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Space Maintainers in Jenison, MI

How to Prepare for Your Space Maintainer Appointment

Close-up portrait of a smiling young girl showing bright, healthy teeth representing excellent pediatric dental care and preventive oral hygiene habits

Before your child’s appointment, ensure they brush and floss thoroughly to keep their mouth clean. Bring any questions or concerns about your child’s dental development to discuss with the dentist.

Avoid sticky or hard foods before the visit, as these can make it harder to get an accurate impression or fit. Encourage your child to relax — the procedure is quick, comfortable, and completely safe.

Your dentist will determine whether a space maintainer is needed after evaluating X rays and tooth spacing. If necessary, a custom device will be made and fitted during a follow-up visit within one to two weeks.

Close-up portrait of a smiling young girl showing bright, healthy teeth representing excellent pediatric dental care and preventive oral hygiene habits
Dentist and assistant in protective gear examining a young child in a pediatric dental clinic focusing on gentle, caring, and comfortable dental care for kids

Aftercare for Space Maintainers

Dentist and assistant in protective gear examining a young child in a pediatric dental clinic focusing on gentle, caring, and comfortable dental care for kids

After your child receives a space maintainer, it’s important to maintain good oral hygiene. Help them brush carefully around the device to remove food particles and prevent plaque buildup.

Avoid sticky candies, gum, and crunchy foods like popcorn or ice that can loosen or damage the appliance. Teach your child to avoid playing with it using their tongue or fingers.

To keep the space maintainer effective, schedule regular checkups every few months. Your dentist will monitor its fit and remove it once the permanent tooth begins to emerge. With proper care, the device ensures long-term spacing and a straighter future smile.

Aftercare for Space Maintainers

Male dentist wearing protective mask using a dental microscope for precision work during an endodontic or restorative procedure in a high-tech dental clinic

After your child receives a space maintainer, it’s important to maintain good oral hygiene. Help them brush carefully around the device to remove food particles and prevent plaque buildup.

Avoid sticky candies, gum, and crunchy foods like popcorn or ice that can loosen or damage the appliance. Teach your child to avoid playing with it using their tongue or fingers.

To keep the space maintainer effective, schedule regular checkups every few months. Your dentist will monitor its fit and remove it once the permanent tooth begins to emerge. With proper care, the device ensures long-term spacing and a straighter future smile.

Male dentist wearing protective mask using a dental microscope for precision work during an endodontic or restorative procedure in a high-tech dental clinic

Benefits of Space Maintainers

Space maintainers help children in Jenison, MI maintain proper tooth alignment and prevent future orthodontic issues. Early intervention protects both oral health and smile development. Here are the key benefits:

  • Prevents Future Problems

    Stops crowding and misalignment before it starts.

  • Better Oral Health

    Keeps teeth and gums healthy as new teeth grow in.

  • Save on Future Costs

    Reduces the need for complex orthodontic treatment later.

  • Peace of Mind

    Protects your child’s smile with professional preventive care.

What to Expect During Space Maintainers

Female dental hygienist in blue gloves examining a patient’s teeth with dental instruments during a routine cleaning and oral health assessment

Your child’s visit is comfortable and simple, focused on protecting natural tooth spacing and healthy growth.

  • Initial Steps/Setup: Your dentist takes impressions and reviews X rays to design the appliance.

  • Main Treatment/Procedure: The space maintainer is fitted securely to ensure comfort and stability.

  • Professional Care & Monitoring: The dentist checks the fit and ensures your child feels comfortable.

  • Completion & Post-Procedure: You’ll receive care instructions and schedule follow-up visits for monitoring.

Female dental hygienist in blue gloves examining a patient’s teeth with dental instruments during a routine cleaning and oral health assessment
From consult to results, it’s simple

Effortless Smile Care in Just 3 Steps

  • STEP 1

    Schedule Your Visit

    Getting started is easy. Call us at (616) 532-3212 or book your appointment online at a time that works best for you. Our friendly team will confirm your visit, review your needs, and make sure you feel prepared before your consultation.

  • STEP 2

    Personalized Treatment Plan

    During your visit, Dr. Boeschenstein and Dr. Middleton will carefully examine your teeth and gums, discuss your dental history, and listen to your concerns. Our team will clearly explain your treatment options and create a personalized plan that fits your goals and comfort.

  • STEP 3

    Enjoy a Healthier Smile

    Before you leave, our team will review your treatment plan, answer all questions, and schedule any follow-up appointments if needed. You’ll leave with confidence, knowing your oral health is in expert hands and your smile is well cared for.

Frequently Asked Questions

Parents in Jenison, MI often ask when their child might need a space maintainer and how to care for it. At Dr. Boeschenstein & Middleton Family Dentistry, we make the process easy, gentle, and focused on keeping young smiles healthy as they grow.

  • A space maintainer is needed when a baby tooth is lost early to keep the area open for the permanent tooth to grow properly.

  • No, space maintainers are painless. Most children adjust within a few days and barely notice they’re wearing one.

  • It stays in place until the permanent tooth begins to erupt, usually for several months to a year, depending on the child’s growth.

  • Yes, but avoid sticky or hard foods that can loosen or damage the appliance. Regular meals and soft snacks are perfectly fine.

  • The cost varies depending on the type and complexity, but many dental insurance plans cover it as a preventive treatment.

  • Yes, most insurance plans include coverage since it’s considered part of preventive pediatric dentistry.

Where Every Smile Tells a Story

Patients appreciate the welcoming atmosphere, caring team, and gentle approach that make every visit comfortable. Many families return year after year, trusting us to keep their smiles healthy. Their stories reflect the genuine care and lasting relationships we build every day.

Dr. B is perfect at putting patients at ease. Her staff and hygienists are so good at what they do! This is a great dentist office if you have any anxiety about those visits.

Beth Stribley
Is a wonderful dentist and person! The staff is great. Dr B and her staff are always happy and helpful. She has always done a great job. I would highly recommend!!!
Kim Scharf
I really enjoyed getting my teeth cleaned today, as Dr B explained everything she was doing and that she could help me with my dentures as they didn’t fit. She was able to help me out so I don’t have to get new ones. She wants to see me in two weeks if having any issues or cancel it if they are working out.
Teresa Slot
Super happy with Dr. B and her entire staff. Friendly, and happy, you are not just another patient. Welcoming is another good word to use. No reason to look any further for a great dentist!! You won't find one.
Mark Chulski
Very professional and enjoyable office. Explained all aspects of what dental treatment I received and needed in the future. They are patient centered and answer all your questions regarding your needs. A great experience from start to finish.
Dennis Roe
I have been to several dentist before coming to Boeschenstein & Middleton Family Dentistry. Dr Jane Boeschenstein is the best dentist I have ever seen. I have recommend her to several people.
Carol Hillis
They do an exceptional job and are very friendly. Teeth always feel thoroughly cleaned. Would recommend to anyone looking for a dentist.
Zac Corell
My experience at Dr. B was excellent. Very thorough visit. The staff was very cordial and I would recommend Dr. B.
Linda Wierenga
Dr. B and her staff were amazing!!! I hadn’t been to the dentist in years and they made me feel so comfortable and not so nervous !!!! Totally recommend this office!!!
Julie Worsley
I've been going here for 10 plus years couldn't see going anywhere else dr b is the best the staff is awsome would highly recommend if your looking for a dentist.
Daniel Hill

Thank you for booking your appointment!

We’ve received your request and will contact you soon to confirm the details. We look forward to seeing you at Boeschenstein & Middleton Family Dentistry.

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Book Your Appointment Today

Book your dental appointment online today for convenient, reliable care in Jenison, MI. At Boeschenstein & Middleton Family Dentistry, we make scheduling simple and stress free. Our friendly team provides gentle, personalized care to help you enjoy a healthy, confident smile.

Business Hours

Mon: 9 AM - 6 PM Tue: 9 AM - 3 PM
Wed: 9AM - 6 PM Thu: 8 AM - 5 PM
Fri - Sun: Closed

We’re Here to Make You Smile Brighter

Scheduling your visit is simple and stress-free. At Boeschenstein & Middleton Family Dentistry in Jenison, MI, our friendly team is dedicated to making every appointment comfortable, personalized, and positive. From the moment you contact us to the day you see your beautiful new smile, we’re here to ensure you feel cared for, confident, and excited about your dental experience.