Space Maintainers in NW Calgary
Custom-fit appliances that keep room for your child's adult teeth to come in straight.
About Space Maintainers at Bow River Dental
When a baby tooth is lost too early, a space maintainer keeps room for the adult tooth to come in straight. If your child needs a space maintainer in Calgary, Bow River Dental offers custom-fit appliances that prevent future crowding and are comfortable for kids.
Space maintainers are part of our kids dentist services, and our calm, kid-friendly team explains every step in a way children understand.
What Is a Space Maintainer?
A space maintainer is a small appliance, usually made of metal or acrylic, that holds the gap left by a baby tooth that has fallen out or been removed too early. Baby teeth act as guides for the adult teeth beneath them. When one is lost early, neighbouring teeth can drift into the gap, and the adult tooth may come in crooked, blocked or unable to erupt at all.
By keeping the space open, a space maintainer helps the adult tooth come in where it belongs and can prevent crowding and the need for more complex treatment later.
When Does a Child Need a Space Maintainer?
Your dentist may recommend a space maintainer if your child:
- Lost a baby tooth early because of decay, infection or injury
- Had a baby tooth extracted well before the adult tooth was ready to come in
- Was born without a tooth in a certain spot, or has a tooth that has not come in
- Has a gap that neighbouring teeth are starting to drift into
If your child loses a tooth in an accident, call our emergency dentist team for a same-day appointment. Not every lost baby tooth needs a space maintainer, and we check each case carefully.
What Is Included
- A custom-fit appliance made for your child's mouth
- Removable or fixed options
- Prevention of future crowding
- A comfortable design for kids
- Care instructions for parents and children
- Regular check-ups to monitor the adult tooth coming in
- Direct insurance billing
What to Expect at Your Child's Visit
- 1Exam and X-rays. We check the gap, the neighbouring teeth and the adult tooth underneath.
- 2Your plan. We explain whether your child needs a space maintainer, which type is best and what it costs.
- 3Impressions. We take an impression or scan so the appliance fits your child's mouth exactly.
- 4Fitting. We place the space maintainer, check that it is comfortable and show your child and you how to care for it.
- 5Monitoring. We check the appliance and the adult tooth at regular visits, and remove the space maintainer when the adult tooth is ready to come in.
Caring for a Space Maintainer
- Brush the appliance and surrounding teeth carefully twice a day
- Floss around it as we show you
- Avoid sticky foods such as caramel and chewing gum, which can pull it loose
- Discourage your child from pushing or playing with it with their tongue or fingers
- Call us if it feels loose, causes a sore spot or comes out
Why Choose Bow River Dental for Your Child
- Custom-fit, comfortable appliances
- A calm, kid-friendly team with behavior management training
- Back-to-back family appointments
- Fees that follow the Alberta Dental Association Fee Guide
- Direct insurance billing, and the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is accepted for eligible children
- 20+ years of care and trusted by 10,000+ families
- Evening and Saturday appointments, free parking and a convenient NW Calgary location, with a 4.5 rating from 277 Google reviews
Related Treatments
- Children's Dentistry: complete care from first tooth to teen years
- Sealants & Fluoride Treatment: to protect young teeth from decay
- Traditional Braces: for straightening teeth later
- Tooth & Wisdom Tooth Extraction: when a tooth cannot be saved
Cost of Space Maintainers
The cost of a space maintainer depends on the type of appliance and the number of teeth involved, so there is no single price. Bow River Dental follows the Alberta Dental Association Fee Guide, and we explain your costs before we begin. We bill most insurance plans directly and welcome eligible children using the Canadian Dental Care Plan. Call 403-247-0999 for a personalized quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a space maintainer, and why does my child need one?
A space maintainer is a small custom-fit appliance that holds the space left by a baby tooth that was lost too early. It stops nearby teeth from drifting into the gap, so the adult tooth can come in straight. Without one, your child may develop crowding or a blocked tooth.
Does a space maintainer hurt?
Placing a space maintainer is usually painless, and most children feel only slight pressure. Your child may notice the appliance for a day or two, and mild soreness usually fades quickly. We design our appliances to be comfortable for kids.
How long does a space maintainer stay in?
It stays in until the adult tooth is ready to come through, which can take months or a few years depending on your child's age and the tooth involved. We monitor your child's teeth at regular check-ups and remove it at the right time.
Can my child eat normally with a space maintainer?
Yes, with a few precautions. Your child should avoid sticky foods like caramel and chewing gum, and hard candies that could loosen it. Careful brushing and flossing around the appliance keep the area clean.
Are space maintainers covered by insurance?
Many insurance plans cover part of the cost of space maintainers for children, and coverage varies by plan. The Canadian Dental Care Plan may cover some children's services, depending on eligibility. We bill most insurance plans directly and can help you understand what to expect.
Book Your Child's Appointment
Has your child lost a baby tooth early? Call Bow River Dental or book online, and we will find a time that works for your family.
- Monday: 9 AM to 4 PM
- Tuesday: 10 AM to 8 PM
- Wednesday: 10 AM to 8 PM
- Thursday: 10 AM to 6 PM
- Friday: 9 AM to 4 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM to 7 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Bow River Dental, 4411 16 Ave NW Suite 110, Calgary, AB T3B 0M3
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