Airway Health

Early Treatment Options: Maintaining Space, Arch Length, and Airway
 

Early loss of a primary molar often causes the adult first molar to tip and move mesially. The basic unilateral space maintainer is ideal for holding the first molar’s position.  This simple appliance can maintain arch length; normal function and esthetics; and perhaps most importantly, intraoral volume, leading to improved airway health.

Forces generated during eating can cause a unilateral space maintainer to move gingivally at the loop, potentially resulting in tissue irritation and in some case allow the banded molar to still tip mesially.

The Modified Space Maintainer features an occlusal rest on the adjacent tooth, which prevents the forces of mastication from moving the loop gingivally. At times, it may prove necessary to prepare a rest seat in the supporting tooth to keep the occlusion clear of any interference. Added retention may also be achieved by bonding the rest into position with composite resin. 

Your appliance of choice for maintaining arch length?

This simple space maintainer prevents both mesial and lingual tipping of the molars while maintaining arch length and intraoral space for the tongue. The most common design is composed of an arch wire soldered to two bands.

NOTE: When prescribing this appliance, it is best to clearly indicate your wire placement preference (lingual or anterior).

For more information regarding the range of available sleep appliances for all types of sleep appliance therapy, be sure to access and review our extensive sleep section at: SMLglobal.com.

                                                                                                                                                                       
Or call us at 800-423-3270 and tell us what you need.  SML® offers a complete range of appliances for your pediatric patients – fitting your every need when it comes to early treatment, sleep and airway treatment, arch development, Phase 1 Orthodontics and habit correction.

For the past 60 years and into the future, we have been and will always be Your Practice-Building Partner®.

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