Space Maintainers
A small, custom device that holds open the gap when a baby tooth is lost early — preventing a lot of expensive orthodontics down the road.
Hold the line until the permanent tooth arrives.
Baby teeth do more than just look cute — they reserve a spot for the permanent tooth growing in underneath. When a baby tooth is lost early (from decay, trauma, or extraction), the surrounding teeth can drift into the empty space within months. By the time the adult tooth tries to come in, there's no room left for it — and braces or surgery may be the only way to fix the resulting crowding.
A space maintainer is a small, custom-made appliance that holds the gap open until the permanent tooth is ready to erupt. It's fixed in place (your child can't lose it), nearly invisible, and stays until it's no longer needed.
It's one of the cheapest, simplest interventions in dentistry — and one of the most cost-saving over the long term.
How it works
Assess the gap
We check whether a maintainer is genuinely needed — sometimes the permanent tooth is close enough that we just monitor.
Take an impression
A quick digital scan of your child's teeth gives the lab everything they need to make a custom-fit appliance.
Cement in place
At the next visit, the maintainer is cemented onto the adjacent baby molar with a thin wire crossing the gap. Quick, painless, no freezing needed.
Routine check-ups
We monitor at each recall visit and remove the appliance when the permanent tooth is ready to come through.
The Lac La Biche Smiles difference.
Custom-fitted for comfort — kids forget they're wearing it
Often prevents the need for braces later
Quick to place — no freezing required
Covered by most insurance plans and CDCP
Your questions, answered.
How long does my child wear it?
Until the permanent tooth is ready to come in — usually a few months to a couple of years, depending on age. We monitor at every recall visit.
Will it bother my child?
Most kids adapt within a few days. The maintainer is small, smooth, and fixed in place. Eating is normal; brushing requires a little extra attention around the wire.
What if it falls out or breaks?
Call us right away. We re-cement or repair quickly — leaving the gap open even for a few weeks can let neighbouring teeth start drifting.
Is it really necessary if my child seems fine?
Sometimes it's not — if the permanent tooth is going to erupt within a few months, we'll just monitor. We only recommend maintainers when the math actually justifies them.
Ready to book your visit?
Same-day appointments, direct insurance billing, and a friendly team that puts you at ease. We can't wait to meet you.