Space maintainers are the devices used to maintain or regain the space following the loss of deciduous tooth\teeth.
When space maintainer is needed ?
When there is premature loss of the milk tooth e.g. the lower second molar which should ideally be lost at nine to ten years of age , but beause of decay the child loose it at the age of five years , then that child needs the space maintainer to maintain the space till the permanent tooth is ready to come in that space.
Premature loss of 2nd molar space maintainer is indicated
AFTER HOW MUCH TIME OF EXTRACTION SHOULD IT BE GIVEN ?
Maximum space closure occurs within the first 6 months after extraction. therefore it is best to insert an appliance as soon as possible after extraction
When the space maintainers should not be given?
When there is no alveolar bone overlying the crown of erupting tooth and there is sufficient space for its eruption.
When space left is excess of the mesiodistal dimensions requiredfor the eruption.When permanent succeeding tooth is congenitally absent and space closure is desired.