Teeth Space Maintainers

The Teeth Space maintainers we do in Keysborough are custom-made dental appliances used to hold open the space left by a prematurely lost tooth—most commonly in children. As your dentist in Keysborough, we can help your teeth space with a tooth space maintainer.

Teeth space maintainers can be fixed or removable. They ensure adequate space for the erupting adult tooth and help prevent future orthodontic problems. Most space maintainers we do in Keysborough are done in children, however, adults may also benefit from space maintainers. Space maintainers are done to preserve the gap until a dental implant, bridge, or denture is placed in adults.

Read on to learn more about how we can help you with teeth space maintainers in Keysborough.

Why do you need Space Maintainers?

When a deciduous (baby) tooth falls out early, the adult (permanent) tooth underneath may not be ready to erupt. Without a space maintainer, surrounding teeth can shift into this space, leading to crowding or misalignment. This often results in the adult tooth erupting in the wrong position or becoming impacted (Stuck). In the lower or upper jaw, these changes can also affect the bite and the alignment of opposing teeth.

If an adult tooth is lost and isn’t replaced promptly (with an implant, bridge or plate), a space maintainer may be used to preserve the space and prevent neighbouring teeth from drifting.

How do I know if Space Maintainers are required?

Several factors influence whether your child may need a space maintainer:

• Development stage: if your child has lost their baby tooth quite close to when the adult tooth is meant to come through, then a Space Maintainer is likely not required. Your child’s age is not an accurate indicator because children will vary with development and this is where x-rays are very important to check.
• Type of tooth: The type of baby tooth lost will also matter. The larger baby molars when lost early may have a significant impact on the space loss for the adult tooth whereas a deciduous lateral incisor may not be as significant.
• Bite: In some cases, when the teeth interdigitate well, the space loss may not be significant and a Space Maintainer may not be required.
• Cooperation: Will your child be able to tolerate and maintain the Space Maintainer? Sometimes despite the ideal treatment being a Space Maintainer, it may not always be possible depending on the child.

 

What types of Space Maintainers are available?

There are 2 main types of Space Maintainers we can do as your Keysborough Dentist: fixed Space Maintainers and removable Space Maintainers. The fixed Space Maintainers are the most common as they are the most effective and compliance is high because the child cannot remove it. The efficacy of removable Space Maintainers often suffer because children often remove them.

Fixed Space Maintainer (most commonly used)

• Band and Loop Space Maintainer: A metal band is placed on the tooth behind the gap, with a loop extending to the tooth in front. Ideal for single missing molars.
• Crown and Loop Space Maintainer: Similar to the band and loop, but uses a stainless steel crown instead of a band, for teeth that require restorative work.
• Trans-Palatal Arch (TPA) or Nance Appliance: Used for bilateral space maintenance on the upper arch. These devices include bands on molars connected by a wire across the palate (top jaw).
• Lower Lingual Holding Arch (LLHA): Used on the lower arch when baby teeth are missing on both sides. A wire connects the molars and runs along the inside of the lower teeth.

 

Removable Space Maintainer

• Denture-Style Appliance: Acts as both a space maintainer and functional replacement for the lost tooth.
• Clear Retainers (e.g., Essix Retainer): Lightweight, transparent and less noticeable.
• Removable Orthodontic Appliance: Sometimes used in conjunction with other orthodontic treatments.

Prevention and Maintenance

The best way to avoid needing a space maintainer is through preventive dental care. Regular dental check-ups, fluoride treatments, proper brushing and flossing, and a tooth-friendly diet help protect baby teeth from decay. In the case of sports injuries, a custom mouthguard can help protect your child’s teeth from trauma.

Questions about Space Maintainers?

Book an appointment to see if space maintainers are the right option for your child.

(03) 8899 6331

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Frequently Asked Questions

Make An Enquiry

How much do space maintainers cost?

• Costs vary depending on the type.

  • Band and Loop: From $350+ (includes eventual removal).

  • Removable options: From $260+.

• Custom devices often require dental impressions or digital scans and may involve lab fabrication.

When should a space maintainer be removed?

Removal occurs when the adult tooth begins to erupt or if the appliance becomes uncomfortable. This is assessed during regular dental visits.

Does getting a space maintainer hurt?

Initial fitting might feel tight or strange but shouldn’t be painful. Children typically adjust within a few days.

How is a fixed space maintainer removed?

A dental professional will gently remove it by detaching the bands or wires—this is quick and usually doesn’t require anesthesia.

How do I clean a space maintainer?

• Brush thoroughly around the appliance.

• Use floss or interdental brushes to clean hard-to-reach areas.

• Avoid sticky or chewy foods that can dislodge the device.

White Spot Lesions

Have you noticed white spots on your teeth? Your dentist may refer to these as white spot lesions or tooth demineralisation. These are early signs of enamel damage, often appearing as bright white patches that stand out from the rest of the tooth surface. They usually result from prolonged plaque accumulation and poor oral hygiene.

What Causes Demineralisation / White Spot Lesions?

The main cause of white spot lesions is inadequate plaque removal, which leads to acid-producing bacteria eroding the enamel. A diet high in sugar and processed foods can also increase the risk, as it fuels plaque build-up and accelerates enamel breakdown.

Common causes include:

• Poor brushing and flossing habits
• High-sugar diet
• Orthodontic appliances like braces that trap plaque

Symptoms and Concerns

Symptoms of tooth demineralisation can vary, but may include:

• Visible white spots—often near the gum line or between teeth
• Tooth sensitivity to cold or sweet foods and drinks
• Increased staining or enamel chipping, especially near the gum margins
• In some cases, the white spots may progress deeper into the tooth, reaching the dentine layer and requiring more extensive treatment.

How to Fix White Spot Lesions / Demineralisation

The treatment for white spot lesions depends on how advanced the enamel damage is. Early-stage lesions can sometimes be reversed or halted without invasive procedures.

Effective treatment options include:

• Improving oral hygiene practices: Brush twice daily and floss regularly
• Reducing sugar intake and improving your diet
• Scheduling regular dental check-ups, cleans, and x-rays to monitor progress
• Using high-fluoride toothpaste or prescription dental products as recommended by your dentist
• If the enamel has significantly broken down, restorative treatments such as fillings, enamel microabrasion, or even veneers may be required.

Prevention and Maintenance

Preventing tooth demineralisation and white spots is achievable with consistent care and healthy habits:

• Brush thoroughly twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
• Floss daily to clean between teeth and prevent plaque build-up
• Maintain a balanced diet low in sugar
• Ask your dental professional about fluoride treatments, toothpastes, or remineralising creams if you’re at higher risk

Book Your Consultation at Dental at Keys

If you’re interested in checking your teeth for white spot lesions in Keysborough, we invite you to visit Dental at Keys for a personalised consultation.

(03) 8899 6331

Book Online

Frequently Asked Questions

Make An Enquiry

Can demineralisation of teeth be reversed?

Yes, in the early stages, white spot lesions caused by demineralisation can often be reversed. Treatments may include fluoride applications, remineralising agents like calcium-phosphate pastes, or improved oral hygiene to encourage natural enamel repair.

Are white spot lesions permanent?

Some white spot lesions can fade with remineralisation treatments, while others may remain visible even after the enamel has been strengthened. Cosmetic dental treatments such as resin infiltration, whitening, or veneers can improve the appearance of stubborn white spots.

Who is most at risk of demineralisation of teeth?

Anyone can develop white spot lesions, but those most at risk include:

• Children and teenagers (due to developing enamel)

• People wearing orthodontic braces

• Patients with poor oral hygiene habits

• Individuals with dry mouth or frequent acid exposure

Say Goodbye to stubborn stains 🦷

✨ Presenting with brown and yellow staining on the Anterior teeth—often caused by early enamel defects or mild fluorosis.

✨ Our dentists used a conservative technique known as Enamel Microabrasion, which combines a gentle acid and abrasive to carefully polish away the discoloured enamel.

📌 How it works —
✅ Gently removes a thin layer of enamel
✅ Lifts the surface stains
✅ Softens harsh contrasts and improves surface smoothness.
✅ Reveals a smoother, more even finish.

✨ A simple, effective treatment that makes a big difference in how someone feels about their smile.

For more information, head to our blog post or contact us to discuss your options.

Chalky Teeth (Hypomineralisation of Teeth)

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📞 8899 6331
🌐 https://www.dentalatkeys.com.au
📧 info@dentalatkeys.com.au
🏡 211-215 Chapel Rd, Keysborough 3173

**Results may vary between individuals. The before and after images shown represent the real results of actual patients treated at Dental at Keys. These images are for educational purposes and do not constitute a guarantee of a particular outcome. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner and have a consultation to discuss your specific needs and potential risks.

Results that speak for themselves 😍😍

✨ We worked closely with our lovely patient through each stage, making small adjustments to reach our desired smile.

📌 Treatment highlights

✅ Orthodontic alignment using @invisalign_au to address over crowding and create a functional bite.

📌 The results

✅ A natural, aligned smile.

✅ Functional bite

✅ No crowding

✅ An overall confident SMILE 🥰

Interested in transforming your smile, we’d love to assist you.

—

📞 8899 6331

🌐 https://www.dentalatkeys.com.au

📧 info@dentalatkeys.com.au

🏡 211-215 Chapel Rd, Keysborough 3173

**Results may vary between individuals. The before and after images shown represent the real results of actual patients treated at Dental at Keys. These images are for educational purposes and do not constitute a guarantee of a particular outcome. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner and have a consultation to discuss your specific needs and potential risks.