A primary (baby) tooth is sometimes lost due to decay or injury. If this happens before the permanent (adult) tooth is fully developed and ready to emerge, the nearby teeth can "tip" or shift into the space formerly occupied by the baby tooth. A space maintainer holds open the spot left by the lost tooth until the adult tooth is ready to emerge.(Photo 1)

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A space maintainer can also be used as an "anchor" during active treatment to prevent teeth from drifting forward. (Photo 2)

Space maintainers are generally "fixed" appliances, which can only be removed by Dr. Ritucci.