SPACE MAINTAINER IN MIXED AND PRIMARY DENTITION

Abstract

The premature loss of primary teeth is a frequent problem that brings several consequences for the child’s oral health. When it occurs, the space that should be occupied by the permanent tooth may close, leading to undesirable tooth movements and increasing the chances of malocclusion. To prevent this outcome, space maintainers have become a widely used alternative in pediatric dentistry, as they help preserve the necessary area until the successor erupts. In this study, based on a literature review, the main types of space maintainers were analyzed, both fixed — such as crown-loop, band-loop, and fixed transpalatal arch — and removable ones, such as the modified Hawley plate. The findings showed that, although these devices are effective, their success depends on careful evaluation, regular follow-up, and also the cooperation of the child and their family. It is concluded that the proper use of space maintainers plays an important preventive role, promoting oral health and reducing the need for more complex orthodontic treatments in the future.