--- title: TYPES OF SPACE MAINTAINERS description: There are many types of space maintainers that may be used, depending on the location of the tooth and the needs of the patient. Read more in our blog post. image: https://blog.ddslab.com/hubfs/Images/Blog_Images/Blog_TYPES%20OF%20SPACE%20MAINTAINERS%20copy.jpg --- [![DDS Lab | Full-Service Dental Laboratory](https://blog.ddslab.com/hubfs/01%20DDS%20Lab%20Identity/DDS%20Logos/DDS%20Lab%20Logo%202021.png)](https://www.ddslab.com/) - [Home](https://www.ddslab.com/) - [Products](https://www.ddslab.com/dental-lab-products/) - [Digital Services](https://www.ddslab.com/digital-services/) - [Education](https://www.ddslab.com/dental-education/) - [Send a case](https://www.ddslab.com/send-a-case/) - [Blog](https://blog.ddslab.com/) - [About](https://www.ddslab.com/about-dds-dental-lab/) - [Contact](https://www.ddslab.com/contact-dds-dental-lab/) Dental Technology # TYPES OF SPACE MAINTAINERS There are many types of space maintainers that may be used, depending on the location of the tooth and the needs of the patient. Read more in our blog post. [Stacy Radke](https://blog.ddslab.com/author/stacy-radke) Jul 28, 2017 --- [Space maintainers](https://www.ddslab.com/orthodontics/space-maintainers-regainers-and-bite-plates/) are appliances used in the mouth to preserve and maintain space. They are necessary when one or more primary molars have been prematurely lost due to trauma or disease. Using a space maintainer allows the permanent teeth to erupt, or grow, into the correct alignment with proper tooth-to-tooth contact. It isn’t usually necessary to use a space maintainer when front teeth are lost prematurely, although removable [partial dentures](https://blog.ddslab.com/the-best-partial-denture-techniques) may be prescribed as space maintainers if several front teeth are missing and a child’s appearance is affected. When properly used, space maintainers can prevent movement of the first molars, preventing loss of space for other teeth, including adult bicuspid and canines, which are permanent. If the permanent first molars are not held in the correct positions they can begin to drift forward, stopping the bicuspid teeth from erupting properly. The first bicuspids may also move forward, blocking the way for the permanent canines to erupt correctly. There are many types of space maintainers that may be used, depending on the location of the tooth and the needs of the patient.   ## **Different Types of Space Maintainers** Generally, fixed space maintainers are used by cementing onto the tooth. They cannot be removed by the patient, increasing their long-term effectiveness. Fixed space maintainers include the band and loop, the TransPalatal arch, the distal shoe and the lingual holding arch. One of the most straightforward space maintainers is the band and loop, where a metal band is fitted around an abutment tooth and is attached to a wire loop that touches the other abutment tooth, preventing movement. This type of space maintainer is used when a primary molar has been removed. A [crown](https://www.ddslab.com/crowns-and-bridges/)and loop is a similar type of space maintainer, but it utilizes a [dental crown](https://blog.ddslab.com/zirconia-dental-crowns-advantages-and-disadvantages) fitted over a badly decayed abutment tooth. One problem with this type of space maintainer is that adjustments can often be difficult. A TransPalatal arch is used for bilateral loss of primary maxillary molars. It consists of two metal bands connected across the palate with a rigid wire. The metal bands are fitted onto the nearby teeth, preventing forward movement. Although this space maintainer is hygienic, it may not prevent mesial tipping, which is the leaning of teeth that can result in crooked angles. When an acrylic button is added to this space maintainer it becomes a Nance appliance, but this button can create oral hygiene problems. A distal shoe space maintainer is used when a patient is too young to have their permanent first molars. With this appliance, a distal shoe is placed onto a baby molar, projecting through the gums to the mesial surface of the still-hiding first molar, guiding its eruption into the mouth. A lower lingual arch is used when one or more primary molars are missing from both sides of the arch and when the permanent first molars have already erupted. This space maintainer uses metal bands fitted around the permanent first molars and a wire, which is bent into the shape of the arch, is soldered onto the bands. This wire is fitted inside the child’s front teeth. **[ View Space Maintainers here »](https://www.ddslab.com/orthodontics/space-maintainers-regainers-and-bite-plates/)** ## **Potential Risks of Using Space Maintainers** One of the main risks of using a space maintainer is oral hygiene. If a child’s oral hygiene is poor, then the gums may become inflamed. In the worst case, inflammation can grow around the space maintainer. Poor oral hygiene can also increase the risk of tooth decay. Young patients may  have particular trouble with the process of making and fitting a space maintainer. Certain types of space maintainers, especially the distal shoe, need frequent monitoring and adjusting to ensure the device doesn’t impede the normal eruption of the permanent first molars into the mouth.   Please be reminded that should you wish to discuss a case in more detail, our experienced technical team is here to assist you. **[Click here to schedule a consultation with our technical team »](https://go.ddslab.com/schedule-a-consultation-with-an-expert)** **[![Orthodontics Product Catalog](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/1775100/0d14d571-448b-4350-8fb3-6313bc588681.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/1775100/0d14d571-448b-4350-8fb3-6313bc588681)**   [Dental Technology](https://blog.ddslab.com/topic/dental-technology) [Tips & Tricks](https://blog.ddslab.com/topic/tips-tricks-in-dentistry) ## Similar posts Dental Technology ### [Zirconia dental implants — pros and cons](https://blog.ddslab.com/zirconia-dental-implants-pros-and-cons) Zirconia implants have been used in Europe for over a decade and can provide excellent biocompatibility. Although not suitable for everyone, zirconia... Houssam Sahwil Nov 3, 2017 Dental Technology ### [DENTAL IMPLANTS - The Importance of Soft Tissue Models](https://blog.ddslab.com/dental-implants) A good dental lab can help you facilitate the process of shaping provisional implants or placing customized healing abutments by producing soft... Houssam Sahwil Feb 21, 2017 Dental Technology ### [ZIRCONIA VS TITANIUM DENTAL IMPLANTS](https://blog.ddslab.com/zirconia-vs-titanium-dental-implants) Titanium and zirconium are the only two elements that do not prevent implants from integrating into the bone. Know which material to use for your... Houssam Sahwil Nov 8, 2017 ### **Stay up-to-date with the latest in dental news by signing up for our newsletter!** By subscribing, you'll receive regular updates on advancements in dental technology, tips for restoring a healthy smile, and news about our laboratory. Signing up is easy - just enter your email address and click "subscribe." 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