Missing teeth & implant planning
When a baby tooth is lost early, neighboring teeth can drift into the gap and block the adult tooth. A space maintainer is a small, custom band and wire that holds the spot open. It is quick...
What this actually means
When a baby tooth is lost early, neighboring teeth can drift into the gap and block the adult tooth. A space maintainer is a small, custom band and wire that holds the spot open. It is quick to place and comes out when the adult tooth arrives.
Some children are born missing one or more adult teeth, often the upper lateral incisors. Implants cannot be placed until jaw growth finishes, usually around 17 to 19. We coordinate with orthodontists and oral surgeons, keep the space healthy with a retainer tooth or bonded bridge, and hand over records when your teen is ready.
What is included
No line items sprung on you afterwards. Here is everything that happens in this appointment.
- Panoramic X-ray to map developing adult teeth
- Custom space maintainer when needed
- Retainer with a replacement tooth for teens
- Coordination with orthodontist and oral surgeon
- Growth monitoring at checkups
- Full records transfer for implant placement
How the visit goes
Four steps, start to finish, so your child knows what is coming next.
- Step 1
Map
X-rays show which adult teeth are present and on their way.
- Step 2
Hold
A space maintainer or retainer keeps the gap the right size.
- Step 3
Monitor
We track growth every six months.
- Step 4
Hand off
When growth is complete we coordinate implant placement.
Why parents choose this
The practical payoff, in plain language.
No drifting
Holding space avoids bigger ortho problems later.
Team approach
One plan shared across every specialist.
Looks natural now
Teens get a replacement tooth for school photos.
What it usually costs
We verify your benefits before treatment and hand you a written estimate. No surprises on the way out.
- Space maintainer
- From $365 (sample)
- Retainer with tooth
- From $540 (sample)
- Panoramic X-ray
- From $110 (sample)
- Insurance
- Maintainers usually covered
Sample prices for illustration. Implant placement is billed by the oral surgeon.
Often booked together
Families who come in for this usually ask about these too.
Invisalign First & teen aligners
Early phase alignment for ages 6 to 10 and clear aligners for teens, with an ortho check at age 7.
Read more
Baby tooth crowns & pulp therapy
Durable kid crowns and gentle nerve treatment that keep baby teeth working until they are ready to fall out.
Read more
Checkups & cleanings
Gentle six-month visits with counting games, a tooth-tickle polish and a prize at the end.
Read more
Missing teeth & implant planning questions
Still unsure? Our coordinators answer these on the phone every day.
All parent questionsNo. It depends on which tooth, your child's age and how soon the adult tooth will arrive. We will show you on the X-ray.
Usually once jaw growth stops, around 17 for girls and 19 for boys. Placing it earlier can leave the implant looking sunken as the jaw keeps growing.
Kids get used to it within a few days. We give you a list of sticky foods to skip.
Happy teeth start here
New patients are usually seen within 10 days. Tell us a little about your child and we will call to confirm a time that works.
