Medically reviewed by Dr. Aditi Jain, BDS, MDS · Periodontist & Oral Implantologist · with 15 years of experience·Last reviewed 11 June 2026
A space maintainer is a small, gentle appliance that holds open the gap left when a baby tooth is lost too early, so the adult tooth underneath has room to come through in the right place. At Surekha Dental Clinic in Mulund West, Mumbai, space maintainers are fitted in a calm, child-friendly way, with no injection needed for the routine fitting. They help children who have lost a milk tooth early to decay or a knock, before the permanent tooth is ready to erupt. Holding the space stops the neighbouring teeth drifting into the gap, helps the new tooth grow in straighter and often means less orthodontic work later. If your child has lost a baby tooth early, our friendly team is here to keep them comfortable and protect their growing smile.
When should you bring your child in for a space maintainer?
If your child loses a baby tooth earlier than expected, a quick check helps before the gap starts to close. Bring your child in if you notice any of the following.
A baby tooth has come out, or had to be removed, well before the adult tooth underneath is ready to erupt
A baby tooth was knocked out in a fall or while playing, leaving a gap that will stay until the adult tooth arrives
The teeth on either side of the gap look like they are leaning or sliding into the empty space
Your child finds it hard to chew on the side where the tooth is missing
The dentist has removed a badly decayed baby tooth and the permanent tooth is not yet due to come through
Food keeps getting stuck in the gap, making that area harder to keep clean
Step by step
Here is exactly what happens during your space maintainers, step by step.
1Step 1 of 2
How is the band for a space maintainer fitted?
The space maintainer is anchored by a small metal band fitted around the healthy tooth right next to the gap. The dentist tries a few of these thin, smooth rings until one slips snugly over that neighbouring tooth, a little like finding the right ring size for a finger. There is no injection for this routine fitting, and most children feel only a light squeeze as the band is seated, nothing sharp. We take our time, show your child each little ring first and keep the sitting calm and friendly. Once the band sits comfortably and the bite feels right, the dentist measures the gap. This banded tooth will hold the appliance steady, ready for the small wire loop added in the next step.
2Step 2 of 2
How is the wire loop attached and cemented in place?
With the band in place, a thin metal wire loop is attached to it so the loop rests gently across the space where the baby tooth was lost. The dentist shapes the smooth loop to just touch the tooth on the far side of the gap, so the neighbouring teeth cannot drift inward. The finished appliance is then cemented onto the banded tooth with a safe dental cement, which sets in a few minutes while your child sits comfortably. From then on the loop quietly holds the space open, giving the permanent tooth a clear path to come through in the right place. Most children get used to it within a day or two, and we will show you both how to keep it clean at home.
Frequently asked questions about space maintainers
Does fitting a space maintainer hurt my child?
No, fitting a space maintainer is gentle and needs no injection for the routine fitting. Your child feels only a light squeeze as the band is placed, nothing sharp. We work slowly, explain each step in a child-friendly way and keep things calm, so most children sit comfortably through the short sitting at Surekha Dental Clinic.
How long does my child need to wear the space maintainer?
Your child wears the space maintainer until the permanent tooth underneath is ready to come through, which can take months or a couple of years depending on their age and which tooth was lost. The dentist checks it at regular check-ups and removes it at the right time, so the adult tooth has clear room to erupt.
Is a space maintainer safe for children?
Yes, space maintainers are a safe and well-established part of paediatric dentistry, used after a baby tooth is lost early. The appliance is made of smooth, dental-grade stainless steel and sits quietly in the mouth. The dentist checks it at routine check-ups to make sure it stays comfortable and keeps doing its job as your child grows.
How do we keep the space maintainer clean?
Help your child brush gently around the band and loop twice a day, just as they brush their other teeth, and rinse after meals to clear any trapped food. To begin with, steer them away from very sticky or hard sweets that could loosen it. The team at Surekha Dental Clinic will show you simple ways to keep it clean.
What if the space maintainer comes loose or falls out?
If the appliance feels loose, slips or comes out, keep it safe and call Surekha Dental Clinic on +91 98334 88847 so we can see your child soon. The gap can begin to close within weeks once the maintainer is out, so prompt refitting matters. Keep a loose piece away from your child so it cannot be swallowed or chewed.
How much does a space maintainer cost in Mumbai?
The cost of a space maintainer depends on the type used, which tooth is missing and how many appliances your child needs. There is no single fixed price. Please call Surekha Dental Clinic on +91 98334 88847 or use the booking form, and a written cost is provided after a short examination, with no obligation to proceed.
