When and how the tooth came out
Let us know whether the tooth was extracted, knocked out, or lost very early on its own, and roughly when. Earlier records are welcome. These details place the gap within your child’s development.
Children’s Dentistry
Space Maintainers in Georgetown
“Will it feel weird?” is often the first thing a child asks. From Georgetown, you and your child can talk with us about whether an early gap needs a space maintainer, what wearing one is like, and how we keep an eye on it as the adult tooth grows in.
Seeing it through your child’s eyesTalk through it with your child
A new thing in the mouth can feel like a big deal.
Adults tend to think about the clinical reasons first. Children think about what it will feel like, whether friends will notice, and whether they can still eat their favourite snack. Answering those questions honestly matters as much as the dental explanation, and sometimes the honest answer is that no appliance is needed at all.
Here is the clinical side in brief. When a baby tooth comes out well before its time, the teeth beside it can drift toward the space before the adult tooth erupts. A space maintainer is one option for holding that room in certain cases. We look at which tooth was lost, how long ago, the room remaining, how the permanent tooth is developing, and your child’s general oral health before suggesting monitoring, an appliance, or further advice.
If a device is recommended, your child will be part of looking after it. That means cleaning around it, coming to reviews, and eventually having it adjusted, replaced, or removed. We explain all of this to both of you so the decision feels shared.
Before the first visit
What helps us, and what helps your child
Some background from you and some questions from your child make for a good conversation. Neither of you needs to know whether an appliance is required.
The adult tooth on its way
Imaging may be suggested to check the permanent tooth and the structures around it, since a child’s age is not a dependable guide to eruption. You and your child can ask what the picture will show and why it matters for the plan.
Worries, habits, and brushing
Tell us if your child is anxious, has trouble brushing, sucks a thumb, has existing cavities, or needs extra support. These help decide whether an appliance is a good fit and how we can make visits more comfortable.
If a fall or knock caused the gap, have the injury checked first. Talking about space comes once damaged teeth and gums have been looked at.
Explaining it simply
It keeps a spot saved for the new tooth.
Many children understand it best this way: the appliance keeps the other teeth from crowding into the space while the grown-up tooth gets ready. It holds room that is still there. It does not push teeth apart if the space has already closed; that is a different, orthodontic job.
It is fair to tell older children about the downsides too. An appliance can come loose, break, collect plaque, or rub on the gum or an erupting tooth if it is not checked. It cannot promise a perfect adult tooth or that braces will never come up.
Patient information: AAPD — developing dentition and space maintenance
A reason your child can understand
The dentist should tie the advice to the specific missing tooth and how the mouth is developing. Children the same age may get different advice. Ask the clinician to explain, in words your child follows, what the appliance would prevent.
Check-ups while they grow
Reviews look at the device, the teeth holding it, and how the adult tooth is coming along. Confirm who will see your child and how often. A maintainer should not be left in place without regular review.
Help from a specialist if needed
For more complicated situations, a pediatric dentist or orthodontist may be involved. Ask why the referral is suggested and which records will go with your child, so everyone works from the same plan.
What your child will experience
No surprises, step by step
The appliance is chosen to suit the findings and what your child can manage. Ask whether it would be fixed or removable, and let your child hear the answer too.
A look and a chat
We examine the gap and the teeth beside it and talk about how the tooth was lost. Imaging may be suggested for a particular question. Your child can tell us about any sore spots, and you can mention any change you have noticed.
Choosing together
We explain what watching and each suitable appliance would do, where they fall short, and what they ask of your family. If space has already been lost, we may suggest an orthodontic view. The review plan is agreed first.
Getting it made and fitted
Some designs need impressions or measurements before they are made. At the fitting, the clinician checks how the appliance sits and whether it presses on the gum. Your child is encouraged to describe any odd feeling, and you will know how to report discomfort afterward.
Learning to look after it
We show your child how to brush around the device and go over any food or wear tips, plus what to do about a loose part. Future visits check both the appliance and the adult tooth.
Helping your child adjust
Getting used to it, and keeping it clean
Fixed and removable appliances are handled differently. Follow the guidance for your child’s design, and ask us before trying anything new.
Make cleaning a shared job
Keep helping with brushing, especially around the appliance, using the method we demonstrated. Ask for tips on reaching around bands and wires. Let us know about a spot that stays sore or hard to clean.
Explain why it should not be played with
Children often explore a new appliance with their tongue or fingers. Gently remind them it should be left alone. Follow food advice, and never try to bend, tighten, or glue anything.
Keep check-up dates
Come to planned reviews even when your child says it feels fine. Let us know if you spot a new tooth peeking out, or if the device looks tilted or lifted. As your child grows, any adjustment or removal is arranged with us.
Questions children and parents ask(905) 876-4488
Honest answers about wearing a maintainer
Every child’s experience is a little different. Ask about your child’s specific appliance rather than relying on a friend’s story.
Will my child feel the appliance all the time?
Many children notice it at first, and experiences vary. The clinician checks the fit at placement. If your child reports ongoing soreness or rubbing, contact the clinic so it can be looked at.
Can other kids see a space maintainer?
It depends on where it sits and the design. Back-tooth appliances are often less noticeable than parents expect. Ask the clinician to show you a model or explain where it would be placed.
How can I prepare an anxious child for the fitting?
Talk about it simply and ahead of time, and let your child ask the team questions. Tell us about any worries when booking so we can explain each step as we go.
What foods should my child avoid with a fixed spacer?
You will receive advice for the specific appliance, often about sticky or very hard foods that could dislodge it. Ask if you are unsure about a particular snack.
Does a passive maintainer straighten teeth that have already moved?
No. It is generally intended to hold existing space. Teeth that have already drifted may need an orthodontic assessment instead. Describe the change so the clinician can advise.
Can we skip a check if my child says it feels fine?
Please do not. Comfort does not confirm that the supporting teeth, cement, gums, and erupting tooth are all healthy. Keep the agreed reviews, and call if a date becomes hard to make from Georgetown.
Georgetown children welcome
Bring your questions, and bring theirs.
Get in touch with our Bronte Street practice if your child has a gap from a baby tooth that left too soon, or wears a spacer that needs checking. A rough date of tooth loss and any earlier advice help us plan, and your child’s questions are welcome too.
An appliance may not be necessary. Recommendations and any referral depend on what we find and how your child is developing.
Visit Milton Dental ClinicUnit 1, 342 Bronte St. S, Milton, ON L9T 5B7Get directions
Clinic hours
- Monday–Thursday
- 11am–7pm
- Friday–Sunday
- By appointment only
Areas we serve
- Milton
- Oakville
- Mississauga
- Georgetown
- Halton Hills
- Acton
- Campbellville
- Brampton
- Burlington
- Puslinch
- Rockwood
- Erin
- Caledon
- Etobicoke
- Old Milton
- Bronte Meadows
- Timberlea
- Dorset Park
- Dempsey
- Clarke
- Beaty
- Coates
- Harrison
- Scott
- Willmott
- Ford
- Bowes
- Cobden
- Walker
- Mountain View
- Milton Heights
- Hawthorne Village
- Valley View
- Fallingbrook
- Nassagaweya
- Trafalgar
- Esquesing
- Nelson
- Brookville
- Moffat
- Glen Williams
- Norval
- Limehouse
- Stewarttown
- Ashgrove
- Hornby
- Silver Creek
- Speyside
- Scotch Block
- North Oakville
- River Oaks
- Glen Abbey
- West Oak Trails
- Palermo
- Bronte Creek
- College Park
- Joshua Creek
- Uptown Core
- Preserve
- Iroquois Ridge
- Lisgar
- Meadowvale
- Meadowvale Village
- Churchill Meadows
- Erin Mills
- Central Erin Mills
- Streetsville
- East Credit
- Creditview
- Heartland
- Sheridan
- Mount Pleasant
- Credit Valley
- Huttonville
- Churchville
- Springbrook
- Northwest Brampton
- Bram West
- Fletcher's Meadow
- Fletcher's Creek South
- Alton Village
- Orchard
- Millcroft
- Headon Forest
- Tansley
- Brant Hills
- Tyandaga
- Kilbride
- Lowville
- Aberfoyle
- Morriston
- Arkell
- Hillsburgh
- Freelton
- Carlisle
- Waterdown
- Flamborough
- Mountsberg
