What are common problems with my daughter's space maintainer?

Not too many: Fortunately, space maintainers are usually trouble free. Make sure that you keep them clean - especially under the wire. Make sure that they are not loose - get it recemented right away if it does loosen. When you start to see the tip of the grownup tooth coming in, it's time to get it out - it's no longer needed in most cases!

Hopefully none: A well made and well fitting space maintainer should be relatively free of problems. Space maintainers do require an extra effort to keep clean. Brush carefully around the wires and any acrylic if present. Spacers that are cemented into place may come loose if sticky or gooey candies are eaten. Call your dentist if things don't seem quite right.

Hygiene and diet: Space maintainer placed to preserve arch integrity if baby tooth lost prematurely. It must be kept spotlessly clean (metal parts should shine, not be grey). Diet has to be changed to avoid hard, sticky, chewy foods (gum, bagels, gummy candy, etc) to prevent damage to tooth/teeth that appliances attach to. If there are any questions/problems, call your dentist asap.