Sometimes when a baby tooth is lost prematurely, it's very easy for the surrounding teeth to drift into this open space. This can cause the permanent teeth to erupt out of position leading to crooked teeth or be blocked out entirely leading to possible need for surgery.

Fortunately, there is a dental appliance called space maintainer, commonly known as spacer. A child will wear a space maintainer which is fabricated at our Pediatric Dental office in Springfield, Illinois and the spacer is removed when the permanent tooth is ready to erupt naturally. So we can help your child develop the best bite possible.