Space Maintainers

A fixed or removable appliance used to maintain space created by the premature loss of a tooth.

Consequances of space loss

Space of prematurely lost teeth usually change in the following 6 months period
Causes loss of arch length, resulting in
- Crowding in permanent dentition
- Impaction of permanent tooth
- Esthetic problems
- Malocclusion

Indications of space maintainer	Contraindications of space maintainer
If the space shows signs of closing. If the use of space maintainer will make the future orthodontic less complicated. If the need for treatment of malocclusion at a later date is not indicated. When the space should be maintained for two year or more. To avoid supra eruption of opposing tooth. To improve the masticatory system and restore dental health.	if the radiograph shows that the succedaneum tooth will erupt soon. If the radiograph shows one third of the root of is already calcified. When the space left is greater than the needed for the permanent as indicated from radiographically. If the space shows no signs of closing. When the succedenous tooth is absent.