What are possible complications of getting a space maintainer?

Several potential complications of getting a dental space maintainer can occur -- all of which can be avoided. Children with dental space maintainers should not eat sticky foods and chewy candy or gum, since this can loosen the band or get caught in the space maintainer's wire. If the space maintainer comes loose, there is a possibility that the child could swallow it or inhale it into the lung. A space maintainer can also become loose if a child pushes on it with his or her tongue or fingers.