Space maintainers
Baby teeth serve as placeholders for the later erupting permanent teeth. If a primary tooth is lost too early, for example due to tooth decay, adult teeth can move forward into the empty space instead of where they should be, thus narrowing or completely closing the gap for the permanent teeth that come in later.
It is often very difficult, and in some cases even impossible, to reopen the gap to make room for the permanent teeth.
To avoid later costly orthodontic treatment, it is recommended to incorporate a space maintainer in the form of a removable brace in case of premature loss of baby teeth. The space maintainer, which is worn only at night, holds the space open for the later erupting permanent teeth.