Space maintainers are orthodontic appliances used in pediatric dentistry. The main function of these devices is to manage premature baby tooth loss.

These devices also help prevent malocclusions (misalignment of teeth), overcrowding, and other orthodontic conditions.

If a child's teeth are lost prematurely, space maintainers ensure permanent teeth do not erupt into the empty space. Tooth loss can be due to trauma, disease, overcrowding, or decay.

There are different types of Space Maintainers such as

Fixed Unilateral Appliances, Fixed unilateral appliances maintain space on just one side of the mouth. Common appliances include the band and loop maintainer and the distal shoe.

Fixed Bilateral Appliances, The second category of space maintainers includes fixed bilateral appliances. Bilateral space maintainers are placed after teeth are lost on both sides of the mouth.

Common types include the transpalatal arch, lingual arch, and Nance arch.