Space Maintainers

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When able, teeth will naturally settle into open spaces to fit more comfortably in the mouth. This is most common when a primary or “baby” tooth falls out or is removed prematurely. In adults, if a patient has a tooth removed and is waiting on a restoration, they may have a space maintainer installed. This device wraps around an adjacent tooth and uses a loop of wire to cross the gap and put pressure on the adjacent tooth on the other side. This stops both teeth adjacent to the gap from falling in towards each other. A space maintainer may also use wire and acrylic to push against the pallet and hold teeth in place. Space maintainers can be made removable or cemented as a semi-permanent solution.