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Space Maintainers In Dubai | AQR Orthodontics

Preserving Growing Smiles – Space Maintainers in Dubai

When a child loses a baby tooth too early, the surrounding teeth may drift into the empty space, blocking the path for the permanent tooth to erupt properly. A space maintainer is a simple orthodontic appliance that gently holds the gap open until the permanent tooth is ready. At AQR Orthodontics, we use custom-made space maintainers to guide natural dental development and prevent future problems like crowding, misalignment, or bite issues.

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What Is a Space Maintainer?

A space maintainer is a custom orthodontic appliance designed to hold open the gap left by a prematurely lost primary (baby) tooth. Its purpose is to prevent surrounding teeth from drifting into that space, ensuring the permanent tooth can erupt correctly. For children, this is a simple but powerful preventive and interceptive orthodontic device that helps reduce future crowding, misalignment, or bite problems.

When Is It Needed? (Indications)

Early Loss of Baby Tooth

Early Loss of Baby Tooth

when decay, trauma, or extraction causes a primary tooth to fall out before its permanent replacement is ready.

Over-retained Baby Tooth

Over-retained Baby Tooth

when a baby tooth does not fall out on time, blocking space for the permanent tooth.

Congenitally Missing Teeth

Congenitally Missing Teeth

when a child is born without one or more permanent teeth, maintainers help preserve space for prosthetic or dental solutions later.

Delayed Eruption of Permanent Tooth

Delayed Eruption of Permanent Tooth

If permanent teeth are slow to erupt, adjacent teeth risk drifting into the space.

Mixed Dentition Phase Risk

Mixed Dentition Phase Risk

During the transition from baby to adult teeth, maintaining spaces is crucial to avoid bite problems later.

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space maintainers 1

Types of Space Maintainers (Common Designs)

Fixed (cemented) types

Band-and-Loop

A metal band on a neighbouring tooth with a wire loop across the space; simple and effective for unilateral gaps.

Crown-and-Loop

Similar to band-and-loop, but uses a crown when adjacent teeth need restoration.

Lingual Arch

Wire on the inside of lower teeth connecting molars; preserves arch length bilaterally.

Transpalatal Arch / Nance Appliance

A bar or acrylic button on the roof of the mouth connected to molars to keep upper teeth from drifting inward.

Distal-Shoe Appliance

When a back baby molar is lost before the permanent molar erupts, this appliance guides eruption path under the gum.

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Removable types

Acrylic Removable Maintainer

Similar to retainers; useful when teeth are reasonably stable and child can comply.

Partial Denture-Style

Removable Appliance – can serve both aesthetic and space-maintaining functions until permanent teeth arrive.

Why Choose AQR Orthodontics for Space Maintainers in Dubai

Pediatric Specialist Care

Dr. AQR has extensive experience in early interceptive orthodontics to decide exactly when a space maintainer is needed for your child.

Tailored Appliance Design

We use digital scans and high-quality materials to custom fabricate either fixed or removable space maintainers—designed to be comfortable, durable, and effective.

Preventive Focus

Rather than waiting until crowding occurs, AQR Orthodontics uses space maintainers as early preventive devices to avoid more complex treatment later (braces, extractions).

Holistic Monitoring & Support

Once a space maintainer is placed, we follow up carefully to ensure proper fit, timely removal, and healthy eruption of permanent teeth, minimizing risks of misalignment.

If your child lost a baby tooth early or you’re noticing gaps where permanent teeth should emerge, Schedule a consultation with Dr. AQR today to determine if a space maintainer is right for preserving future dental health.

Dr AQR

What Our Patients Say

ACg8ocIZMFB8Gil7zOa77f293SZvznGH8dHXOlILCZvpCQcldTUdzfny=s56 c rp mo br100Naqiyah Burhani
16:35 17 Jul 25
I had my wisdom tooth extracted by Dr. Abdulqadir, and the experience was incredibly smooth. He also treated both my daughters for their stubborn milk teeth that wouldn’t fall out on their own.

What truly stood out was his attention to detail and how carefully he observed our reactions throughout the process. He was so patient and kind, and made sure we felt calm and comfortable every step of the way. Even when we were nervous, he maintained his composure and reassured us constantly, which helped ease our anxiety.

Thanks to his gentle approach, the entire experience was pain-free and stress-free. Truly grateful for the care and professionalism he showed to me and my girls.
AB3l90DlWz3IQMALeYDgvd2uZQb1 n4 IwgqMqAyb0LMXR3HEWLSSnXxn7iWfDZNNBRCnNcJGuseJEbzTe3nfSdOgXb7zu5AiwcxawMVqxXWBx1
ALV UjUytB8Oy0YiOt6 mcYIlPErDlWChbHyKubDIVBCDsAKtUYdPgc4=s56 c rp mo br100Hassan Moeen
14:01 17 Jul 25
We have had a great experience collaborating with AQR. He’s very genuine with his work and cares for his patients.
ALV UjV9n8B0zWv29KiUynyHw76TqWaZY1r46mB5TptYr8TPWvEOBSs=s56 c rp mo br100Umesh Kumar
12:03 17 Jul 25
Very nice experience
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Looking for a perfect smile? Our expert orthodontists in Dubai are here to help! Whether you need Spark Aligners, traditional braces, or a customized treatment plan, we ensure a comfortable and seamless experience.

  • Call Us: +971 56 882 7870
  • Email Us: info@aqrorthodontics.com

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

A space maintainer is a device placed when a baby tooth is lost early to keep the gap open so the permanent tooth can erupt in its proper position. 

Without a space maintainer, adjacent teeth can drift into the open space, blocking the permanent tooth and leading to misalignment and more complex orthodontic treatment later. 

No — they are temporary appliances, typically removed once the permanent tooth begins to erupt or when it’s ready to take its place. 

There are fixed types (band-and‐loop, lingual arches, distal shoe) and removable types (acrylic retainers with spacer bars) depending on the child’s needs. 


Typically, space maintainers are kept for a few months to a couple of years until the permanent tooth erupts and the space is no longer needed. 


Yes — brush carefully around it daily, avoid sticky or hard foods, and get regular check-ups to ensure it remains intact and effective.

A well-designed custom appliance has minimum chances of breakage. But yes, it can loosen, bend, or break under extreme force. If that happens, schedule an orthodontic visit right away to repair or replace it. 

Most children adjust within a few days. Some may feel mild pressure or awareness, but discomfort typically lessens quickly.

In many cases yes — maintaining proper spacing helps reduce the severity of misalignment, possibly minimizing future orthodontic needs.

Contact your orthodontist if it becomes loose, broken, causes pain, or if you see the permanent tooth pushing underneath it.