10/07/2026
Baby teeth do much more than help children chew and speak—they also preserve the space needed for permanent teeth to erupt correctly.
When a baby tooth is lost too early because of decay, injury, or extraction, nearby teeth may gradually shift into the empty space. This can reduce the room available for the permanent tooth, increasing the risk of crowding, impaction, or future orthodontic treatment.
For some children, a space maintainer helps preserve proper arch space until the permanent tooth is ready to erupt. Early dental evaluation is the best way to determine whether one is needed.
BOTTOM FACT
A space maintainer is commonly used after premature loss of certain baby teeth to help keep the correct amount of room for the permanent tooth.