Pediatric dentist-backed guidance
Nance space maintainer
A wire that helps keep upper back teeth from moving forward. It has bands on back teeth and a small plastic pad on the roof of the mouth.
During the visit
The dentist may take a mold or scan, then glue the fitted bands onto the teeth at another visit. The tongue may notice the pad at first.
After the visit
Brush around the bands and pad. Avoid sticky candy and do not play with the wire. Keep checkups so the dentist can watch the new teeth grow.
Good to know
It holds space; it does not replace a missing tooth. Call if the pad causes a sore spot or the device feels loose. The dentist decides when to remove it.
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.