--- title: "Space Maintainers UK | When Children Need Them & Costs (2026)" url: https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/space-maintainers-uk description: "When a baby tooth is lost too early, a space maintainer preserves the gap until the adult tooth erupts. Learn about types, NHS access, costs." updated: 2026-08-17T00:00:00Z publisher: Virtual Consultant Online --- Paediatric NHS Space Maintainers # Space Maintainers UK — What They Are and When Children Need Them When a baby tooth is lost too early, the gap can close as neighbouring teeth drift — leaving insufficient room for the adult tooth. Space maintainers preserve the space until the permanent tooth erupts. [Start Photo Assessment](https://virtualconsultant.online/evaluations/quote) [Compare Costs](https://virtualconsultant.online/costs) ## What is a space maintainer and why is one needed? Baby (primary) teeth act as natural guides that reserve space for the permanent teeth developing beneath the gum. If a primary tooth is lost significantly earlier than the expected eruption date of the adult tooth — through decay, trauma, or extraction — the neighbouring teeth can drift or tip into the gap. This reduces the space available for the permanent tooth, often causing it to erupt in the wrong position, become impacted, or require more complex orthodontic treatment later. A space maintainer is a custom-made appliance fitted by a dentist or orthodontist that holds the gap open until the permanent tooth is ready to erupt. It is a simple, preventative measure that can avoid much more involved treatment in the future. ## Types of space maintainer There are four main types used in the UK. A band and loop maintainer is the most common — a stainless steel band is cemented around the tooth adjacent to the gap, with a loop extending across the space to prevent the neighbouring tooth from drifting. It is used for a single missing tooth. A lingual arch is used when multiple lower primary molars have been lost early; a wire runs along the inside of the lower arch, anchored to bands on the back molars, preserving space across several teeth. A Nance appliance serves a similar purpose for the upper arch, with the wire connecting to a small acrylic pad that rests against the palate for stability. A distal shoe is a more specialised appliance used before the first permanent molar has erupted — it extends slightly below the gum line to guide the adult molar into the correct position. Removable space maintainers (similar to a partial denture) are occasionally used for older children but are less commonly prescribed because compliance can be poor. ## NHS access and when a dentist refers Space maintainers are available on the NHS, and the standard NHS charge for a course of treatment involving a space maintainer falls under Band 2 (currently £76.60 in England). A child's NHS dentist will assess whether a space maintainer is clinically appropriate following premature tooth loss. The key factors are how much root remains on the adjacent teeth, how far advanced the permanent tooth is, and whether the gap is already beginning to close. If the gap has already closed significantly, a space maintainer may not be sufficient and a referral to a specialist paediatric dentist or orthodontist may be needed instead. Children under 18 are not charged for NHS dental treatment, so space maintainers are free for those under 18. ## How long does a space maintainer stay in? A space maintainer remains in place until the permanent tooth has erupted sufficiently to hold the space on its own — this can range from a few months to two years depending on the child's age and stage of dental development. The dentist monitors progress at regular check-up appointments. Once the permanent tooth begins to break through the gum, the maintainer is removed. If the space maintainer becomes loose or breaks before then, the dentist should be contacted promptly as a gap left unprotected for even a short time can begin to close. ## Cost — NHS vs private For children under 18, space maintainers on the NHS are provided free of charge as part of routine NHS dental care. Adults requiring a space maintainer (for example following premature loss of a tooth before an implant) would pay the Band 2 NHS charge of £76.60 or private fees typically ranging from £150–£450 depending on the type and complexity. Privately placed space maintainers for children typically cost £200–£500. If a private specialist paediatric dentist is involved, fees are higher, often £350–£800 for more complex cases. ## What happens if a space maintainer is not used? Without intervention, the teeth bordering the gap will drift towards each other, sometimes within weeks. This can cause the permanent tooth to erupt ectopically (in the wrong position), become partially or fully impacted, or push adjacent teeth out of alignment. The long-term consequences often include more extensive and costly orthodontic treatment — potentially fixed braces, extractions, or even surgical exposure of impacted teeth. In some cases, early tooth loss and failure to maintain space contributes significantly to the severity of crowding that requires treatment in the teenage years. Prevention with a simple space maintainer is almost always preferable to the more complex correction needed later. ## Useful related pages [Children's Orthodontics UK](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/childrens-orthodontics-uk) [How to Get NHS Braces](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/how-to-get-nhs-braces) [IOTN Explained](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/iotn-score-explained-uk) [Types of Braces UK](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/types-of-braces-uk) [Get a Quote](https://virtualconsultant.online/evaluations/quote) This guide is for general information only. It is not a diagnosis, treatment plan, or substitute for advice from a registered dentist or orthodontist. ### Compare next steps [Orthodontist Near Me](https://virtualconsultant.online/locations/orthodontic-treatment-near-me) [Clear Aligners Near Me](https://virtualconsultant.online/treatments/clear-aligners-near-me) [Invisalign Near Me](https://virtualconsultant.online/locations/invisalign-provider-near-me) [Browse Locations](https://virtualconsultant.online/locations) ### Ready for a clearer starting point? Upload guided photos and receive an indication of likely treatment options and pricing before booking appointments. [Get an Online Quote](https://virtualconsultant.online/evaluations/quote) ### Frequently Asked Questions Does the NHS cover space maintainers for children? Yes. Space maintainers are available on the NHS and are provided free of charge for children under 18. Adults would pay the Band 2 NHS charge (currently £76.60 in England) or private fees if the treatment is not available NHS in their area. At what age are space maintainers used? Space maintainers can be used at any age during the mixed dentition phase — typically between 5 and 12 years old — when primary teeth have been lost early and permanent teeth have not yet erupted. The decision is based on the specific tooth lost and the stage of development of the underlying permanent tooth, not age alone. How is a space maintainer fitted? The dentist takes an impression of your child's teeth and sends it to a dental laboratory, where the appliance is custom-made. At the fitting appointment, the band is cemented onto the neighbouring tooth with dental adhesive. The process is straightforward and does not usually require anaesthetic. The appointment typically takes 30–45 minutes. Can my child eat normally with a space maintainer? Mostly yes, but the dentist will advise avoiding very sticky foods (toffee, chewing gum, fruit pastilles) that could pull the band loose. Hard foods that could bend or break the wire should also be avoided. Normal meals and most snacks are fine. What if the permanent tooth erupts before the maintainer is removed? The dentist will monitor eruption at check-up appointments. Once the tooth is sufficiently through, the maintainer is removed. If the tooth erupts a little earlier than expected, the dentist can remove the appliance at the next appointment or sooner if needed — it is a simple procedure that takes only a few minutes. How do we clean around a space maintainer? Careful brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush twice daily is essential. A small interdental brush or water flosser can help clean around the band. Standard floss can be threaded under the wire with a floss threader. Regular dental check-ups allow the dentist to monitor the appliance and check that no decay is developing under the band. Explore your options Quick links Not sure where to start? Use these quick links to explore orthodontic treatments, typical costs, and helpful guides that explain what different options involve. Whether you're researching braces or clear aligners, comparing pricing, or just getting a feel for what comes next, you can browse at your own pace and come back when you're ready to request a quote. Explore [Get Quote](https://virtualconsultant.online/evaluations/quote) [Costs](https://virtualconsultant.online/costs) [Browse Treatments](https://virtualconsultant.online/treatments) [Teeth Straightening](https://virtualconsultant.online/treatments/teeth-straightening) [Browse Problems](https://virtualconsultant.online/problems) [Locations](https://virtualconsultant.online/locations) [Near Me](https://virtualconsultant.online/locations/orthodontic-treatment-near-me) [NHS Eligibility Checker](https://virtualconsultant.online/about/do-i-qualify-for-nhs-treatment) [IOTN Score Checker](https://virtualconsultant.online/about/iotn-score-checker) [How To Take Orthodontic Photos](https://virtualconsultant.online/about/process/how-to-take-orthodontic-photos) [Online Orthodontist](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/online-orthodontist-uk) [Research Papers](https://virtualconsultant.online/research) [Social Channels](https://virtualconsultant.online/social) ## Ready for a personalised answer? Upload guided photos and get a tailored recommendation for your teeth and bite. [Start Photo Assessment](https://virtualconsultant.online/evaluations/quote) [Find an Orthodontist](https://virtualconsultant.online/locations) Citation details Title Space Maintainers UK | When Children Need Them & Costs (2026) Publisher Virtual Consultant Online Published 2024-06-01 Updated 2026-08-17 URL [https://staging.virtualconsultant.online/guides/space-maintainers-uk](https://staging.virtualconsultant.online/guides/space-maintainers-uk)