A NOVEL FIXED FUNCTIONAL LINGUAL ARCH SPACE MAINTAINER

Abstract

Background: A lower lingual arch is usually recommended as a holding device to maintain mandibular arch length and to prevent mesial migration of the mandibular first molars. Lingual arch is also helpful for preserving lower arch dimensions, tooth position, and the efficient enough to preserve the space of lost primary teeth. But In spite of its widespread use, the major drawback is it is unsuccessful to restore masticatory function in place of lost primary teeth. Case report: A 9 year old boy reported with bilateral early loss of primary mandibular 1st molars. To maintain the space for succedaneous teeth, A novel fixed functional lingual arch space maintainer was fabricated and cemented. Follow up after 1 year had satisfactorily maintained space for eruption of permanent teeth. Conclusion: The Novel fixed functional lingual arch is an effective appliance for preserving masticatory function as well as prevention of supraeruption of the antagonist tooth.