Contemporary space maintenance for the pediatric patient.

Primary teeth play a critical role in the growth and development of a child. In addition to their role in esthetics, eating, speech, and to encourage normal function and resultant expected growth, the other main function of a primary tooth is to hold space for the permanent successor until it is ready to erupt. Space maintenance forms an integral part of preventive and interceptive orthodontics. After the premature loss of a tooth, not only do space maintainers maintain function and preserve arch length, they also maintain esthetics and eliminate any potential psychological damage a child could face as a result of the premature loss of teeth. The space maintainer also allows the permanent tooth to erupt unhindered into proper alignment and occlusion.