Space maintenance in the primary and mixed dentitions

Abstract

Loss of space in the primary dentition is considered one of the main causes of malocclusion in the permanent dentition. The purpose of this paper is to review ond summarize the indications and use of space maintainers in primary and mixed dentitions as preventive measures of future malocclusion. Two main types of space maintainers are used to maintain the space in primary ond mixed dentitions: fixed and removable appliances. Band and loop is the appliance of choice when a primary maxillary or mandibular first molar is prematurely lost. With the premature loss of a second primary molar, Nance or transpalatal (TPA) appliances can be used on the maxillary arch and the lower lingual holding arch (LLHA) for the mandibular arch.