Space Maintainer
A space maintainer is an orthodontic intercepting appliance, fixed or removable, unilateral or bilateral, whose main purpose is to maintain the arch length and allow the normal eruption of teeth.
A space maintainer is an orthodontic intercepting appliance, fixed or removable, unilateral or bilateral, whose main purpose is to maintain the arch length
Indications Space maintainers are indicated: – In the event of premature loss of deciduous teeth (caries, premature extractions, trauma, agenesis), the absence of space maintainers may be the cause of unwanted version or egression movements (Fig 1),
Fig 1 Premature extraction loss of arch length, and unwanted movement of adjacent teeth
The space created can be closed by version of the adjacent teeth. The perimeter of the arch is reduced and a more or less significant dental crowding is created which can block the eruption of the germ. And often leads to consequences on the growth, chewing, swallowing, phonation, aesthetics and psychology of the child (anterior teeth Fig 2),
Fig 2 Unaesthetic appearance due to premature loss of anterior deciduous teeth
the germ of the permanent tooth will see its development modified, on the one hand, because it loses its natural eruption guide and, on the other hand, because a fibrous scar zone (after extraction) is established which can delay its development if the loss of the temporary tooth, the dental occlusion can be modified.
-Maintenance of the lee way space
The transition from mixed dentition to permanent dentition is accompanied by a mesial drift of the 6-year-old teeth ( lee way space ) which is 1.7 mm in the mandible and 0.9 mm in the maxilla
Fig 3 Lee way space
Fig 4 Meisial drift of molars following loss of primary teeth
In certain well-selected cases, it is possible to use the “Lee way space” to reduce congestion, to be able to benefit from this “Lee way space” and block the 6-year-old teeth in their original position, the installation of a space maintainer is necessary.
Space Maintainer
Blockage of the germ of the permanent teeth following mesial drift
A space maintainer is a passive appliance, it is used to prevent mesial drift of 6 year old teeth
Device Description:
There are space maintainers:
– Fixed unilateral or bilateral or Mobile
Fixed, unilateral space maintainers, Maintain space to allow permanent teeth to erupt normally
Space Maintainer
Bilateral fixed space maintainers
Their use is justified when the loss of baby teeth affects both half arches.
Space Maintainer
Removable space maintainer
The Hawley plate, modified to serve as a space maintainer, is used in cases where there is intercalary edentulism.
Anchoring and space-holding devices
Note the accessory use of these space maintainers, can consolidate the anchorage , and with the compensation loops can move the teeth.
Nance gosgarian, FEO, Lower or upper lingual arch, Nance arch, single or anterior arm quadhelix
Untreated cavities can damage the pulp.
Orthodontics aligns teeth and jaws.
Implants replace missing teeth permanently.
Dental floss removes debris between teeth.
A visit to the dentist every 6 months is recommended.
Fixed bridges replace one or more missing teeth.