Abstract: The early loss of deciduous teeth is a big challenge in low income countries. Many appliances have been proposed in order to maintain space however; the use of these appliances requires impressions, models, bands and an orthodontic laboratory. So, a simple and fast made space maintainer is needed.
Methods: To prepare this new space maintainer, a stainless steel rectangular wire (0.75 mm*1.5 mm) (Figure 1) and a composite (flow composite, restoration composite or orthodontic composite) are required. The wire is prepared to look like a big U loop and soldered with the composite to a posterior tooth.
Results: This new space maintainer was really efficient in achieving interception goals and maintaining space for permanent teeth. It was simple to use by the practitioner at the office. It was also comfortable for the patient.
Discussion: This paper aims to present a new space maintainer with a simple use, without orthodontic laboratory need. Many space maintainers have been presented in the scientific papers but this is a different one because it is a hybrid maintainer (metal and composite).
Conclusion: The new “Space Maintainer” can be an advantageous appliance for the orthodontists, pedodontists and general dentists.
Keywords: Space maintainer, Deciduous teeth, Low income countries, Hybrid.
Title: New space maintainer for children in low income countries
Author: Fouzi BOUKHAZANI
International Journal of Healthcare Sciences
ISSN 2348-5728 (Online)
Research Publish Journals
