European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

SPACE REGAINERS – A REVIEW

Rane Jaai* and Winnier Jasmin

ABSTRACT

The primary dentition provides a “mould” for the proper growth of jaws, so that the permanent teeth may have an adequate space for aligning themselves. Whenever primary or permanent teeth are lost prematurely the arch integrity is lost, leading to loss of arch length, arch perimeter and arch circumference which consequently results in loss of space. As a result of space loss, the permanent tooth may remain impacted, or it may erupt buccally or lingually. Premature loss of primary second molars leads to greater amount of space closure than premature loss of primary first molar. When the space is progressively lost, the therapy should be considered to regain the space so that additional disharmonies do not develop. Various appliances help for both regaining the lost space as well as maintenance of the regained space for the eruption of succedeneous permanent teeth. Various fixed and removable space regainers are available and there are continuous innovations in the quest for simpler and more effective space regainers. The decision of using a particular appliance depends on the patient’s requirements and the operator’s choice.

Keywords: Space Loss, Regainers, Coil Springs