Recent Advances in Space Maintainers

Primary dentition plays a pivotal role in the growth and development of a child, not only in terms of speech, mastication, esthetics, and prevention of bad habits but also in the guidance and eruption of permanent teeth. The process of space loss following the premature loss of a primary molar was first described in 1887 (Davenport 1887). A pediatric dentist is a primary person to visualize the effects of premature loss of primary teeth. Thus, it is important for the pediatric dentist to take early actions in preventing the deleterious effects on future developing dentition, psychology, and personality of the pediatric patients. Space maintenance is an essential part of Pediatric Dentistry and helps in providing primary preventive orthodontic care to the patient that is provided to avoid future dental complications