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Space Maintainers Epsom, Auckland

Space Maintainers at Alpers

Space Maintainers Auckland – Protecting Your Child’s Smile as They Grow

When baby teeth fall out earlier than expected—whether due to injury, decay, or developmental issues—it can create problems for how the adult teeth come in. That’s where space maintainers come in. At Alpers Dental, we offer customised space maintainers in Auckland to guide proper tooth development and prevent future orthodontic complications.

A space maintainer is a small dental device placed by a paediatric dentist to “hold the space” left by a prematurely lost baby tooth. This helps ensure that permanent teeth grow into their correct positions, preventing crowding, misalignment, or impaction as your child’s mouth continues to develop.

Early tooth loss can happen for many reasons, including:

Dental trauma or accidents

Severe decay

Congenital conditions

Early extractions

Our team will assess your child’s individual needs and recommend the most appropriate type of space maintainer—whether fixed or removable—to support their growing smile.

At Alpers Dental, we’re experienced in working with children and take a gentle, reassuring approach. If your child has lost a baby tooth early, talk to us about space maintainers in Auckland to help protect their long-term oral health.

Book a consultation today—we’re here to support your child’s smile, every step of the way.

What are the different types of space maintainers?

There are two categories of paediatric space maintainers and in each of those categories, there are different types of maintainers. The first category is Fixed Space Maintainers. A fixed space maintainer is a semi-permanent tooth fixture that keeps enough space open for the adult teeth to grow in. Once the adult teeth come in, the maintainer is removed.

Removable Space Maintainers
The second category of maintainers is removable space maintainers. These types of maintainers are a good option if your child’s tooth is just about ready to grow in. These devices are usually made of acrylic material and can be fitted with a fake tooth. The removable maintainers make it easier for your child to keep good oral hygiene habits. The downside to these maintainers is that they are not as effective at maintaining space as fixed devices.
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How long do space maintainers last?

Space maintainers last until the permanent teeth come in–they act as a replacement holder for teeth that are lost early.

It is important with space maintainers that regular brushing and dental check-ups take place.

Do space maintainers need to be removed?

Yes, a dental space maintainer should be removed when the permanent tooth is ready to come into place. Your dentist will know when the time is right to remove the space maintainer.

More Questions?

If you have more questions about space maintainers, or if you would like to schedule an appointment or contact our office and we will be happy to discuss further.

Opening Hours

Monday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Tuesday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Wednesday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Thursday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays: Closed
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