Guided Tooth Eruption
Why Does a Child Need a Space
Maintainer After Losing a Baby
Tooth Early in Calgary?
When a baby tooth is lost too early — due to decay, injury, or extraction — the surrounding teeth can drift into the empty space within weeks, blocking the path of the permanent tooth waiting underneath. A space maintainer is a custom dental appliance that holds the gap open until the permanent tooth is ready to erupt naturally. Without one, the blocked permanent tooth may erupt crooked or impacted, requiring orthodontic treatment that costs far more than preventing the problem in the first place.
Types & Process
What Types of Space Maintainers
Does Royal Oak Smiles Provide
for Children in Calgary?
Assessment & Timing
We evaluate X-rays to confirm the permanent tooth exists and estimate how long the space needs to be held — so a maintainer is only placed when genuinely needed.
Fixed Band-and-Loop
The most common type — a metal band cemented to an adjacent tooth with a loop that holds the space open. Placed in under 30 minutes with no drilling required.
Removable Maintainer
For older, cooperative children, a removable appliance with a false tooth may be used to hold the space and maintain aesthetics during the waiting period.
Monitoring & Removal
Regular check-ups monitor the erupting permanent tooth. When it is ready to emerge, the maintainer is removed — its job complete — in a short, simple appointment.
NIHB provider and CDCP participating clinic. Accepting new patients. Open 7 days. Call to book →
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
About Space Maintainers in Calgary
A space maintainer is recommended when a baby tooth is lost before the permanent tooth is ready to erupt — typically due to decay, injury, or extraction. Royal Oak Smiles uses X-rays to confirm the permanent tooth exists and estimates when it will erupt. If the gap is likely to be open for more than a few months, a maintainer is usually recommended to prevent the surrounding teeth from drifting into the space.
The duration depends on the child's age and how soon the permanent tooth will erupt. Some children wear a space maintainer for 6 months; others may need one for 2 or more years. Royal Oak Smiles monitors eruption progress at every routine check-up and removes the maintainer as soon as the permanent tooth is ready to emerge naturally. The appliance is only worn as long as it is needed.
Placement of a band-and-loop space maintainer is very well-tolerated by children. There is no drilling involved. The metal band is fitted to the adjacent tooth and cemented in place — the process takes under 30 minutes and causes minimal discomfort. Some children experience minor tenderness for the first day or two as they adjust to the appliance. Over-the-counter children's pain relief is sufficient if needed.
Space maintainers for children are typically covered under NIHB (Non-Insured Health Benefits) for eligible First Nations and Inuit patients. Coverage under CDCP (Canadian Dental Care Plan) depends on the child's specific clinical indication and plan eligibility. Most Alberta dental insurance plans include space maintainer coverage for children. Royal Oak Smiles is an NIHB direct-billing provider and CDCP participating clinic. Call (403) 374-6161 to confirm your child's coverage.