
When a baby tooth is lost too early, other teeth can shift and cause crowding. At Lil’ Dente, we provide pediatric space maintainer in Darien, CT to hold that space open for the adult tooth to grow in the right place. These small, custom-made devices help protect your child’s smile as it develops. With gentle care and expert guidance, we make sure your child’s teeth stay healthy and aligned. Early intervention with space maintainers can prevent the need for more complex orthodontic treatment later.
Baby teeth serve an important purpose, they guide permanent teeth into the correct position. If one is lost too early, nearby teeth may drift into the empty space. This can block the path of incoming adult teeth, leading to bite problems, crooked smiles, or the need for braces. A space maintainer holds the space open until the permanent tooth is ready to erupt. This simple solution helps preserve balance in your child’s growing smile.
Space maintenance is a pediatric preventive treatment that helps protect the natural order of your child’s dental development. It’s a small device with big benefits, helping ensure a straighter, healthier smile down the road. With early action, you can spare your child from future dental complications and added expense. It’s one of the easiest ways to support long-term dental health.

Did you know...
Children who receive space maintainers after early tooth loss are far less likely to need extractions, braces, or bite correction later. Early action saves smiles, and saves money.

Dr. Naomi became a pediatric dentist and opened Lil' Dente Pediatric Dentistry to make a lasting difference in children's lives. As an undergraduate student at Wellesley College, she volunteered on international dental missions and discovered a deep passion for children's oral health. She graduated from the University of Pennsylvania's School of Dental Medicine with two honors - community health and research - and completed her residency in children's dental care at NYU Langone Health in Brooklyn. Before long, she was practicing in Connecticut which is when her dream of Lil' Dente Pediatric Dentistry was born. Lil' Dente Pediatric Dentistry is an extension of her joy and belief of creating a place where your kiddo can experience joy, comfort and the "can't wait to come back feeling" at the dentist.
Obsessed with dogs and has one of her own
Loves to travel and Portugal is her favorite country
Wants to become a pilates instructor one day
Enjoys time with her new baby and husband when out of the office
Dr. Ziyad Effendi became a pediatric dentist because he believes every child deserves a dental visit that’s full of smiles - not stress! With a big heart for little patients, Dr. Ziyad found his perfect match in a career that combines his love for healthcare and working with kids. After earning his dental degree with flying colors, he dove into advanced training in pediatric dentistry, where he learned all the tricks of the trade - from keeping tiny teeth healthy to helping nervous little ones feel right at home. Whether it’s a routine checkup or a special dental need, Dr. Ziyad is all about creating happy, healthy smiles that last a lifetime.
Truly cares for patients.
Strong expertise in her field.
Listens and communicates clearly.
Committed to excellent care.

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At Lil’ Dente, we specialize in monitoring your child’s oral development and providing personalized solutions that set them up for long-term success. Our experienced pediatric dentist in Darien understand the timing and importance of early intervention. When space maintainer is needed, we explain everything in simple, reassuring terms that parents and kids can understand.
We use child-friendly techniques and materials to ensure every space maintainer fits comfortably and works efficiently. From initial diagnosis to follow-up visits, we’re with your family every step of the way, making pediatric preventive dental care as easy and stress-free as possible.
We use calm voices, soft tools, and gentle hands to help every child feel safe. By explaining each step in kid-friendly language, we reduce fear and build trust. Your child’s comfort is always our top priority.
A space maintainer protects the path for incoming adult teeth, reducing long-term dental issues. Preventing early crowding helps avoid braces or complicated treatments later. It's a smart, proactive step for lifelong smile health.
Our pediatric space maintainer visits are fast, simple, and easy on kids. Most treatments are completed in one visit with minimal discomfort. Your child walks out feeling proud, and maybe even excited to return.
We start with a gentle pediatric dental exam and take pediatric dental X-rays to check your child’s dental development. This helps us decide if a pediatric space maintainer is the right choice. Every step is calm, quick, and kid-friendly.
If needed, we create a custom-fitted appliance made just for your child. It’s placed carefully to stay secure and feel natural in the mouth. Most kids adjust quickly and barely notice it’s there.
We show you how to clean around the pediatric space maintainer and keep it debris-free. Regular pediatric dental checkups help us make sure it stays in place and works properly. Our pediatric dentist is always here for questions or support.
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Many dental plans cover this preventive treatment. Our pediatric dentist will help verify your benefits before starting.
Yes. There are fixed and removable options. Our pediatric dentist will recommend the best type based on your child’s needs.
Usually until the permanent tooth is ready to erupt, which varies from child to child. We’ll monitor it closely during checkups.
Not at all. Space maintainers are custom-made to fit comfortably. Most children adjust to them quickly.
If a baby tooth is lost early, a space maintainer may be needed to keep the space open until the permanent tooth erupts.