Space Maintainers in San Angelo, TX

Guiding Growing Smiles After Premature Tooth Loss

When a baby tooth is lost too early—whether from injury, decay, or extraction—it can create problems for the alignment of your child’s future permanent teeth. A space maintainer is a small, custom-fitted device used to preserve the empty space left behind, allowing the permanent tooth to erupt in its proper position.

At Pediatric Dentistry of San Angelo, we offer expertly designed space maintainers as part of our preventive dentistry services. These simple but effective appliances help avoid more complex orthodontic issues down the road—such as crowding, misalignment, or impaction.

Losing a baby tooth before its time doesn’t have to derail your child’s oral development. Space maintainers are a proactive solution to keep their smile growing on track.

How Space Maintainers Work

Every tooth in your child’s mouth plays an important role in guiding their jaw growth and the proper eruption of adult teeth. When one goes missing too soon, neighboring teeth can begin to shift into that open space. This shift can block the path of the underlying permanent tooth or create alignment problems that might later require braces.

Types of Space Maintainers:

1. Fixed (Non-Removable): Cemented to one or more teeth, these are ideal for younger children or situations requiring long-term space maintenance.
2. Removable: Often used for older children, these function like retainers and can be taken out for cleaning.

At our office, we typically recommend fixed space maintainers for children who are still developing their brushing habits or who may not yet be ready for removable options.

Our Process Includes:

• Evaluation using digital X-rays
• Custom fitting based on your child’s dental anatomy
• Easy-to-follow care instructions for proper hygiene and monitoring
• Follow-up visits during regular dental cleanings to ensure the appliance is functioning well

Why Choose Us for Space Maintainers in San Angelo?

Children from San Angelo, Carlsbad, Grape Creek, and Goodfellow Air Force Base come to us for trusted care that combines clinical precision with a warm, friendly atmosphere. Our dentists, Dr. McNair and Dr. Hanks, have extensive experience in pediatric oral development and create custom solutions tailored to each child’s needs.

Here’s what makes our care stand out:

• Specialized Pediatric Focus: We understand how children’s mouths grow and use that knowledge to support long-term oral health.
• Gentle and Supportive Environment: From first visits to ongoing treatments, our team helps kids feel relaxed and confident.
• Continuity of Care: Space maintainers are often part of a broader treatment plan that may include tooth extractions, dental impressions, and restorative dentistry.

Worried about affordability? Ask about our in-house membership plan, which gives families access to comprehensive preventive care at reduced costs—even without insurance.

Frequently Asked Questions About Space Maintainers

Does every child who loses a baby tooth early need a space maintainer?

Not always. It depends on your child’s age, which tooth was lost, and the timing of their permanent teeth. We’ll evaluate their situation and recommend what’s best.

Are space maintainers uncomfortable?

Once placed, most children quickly adapt to their space maintainer. It doesn’t interfere with eating or speaking and doesn’t require any major lifestyle changes.

How long does my child need to wear it?

A space maintainer stays in place until the permanent tooth begins to erupt, which can range from a few months to a few years depending on the case. We monitor progress during regular checkups.

What happens if we don’t use one?

Without a space maintainer, nearby teeth may drift into the empty space, causing problems that often require orthodontic treatment later on.

How do I care for the appliance?

Good brushing habits are key. We’ll show your child how to clean around their space maintainer and keep it free from food debris. Regular visits help us make sure everything stays on track. For more details, visit our FAQs page.