A space maintainer is an appliance that Dr. Skelton uses to hold space and prevent crowding of the teeth.  It is used to prevent forward drift of permanent molars.  This often will make orthodontic treatment easier and increase the chance of non-extraction treatment at a later point in time.  It is typically used for children or young teens that have not lost all of their deciduous teeth (baby teeth), but are not ready for comprehensive orthodontic treatment.  Dr. Skelton uses both upper and lower space maintainers, and may place one or both, depending on the patient’s need.