Space Maintainers
for Kids
in Washington D.C. and McLean VA
Space Maintainers
When baby teeth are lost before the permanent teeth erupt, the space may need to be filled with a space maintainer. Primary teeth are not only used for chewing and speech development, but they also guide permanent teeth into the spaces where they belong, preventing shifting and protecting the mouth from crowding and future orthodontic problems. Space maintainers are removed when the new tooth erupts.
Does every gap need to have a dental space maintainer?
Not every space needs to be filled:
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The four upper front teeth spaces will stay open on their own.
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If a permanent tooth is ready to erupt, your child may not need a space maintainer.
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But if space is already a problem, a space maintainer may be necessary
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, measurable space loss can occur within 6 months after premature loss of a primary molar — especially in younger children.
That means waiting “just to see what happens” can sometimes allow significant drifting before the next routine visit.
Research in pediatric dentistry also shows that losing even 2–4 millimeters of space in a child’s dental arch can affect how permanent teeth erupt. In a child’s mouth, a few millimeters can be the difference between:
Straight eruption,
Crowding,
Or the need for future extractions during orthodontic treatment
Small space. Big impact.
The American Association of Orthodontists emphasizes that early monitoring of tooth eruption and spacing can reduce the severity of future orthodontic problems.
Preserving space early may:
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Reduce crowding
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Lower the likelihood of impacted teeth
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Decrease the need for more complex orthodontic correction later
What are dental space maintainers made of?
Space maintainers are made of stainless steel or plastic and come in two forms:
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Fixed – cemented onto the teeth on either side of the space
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Removable – looks like a retainer, used primarily for cosmetic space filling
After Your Child Gets a Space Maintainer: What to Expect
A space maintainer is a small dental appliance that helps hold the space left by a prematurely lost baby tooth. This ensures the permanent tooth has enough room to erupt properly and helps prevent future crowding or orthodontic complications.
Taking care of a space maintainer at home is simple, but a few precautions will help keep it secure and effective.
Foods to avoid: Sticky, chewy, and gummy foods are the biggest risk to space maintainers (the most common cause of damage or loosening). Please avoid foods such as gummies, caramel, taffy, fruit snacks, chewy granola bars, and chewing gum for as long as the appliance is in place.
What your child should not do: Discourage your child from pushing, poking, or playing with the appliance with their tongue or fingers. This can loosen the band over time and may affect how well the space maintainer stays in place.
Brushing and flossing: Good oral hygiene is especially important. Food and plaque can build up around the bands, so daily brushing is essential. Flossing around a space maintainer can take a little extra care, and our team will show you the easiest way to do this at your child’s appointment.
If the appliance loosens or falls out: If the space maintainer comes loose or falls out (particularly after eating), place it in a clean container or small bag and contact our office as soon as possible to schedule a recementation visit. Do not try to reinsert it at home.
How long it stays in: The space maintainer stays in place until the permanent tooth is seen beginning to emerge through the gum. Dr. Mohammadi will monitor your child’s development closely during routine checkups and let you know when it’s time for removal.
Space Maintainers for Children in McLean VA or Washington DC
Beverly Pediatric Dentistry provides space maintainers for children at both of our convenient locations. Our McLean office is located at 1363 Beverly Road Suite 250, McLean, VA 22101—call us at 703-752-2200 to book your appointment on Mondays (10:00 AM - 6:00 PM) or Tuesdays (11:30 AM - 6:00 PM). We proudly serve families in McLean, Reston, Vienna, Arlington, Great Falls, Falls Church, and Tysons Corner.
Our Washington DC office is at 1426 21st NW, 2nd floor, Washington, DC 20036 (Dupont Circle area)—reach us at 202-331-3474 for appointments on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays (9:00 AM - 5:00 PM). We serve families throughout Dupont Circle, Georgetown, Capitol Hill, Columbia Heights, Kalorama Heights, West End, Logan Circle, and Woodley Park.
Contact Beverly Pediatric Dentistry to learn more about space maintainers and how they can protect your child's dental development. Dr. M and our team look forward to helping your child maintain proper tooth alignment and a healthy smile!