooth is lost within six months of when it would have fallen out naturally, the permanent tooth usually erupts without problems. Dr. Savage evaluates each situation individually to determine whether intervention is necessary.
Certain circumstances make space maintainers particularly important. Back teeth, especially molars, need protection because they guide permanent teeth into proper positions. Multiple missing teeth increase the risk of shifting and require careful management. Children who lose teeth years before permanent teeth are scheduled to erupt definitely benefit from space maintenance.
Dr. Savage discusses all your options during the initial consultation. He explains the risks of not using a maintainer versus the benefits of placing one. This conversation helps you make an informed decision that supports your child’s long-term oral health.
Early tooth loss doesn’t have to lead to orthodontic complications. Space maintainers offer a simple, effective way to protect your child’s developing smile. Dr. Savage brings specialized training and genuine care to every patient at his Belmont practice. Main Street Pediatric Dentistry serves families throughout Belmont, Gastonia, Charlotte, McAdenville, Cramerton, and Mount Holly. Dr. Savage works with Delta Dental, Primera, and most major insurance plans. The practice also offers Cherry financing and CareCredit for families who need flexible payment options.
Contact Main Street Pediatric Dentistry today to schedule a consultation. Dr. Savage will evaluate your child’s needs and recommend the best approach for maintaining proper tooth spacing. Learn more about Dr. Matthew Savage and his commitment to gentle, comprehensive pediatric dental care. Your child’s smile deserves protection from a board-certified pediatric dentist who understands the importance of every baby tooth.
Dr. Matthew Savage brings extensive experience in pediatric dentistry to Main Street Pediatric Dentistry Of Belmont. Board-certified and passionate about children's oral health, Dr. Savage believes in building trust with young patients through gentle care and clear communication with both children and parents.
Ready to schedule your child's appointment? Our friendly team is here to answer questions and help you get started with exceptional pediatric dental care.
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday: By Appointment Only
Sunday: Closed
To schedule your child's appointment, call us at (980) 990-2878 or complete our online contact form below.
Ready to schedule your child’s appointment? Our friendly team is here to answer questions and help you get started with exceptional pediatric dental care.
Give your child the gift of a lifetime of healthy smiles. Contact Main Street Pediatric Dentistry Of Belmont today to schedule their next appointment and experience the difference specialized pediatric dental care can make.
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