Space Maintainers: - A guide to fixed and bondable space maintainers

Early loss of deciduous teeth leads to loss of arch length and further contributes to various malocclusions which need interventions in future. in order to prevent that in young children , fixed or removable space maintainers can be given by proper case selection. it is important to check patient compliance before delivering any orthodontic appliance. Fixed space maintainers are reliable and serve their cause.Space maintenance is usually a multi visit procedure requiring banding, impression taking and several laboratory procedures for fixed maintainers prior to seating and cementation. Various problems such as loosening of bands, decalcification of abutment teeth, irritation to oral tissue etc. can be encountered with these appliances.With the use of acid-etch technique and either ultraviolet or chemically curing composite systems, simple space maintainers can be more readily made and retained with overall better gingival health to the tissue around the abutment teeth. Moreover it is applied with less cost to the patient.