Services
Space Maintainers
We hold space open after an early tooth loss so your child's permanent teeth can erupt properly.
Why choose us
Benefits of Space Maintainers
Holds the Space
A space maintainer keeps the gap open so the permanent tooth has room to come in straight.
Fewer Braces Later
Guiding teeth into place early can reduce the need for more involved orthodontic work down the road.
Comfortable, Custom Fit
Each appliance is made to fit your child's mouth so it feels secure and easy to wear.
On-Site Dental Lab
Our in-house lab lets us handle fabrication and adjustments quickly, without long outside waits.
Care for All Ages
We see children and adults under one roof, so your whole family can stay with one familiar team.
When a child loses a baby tooth earlier than nature intended — knocked out on the soccer field, removed because of decay, or extracted after an injury — the neighboring teeth often begin to drift into the empty space within a matter of months. That drift can crowd out the permanent tooth waiting underneath, leading to impaction, rotation, and orthodontic treatment that could have been simpler. A space maintainer is a small, custom appliance that holds that spot open until the adult tooth is ready to come in on its own. We see children from Ocala, Belleview, Silver Springs, Summerfield, and the surrounding Marion County communities for exactly this reason, and the appliance itself is usually quick, comfortable, and far less involved than parents expect.
A space maintainer is a simple device, most often made of stainless steel, that rests against the teeth on either side of a gap created by a missing baby tooth. Some designs use a band cemented around a molar with a wire loop extending across the open space; others span a wider area or hold space on both sides of the arch. All of them do the same job: they act as a placeholder so the surrounding teeth stay where they belong and the permanent tooth has a clear path to erupt.
Baby teeth are not just temporary chewing surfaces — they guide the permanent teeth into position. When one is lost too soon, that guidance disappears. Back molars in particular tend to tip forward, narrowing the arch. The most common candidates we see are children who have had a tooth extracted due to deep decay, kids who have experienced a traumatic dental injury, and patients whose baby teeth were lost unusually early for their age. Because we treat all ages and have a general dentist and hygienist on staff, we can evaluate the situation during a routine exam or an emergency visit and recommend a maintainer when it will genuinely make a difference.
The process begins with an exam and imaging so we can see where the permanent tooth is developing and how much time is likely to pass before it erupts. That timing matters. If the adult tooth is only weeks away from breaking through, a maintainer may not be necessary at all; if it is years out, holding the space becomes far more valuable. We talk this through with parents plainly, so the decision is based on what the child actually needs.
Once we decide to move forward, we take a precise impression or scan of the area and fabricate the appliance to fit that specific mouth. Our on-site dental lab is a real advantage here — having lab capability in the building keeps turnaround times short and makes adjustments straightforward. Placement is quick and typically requires no numbing. For children who feel anxious about dental visits, we offer nitrous oxide sedation and oral sedation options, and we take the time to show kids what the appliance is before anything goes in their mouth.
Living With a Space Maintainer and What Comes Next
Most children adjust within a few days. Speech and chewing feel slightly different at first, and that settles quickly. The main thing we ask families to watch is diet and cleaning. A few practical habits protect the appliance:
- Skip sticky candy, taffy, gum, and chewy caramels, which can pull a maintainer loose
- Avoid ice and hard foods that may bend the wire
- Brush carefully around the band and loop, where plaque likes to collect
- Discourage tongue or finger pushing on the appliance
- Call us promptly if anything feels loose, bent, or sharp
We check the maintainer at regular cleaning and exam visits, monitoring both the fit and the progress of the permanent tooth underneath. When that tooth begins to erupt, we remove the appliance — a fast, painless appointment. Keeping up with routine preventive care, including cleanings, fluoride treatment, and sealants on the permanent molars, gives the whole plan the best chance of success.
Insurance, Payment, and Scheduling
We accept all major PPO insurance plans and file claims as a general practice, and we also welcome self-pay and cash patients. For families who would rather spread out the cost, we offer flexible payment plans. Our front desk team will review your coverage and go over the numbers before treatment so there are no surprises.
Ocala Dental Care has served Ocala and nearby communities including Dunnellon, Lady Lake, The Villages, Marion Oaks, and Weirsdale for more than 30 years, and Dr. Hussein Salifu and Dr. Marco Geris see both children and adults. If your child has lost a baby tooth early — or an extraction is coming up — call us to schedule an evaluation. We would be glad to take a look and tell you honestly whether a space maintainer makes sense.
The process
What to expect
- 1
Exam and Evaluation
We examine your child's bite and take the images needed to see how the permanent teeth are developing.
- 2
Fitting the Appliance
We place a custom fixed or removable space maintainer and make sure it sits comfortably.
- 3
Checkups and Removal
We monitor the space at regular visits and remove the appliance once the permanent tooth is ready to erupt.