Pediatric dentist-backed guidance
Band-and-loop space maintainer
A small metal band on one tooth with a wire loop across a gap. It helps keep nearby teeth from moving into the space of a baby tooth lost early.
During the visit
The dentist fits or makes the device and glues the band onto a nearby tooth. The loop reaches across the gap to touch the tooth on the other side.
After the visit
Brush around the band and clean as shown. Avoid sticky candy and do not wiggle the loop. Return for checks while the adult tooth grows.
Good to know
The loop is not a tooth to chew on. Not every lost baby tooth needs one. Call if it is loose; the dentist must check or remove it as the new tooth comes in.
Pediatric dentist-backed sources
This page is for learning, not for finding or treating a health problem. Your child’s dentist knows your child best.