Family Friendly & Specialty Dentists in London, UK
A space maintainer is a small appliance that holds the gap left by a baby tooth lost too early, so the neighbouring teeth do not drift into the space the adult tooth needs. We assess your child to decide the right appliance and how long it should stay in place.
Our dentists provide these treatments at our Primrose Hill practice.
Losing a baby tooth early, whether through decay or an injury, matters more than it looks. The teeth on either side tip into the gap, the adult tooth beneath can come through crooked or get stuck, and the result is often crowding that needs orthodontic treatment later. We use dental x-rays to see where the adult tooth is and how much room it has. Holding that space is part of the paediatric dentistry in London we provide.
Where decay caused the loss, we also treat the rest of the mouth so it does not happen again: paediatric crowns for badly broken-down teeth, and the brushing habits that keep plaque under control.
The right appliance depends on which tooth was lost, where, and how long the gap needs holding. We diagnose first so the device fits the gap and stays secure. If your child has other decay, we can place children's fillings first. For nervous children, we plan the visit using our care for anxious children.
Children's care is provided by our dentists, with the practice led by Dr Ope Sodeinde, GDC-registered specialist periodontist (GDC No. 104071). Where the gap raises wider alignment questions, Dr Kia Papagalani, specialist orthodontist (GDC No. 228487), can advise. You receive an itemised breakdown of costs at the consultation, before any work begins.
Leave your number and we will call you back. Nothing is booked until you say so.
Children who lose a baby tooth well before the adult tooth is ready to come through. We keep the visit calm for anxious children and support children with additional requirements through special needs dentistry. If decay caused the loss, we may suggest silver diamine fluoride to manage other early cavities. Parents often feel guilty when a child needs treatment; it is common, and we focus on the solution.
A consultation lets us assess the gap and confirm the right appliance.
We examine your child's teeth to decide whether a space maintainer is needed, including where a tooth was lost through children's dental trauma, and which appliance will hold the gap.
We plan the device for the specific gap. The type and how long it stays in depend on your child's development. Details of paediatric dentistry costs in London help you plan.
We fit the appliance and check it is secure and comfortable. We take this slowly for children who are anxious.
We review the space and the appliance at regular visits to check it is still in place and the adult tooth is developing as expected. Some maintainers need to stay in for several years, and we tell you that upfront.
We remove the appliance once the adult tooth is ready to come through, and check the preserved space is enough for it.
Our clinical team provides preventive and restorative care for children at Primrose Hill, including fluoride treatments, dental hygiene for children and teens, and regular exams and cleanings.
Where a tooth needs repair we use tooth-coloured composite resin or conservative dental bonding. We also offer nutrition advice to families, since diet drives most early tooth loss from decay.
We keep visits calm and unhurried, give honest options, and never pressure a family into treatment. While the maintainer is in place we also watch how the bite is developing, and can discuss early orthodontic treatment if it is needed.
Often, yes. The consultation shows us how much the neighbouring teeth have already moved and whether a maintainer is needed. We also check for other needs, such as tongue and lip tie treatment.
Costs depend on the appliance required. You get a clear breakdown of fees at the assessment, before treatment starts.
Until the adult tooth is ready to come through, which can be months or years depending on your child's development. We monitor it at regular reviews.
We choose the appliance that fits your child's gap and stage of development, and confirm it at the clinical assessment.
Our dentists assess your child's stage of development and the gap itself before recommending an appliance. Read what happens at your child's dental consultation and how to book; we explain the options and expected duration at that visit.
020 7589 7792
Space maintenance usually sits alongside other children's care: children's fillings and silver diamine fluoride for decay, early orthodontic treatment where the bite needs guiding, children's dental trauma care, tongue and lip tie treatment, and care for anxious children.
After the assessment you receive a written plan and an itemised quote that is yours to keep. Arrange your assessment with the team to confirm the right space maintainer for your child.
020 7589 7792
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111 Regent's Park Road, Primrose Hill, London NW1 8UR
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