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Updated: May 23, 2026
07:26
Systematic Assessment of Mammalian Skull Specimens for Dental and Temporomandibular Joint Pathology
Published on: August 22, 2022
Space maintenance in the primary and mixed dentitions
Thomas Simon1, Ifechide Nwabueze, Hassan Oueis
1Children's Hospital of Michigan, USA.
The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association
|March 24, 2012
Summary
Preventing malocclusion starts with managing space loss in primary teeth. This review details using fixed and removable space maintainers to prevent future dental alignment issues in children.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Orthodontics
- Pediatric Dentistry
Background:
- Premature loss of primary teeth is a significant factor contributing to malocclusion in permanent dentition.
- Effective management of space loss in the primary and mixed dentitions is crucial for preventing future orthodontic problems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and summarize the indications and applications of space maintainers.
- To highlight their role as preventive measures against malocclusion in primary and mixed dentitions.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on space maintainers.
- Categorization of space maintainers into fixed and removable appliances.
- Description of specific appliances based on the tooth lost and dental arch.
Main Results:
- Two primary types of space maintainers exist: fixed and removable.
- The band and loop appliance is recommended for premature loss of the first primary molar.
- Nance, transpalatal (TPA), and lower lingual holding arch (LLHA) appliances are suitable for second primary molar loss.
Conclusions:
- Space maintainers are essential preventive tools in pediatric dentistry.
- Appropriate selection and use of space maintainers can effectively prevent malocclusion.
- Fixed appliances like band and loop, and removable appliances like Nance, TPA, and LLHA, offer solutions for premature primary tooth loss.
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