Helping Reclaim Space During Dental Development
When space is lost after the premature loss or movement of a primary tooth, neighbouring teeth may shift and reduce the room available for a developing permanent tooth. In selected children, a space regainer may be considered to help recover lost space as part of orthodontic treatment.
Reclaiming Space for Developing Teeth
Understanding When Space Regaining May Be Appropriate
Loss of Space
A space regainer may be considered when space has been lost following the premature loss of a primary tooth.
Tooth Movement
Neighbouring teeth may move into an available space, reducing the room needed for a developing permanent tooth.
Reduced Eruption Space
A space regainer may be considered when there is reduced space for an unerupted permanent tooth.
Developing Teeth
Developing permanent teeth may require additional space to support their expected eruption and alignment.
Selected Cases
In selected cases, orthodontic space regaining may be appropriate based on the child's dental development and individual requirements.
Creating Room for Developing Permanent Teeth
Treatment Selected According to Dental Development
Fixed Appliances
A fixed appliance may be attached to selected teeth to apply controlled orthodontic forces and help recover lost space.
Removable Appliances
In selected cases, a removable appliance may be considered where it is appropriate for the child's dental development and ability to follow the recommended wearing routine.
A Structured Approach to Regaining Lost Space
Assessment
The child's teeth, dental development, available space and position of developing permanent teeth are assessed.
Records
Where appropriate, photographs, digital scans or other records may be used to understand the dental structures and support treatment planning.
Treatment Planning
The assessment findings are reviewed to determine whether space regaining is appropriate and which approach may be suitable.
Appliance Placement
If treatment is recommended, the selected appliance is fitted according to the child's individual requirements.
Progress Reviews
Regular appointments allow tooth movement, available space and dental development to be monitored.
Follow-Up
Once the required space has been regained, further treatment or monitoring may be recommended depending on the development and eruption of the permanent teeth.
Caring for Your Child's Appliance
- Maintain good oral hygiene around the appliance.
- Follow the care instructions provided by the orthodontic team.
- Attend scheduled follow-up appointments.
- Take care when eating foods that may affect the appliance.
- Contact the clinic if the appliance becomes loose, damaged or uncomfortable.
Why Individual Assessment Matters
Note: Treatment suitability, timing and duration vary between children.
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Frequently Asked Questions.
Find answers to common questions about space regainers, their use, care and follow-up.
A space regainer is an orthodontic appliance or treatment approach that may be used in selected children to help recover dental space that has been lost.
A child may lose dental space when neighbouring teeth move after the premature loss of a primary tooth. A space regainer may be considered when recovering that space is appropriate for the developing permanent tooth.
No. Treatment is not required in every case. The need for space regaining depends on the child's dental development, available space and the position of the developing permanent teeth.
No. Space maintenance is generally intended to preserve available space, while space regaining is intended to help recover space that has already been lost.
Treatment duration varies between children and depends on the amount of space that needs to be recovered, the appliance used and the child's individual dental development.
Yes. If space-regaining treatment is undertaken, regular follow-up appointments are generally required to monitor tooth movement, appliance function and dental development.
Once the required space has been achieved, the treatment plan may involve further monitoring or other orthodontic management depending on the development and eruption of the permanent teeth.
Contact the orthodontic clinic so the appliance can be assessed and managed appropriately. Avoid attempting to adjust or repair the appliance yourself.
The need for space regaining, treatment approach and duration vary between children and are determined following an individual orthodontic assessment.
Supporting Your Child's Developing Smile
When dental space has been lost, timely assessment can help determine whether space regaining may be appropriate. If your child has experienced premature tooth loss or there is concern about reduced space for developing permanent teeth, an orthodontic assessment can help identify the appropriate next step.