Space Maintainers for Kids’ Teeth in Walnut Creek, CA

Kids in Walnut Creek lose baby teeth early all the time—usually from scooter falls at Heather Farm Park, playground accidents at Parkmead Elementary, or cavities that took out a baby molar too soon. When that happens, the neighboring teeth naturally drift into the empty space and block the adult tooth from erupting correctly. A space maintainer is a specialized appliance that holds the space open to prevent severe crowding.

Your Dentist in Walnut Creek measures the gap and fits a custom band or loop that keeps everything in position. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), space maintainers are vital because baby teeth act as guides for the permanent teeth; if a guide is lost, the permanent tooth may become impacted or grow in crooked, needing more orthodontic work later on.

We check the appliance every few months to make sure it’s comfortable and clean. Many parents near Ygnacio Valley Rd say this small step prevented much bigger orthodontic issues and the need for complex braces later on. The Mayo Clinic highlights that maintaining the integrity of a child’s dental arch is essential for proper speech development and chewing function as they grow.

As the Cleveland Clinic notes, there are several types of space maintainers—both fixed and removable—and the choice depends on which tooth was lost and the child’s age. For active families frequenting Civic Park or Broadway Plaza, we prioritize durable, fixed options that won’t get lost during daily play.

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