08/17/2026
Baby teeth don't just help children chew and smile. They also hold the proper space for permanent teeth developing underneath.When a baby tooth is lost earlier than expected, nearby teeth may begin to shift into the open space. In some cases, Dr. Young may recommend a space maintainer, a small dental appliance designed to keep that space open until the permanent tooth is ready to come in.Protecting that space now can help support proper tooth alignment and prevent more complicated dental concerns later.