Your Pediatric & Special Needs Dentist in Hockessin
451 Hockessin Corners, Hockessin, DE 19707
Call Us(302) 234-2440

Space Maintainers

Space Maintainers

Primary teeth stay in place until a permanent tooth comes in from underneath its position and pushes it out, taking it’s place in the mouth. Some children lose their primary teeth too early due to accidents or dental disease. When this is the case, a space maintainer may be recommended by your dentist to prevent space loss and future dental problems. It is important to remember the fact that some teeth are not replaced until a child is 12 or 14 years old.

Space maintainers are appliances made of metal or plastic that are custom fit to your child’s mouth. Most children adjust to them quickly. Without a maintainer, the teeth can tilt toward the empty space and cause permanent teeth to come in crooked.

With empty space, the teeth beside the gap may tilt or shift into the empty space. When adjacent teeth shift into the empty space, they create crowding in the permanent teeth and they come in crooked. If left untreated, the condition may require future orthodontic treatment. Space maintainers hold open the empty space left by a lost tooth. They steady the remaining teeth, preventing movement until the permanent tooth takes its natural position. It is more affordable to keep teeth in their normal positions with a space maintainer than to move them back in place with orthodontic treatment.

Mary Katherine Matthews, DDS - Pediatric Dentistry - Space Maintainers

OUR MISSION

Our Philosophy

Our team consists of dedicated individuals who are kind, friendly, and caring. Our staff is here to ensure a pleasant experience during your visit to our office. Our team includes experienced and energetic people whose goal is to communicate well with our patients and provide the best care possible.

  • We put our patients’ needs first
  • We create a comfortable environment
  • We provide quality and comprehensive care

Mary Katherine Matthews, DMD

Experienced Hockessin Pediatric Dentist

Dr. Katie Matthews is a board-certified dentist in Hockessin specializing in pediatric and special needs dentistry. She is committed to helping parents and their children establish a dental home by age one. Early education and routine preventive care promote healthy habits. Dr. Katie is happy to accommodate the unique needs of each and every child. 

 Featured on Delaware Today

Mary Katherine Matthews DMD

Pediatric & Special Needs Dentistry

what parents say

Dr. Mary Katherine Matthews Testimonials

Dr. Kate was wonderful with my son. She did the checking and the cleaning of his teeth. He had his first x-ray at the age of 14 and he did well with the “Astronaut” machine. He and I were able to see the full picture of his teeth including the start of his wisdom teeth. Dr. Kate answered all my questions. We are very pleased.

Marie G.

Actual Patient

The dental visit with our 6 year old was amazing! Our child has typically been very anxious about dental care. He left his appointment today saying that he “likes going to the dentist.” Everyone was very patient, kind and caring! Thank you again for this wonderful experience!

Nicole B.

Actual Patient

It is obvious that Dr. Katie cares about children. She took her time with my three-year-old son and explained everything that she was doing. I felt very comfortable, and so did he. Thank you!

Jennifer B.

Actual Patient