Space Maintainer Prices 2026
Calculate your TDB 2026 reference fee for fixed or removable space maintainer treatment used after the early loss of a baby tooth.
A fixed space maintainer cannot be removed by the child once placed; a removable one is a plate that can be taken out and put back in. The choice is made by our paediatric dentist according to the case.
If there is early baby tooth loss in more than one area, a separate space maintainer may be used for each area.
Approximate Clinician Fee
TDB 2026 reference · VAT excluded
Surprised?
This figure reflects the TDB 2026 minimum guideline tariff. For a personalised quote, please get in touch.
Reference fees are based on the TDB 2026 Guideline Tariff (3-10 Fixed / 3-11 Removable Space Maintainer). Prices shown are exclusive of VAT. The definitive plan is set after your child’s examination.
Space maintainer prices are one of the key topics researched by parents whose child has lost a baby tooth early. A space maintainer is a fixed or removable appliance that, when a baby tooth is lost early, keeps the gap from being closed by neighbouring teeth and ensures the permanent tooth coming up underneath erupts in the right position. It is one of the core preventive orthodontic procedures and can reduce — or even completely eliminate — a child’s need for orthodontic treatment later on.
Baby teeth aren’t only there for chewing and speech — they also act as “space holders” for the permanent teeth. Under every baby tooth there is a permanent tooth bud, and that bud uses the area the baby tooth occupies as its “space” until the day it erupts at the right time and in the right place. If a baby tooth is lost prematurely due to decay, abscess, trauma, or baby tooth extraction, neighbouring teeth start to drift into the gap within months. The result is that the permanent tooth coming up underneath can’t find its place, leading to crowding, rotated teeth, or impacted teeth.
A space maintainer is a fully protective appliance system that physically prevents this drift, without interfering with the child’s chewing or speech. Depending on the material and location, it can be fixed (cemented) or removable (taken in and out). In paediatric dentistry, fitting a space maintainer is a typical 2–3 session process consisting of examination, impression-taking, laboratory fabrication, and cementation.
At our clinic Doredent in Avcılar, Istanbul, space maintainers are placed by our paediatric dentist Dr. Dt. Ceyda Pınar Tanrıverdi. The most appropriate type of space maintainer is selected based on the location of the lost baby tooth, the child’s age, the eruption timing of the permanent tooth, and intraoral conditions. The fit of the appliance and the eruption timing of the permanent tooth are tracked at routine check-ups.
What Is a Space Maintainer?
A space maintainer is a fixed or removable orthodontic appliance used to keep the gap created by an early-lost baby tooth from being closed by neighbouring teeth. It is made of stainless steel wires, acrylic plates, or a combination, and is fabricated individually in a laboratory from a custom impression of the child’s mouth.
The goal of a space maintainer isn’t to “replace” the tooth — it’s to “preserve” the space. A space maintainer can also include an artificial tooth (particularly when there is an aesthetic need in the anterior region), but its main function is to maintain the width of the gap. When the permanent tooth begins to erupt, the appliance is removed and the tooth seats naturally into place.
Types of Space Maintainer
Band-and-Loop
Most CommonUsed after the loss of a single primary molar. A metal band is fitted on the tooth behind, with a wire loop extending forward from it to preserve the space. It is fixed and the child cannot remove it; it is durable and reliable.
Crown-and-Loop
Crown-SupportedUsed when the tooth behind is unable to hold a band because of decay, root canal treatment, or significant tooth structure loss. A loop is soldered onto a stainless steel crown.
Lingual Arch (Lower Lingual Holding Arch)
Lower JawPreferred in the lower jaw for bilateral (two-sided) tooth loss. Bands fitted on both lower molars are connected by a wire that runs along the tongue side. It is fixed and protects more than one tooth.
Nance or Transpalatal Arch (TPA)
Upper JawUsed in the upper jaw for bilateral tooth loss. Links the molars on both sides with an acrylic button resting against the palate or a metal bar running across. Prevents space loss in the upper jaw.
Removable Space Maintainer
RemovableA removable acrylic plate with artificial teeth embedded in it. Offers an aesthetic advantage and suits multiple-tooth losses, but requires the child’s cooperation; the risk of loss and breakage is higher.
Distal Shoe
Early Baby Tooth LossUsed when a second primary molar is lost very early (before the 6-year molar has erupted) to guide the still-unerupted permanent molar. It has a metal extension that extends beneath the gum.
The Space Maintainer Process
Space maintainer treatment is a 2–3 session process that requires custom laboratory fabrication. The steps are as follows:
Clinical Examination
The location of the lost tooth, the condition of neighbouring teeth, and intraoral hygiene are assessed. The type of space maintainer is planned, with the child’s cooperation and age in mind to select the most appropriate option.
Radiographic Assessment
The presence of the permanent tooth bud, its position in bone, and its expected eruption time are assessed on a radiograph. These findings determine appliance choice and how long the appliance will stay in place. If the bud is absent, a different treatment plan is built.
Taking the Impression
Depending on the type of space maintainer, a detailed impression is taken with silicone or a digital scanner. The impression is sent to the laboratory; a precise impression is critical to the fit of the appliance.
Laboratory Fabrication
The space maintainer is custom-fabricated by experienced dental laboratory technicians. Fabrication takes 3–7 days on average. Temporary protection in the child’s mouth is not generally needed during this window; the drift process is slow.
Fitting the Space Maintainer
The fabricated appliance is fitted in the child’s mouth. With fixed types, the bands are cemented to the teeth; with removable types, the child is taught how to take it in and out. Fit is checked.
Care and Habit Advice
The parent and child are walked through hygiene for the appliance and the foods to avoid. Sticky and hard foods threaten the integrity of the appliance.
Follow-Up Visits
At routine 3–6 monthly check-ups, the fit of the appliance, hygiene, and the eruption status of the permanent tooth underneath are tracked. Once the permanent tooth starts to erupt, the space maintainer is removed and the process is complete.
Factors Affecting Space Maintainer Prices
Space maintainer cost varies with the type, material, and scope of treatment:
Type of Space Maintainer
Simple single-tooth types such as a band-and-loop, bilateral types such as a lingual arch or Nance, removable acrylic plates, and specialised forms such as a distal shoe all carry different costs. As complexity increases, so does cost.
Material Used
Standard stainless steel space maintainers, aesthetic options (with an acrylic tooth), and crown-supported designs are priced differently. An aesthetic preference raises the cost.
Unilateral or Bilateral Application
A space maintainer for a single-tooth gap and a bilateral space maintainer for tooth loss on both sides differ in cost. Bilateral cases call for a more extensive solution.
Laboratory Labour
Because a space maintainer is a custom-made appliance, dental laboratory cost directly affects the price. Quality lab work produces a long-lasting result; cheaper alternatives can fail quickly.
Need for Adjunct Treatment
If a crown (SSC) needs to be placed on the tooth behind first, the stainless steel crown fee is calculated separately. Crown-and-loop cases affect the total cost.
Follow-Up and Replacement
In cases that require long-term wear, the appliance may need adjustment at follow-up visits or replacement in case of breakage. These situations add to cost.
Fixed vs. Removable Space Maintainer
| Feature | Fixed Space Maintainer | Removable Space Maintainer |
|---|---|---|
| Removable | Fixed, cannot be removed | Taken in and out by the child |
| Cooperation Needed | Not dependent on child cooperation | Child must wear it regularly |
| Risk of Loss | None | Yes |
| Aesthetics | Metal visible (but in the posterior area) | Aesthetic advantage with an artificial tooth |
| Multiple Tooth Loss | Limited (lingual arch, Nance) | Suitable for wider-area loss |
| Hygiene | Brushing is a little harder | Removable for cleaning |
Frequently Asked Questions
Not in every case. For example, if the permanent tooth is about to erupt, a space maintainer may not be needed. However, if there are more than 6 months until the permanent tooth is due, or the tooth bud is sitting deep, a space maintainer is most likely required. The decision is made through a clinical examination and a radiographic assessment.
It stays in place until the permanent tooth underneath is due to erupt. That period varies from a few months to a few years. Once the permanent tooth starts to appear in the mouth, the appliance is removed. It is monitored at check-ups.
There can be a brief adjustment period of a few days at first. After that, the child carries on normally without really noticing the appliance. Speech and eating aren’t affected; adaptation is quick.
Fixed space maintainers are cemented and rarely come off. In case of breakage or loss, see the clinician without delay; otherwise narrowing of the gap can become inevitable within a short time. A delay can put the whole treatment at risk.
Floss and interdental brushes are important with fixed space maintainers. Removable space maintainers are taken out at night to be brushed and stored in water. Fluoride treatment adds extra protection; it prevents decay under the appliance.
After fitting, a mild sense of pressure can last for 1–2 days, which is normal. It doesn’t cause pain. If there is irritation of the gum or cheek, the clinician resolves it with small adjustments; if adaptation is difficult, a follow-up visit is recommended.
A lingual arch is preferred in the lower jaw, and a Nance or transpalatal arch in the upper jaw. For multiple losses in the anterior region, a removable space maintainer (an acrylic plate with artificial teeth) is a more aesthetic option. Planning is case-specific.
Without a space maintainer, neighbouring teeth drift into the gap and the permanent tooth can’t find its space. In that case, orthodontic treatment is most likely needed later. A space maintainer prevents that more extensive treatment in most cases; a small investment avoids a major treatment cost.
Yes. A space maintainer only preserves the space — it doesn’t prevent the permanent tooth from erupting. When the permanent tooth’s roots mature and it’s due to erupt, the appliance is removed and the tooth comes through normally. The natural eruption process isn’t interrupted.
SGK provides cover for paediatric dental treatment delivered in contracted state hospitals and oral and dental health centres. Space maintainers in private clinics are outside SGK coverage; some private health insurance policies may partially cover paediatric dental treatment. We recommend checking with your insurance provider about the scope of your cover.
