Space Maintenance with an Innovative “Tube and Loop” Space Maintainer (Nikhil Appliance)

Jyotika Grover,Prerna Panthri

doi:10.5005/jp-journals-10005-1340

Abstract

ABSTRACTDespite the best efforts in prevention, premature loss of primary teeth continues to be a common problem in pediatric dentistry, resulting in disruption of arch integrity and adversely affecting the proper alignment of permanent successors. Space maintainers (SMs) are special appliances used for maintaining space created due to premature loss of primary teeth. Band and loop SM is mostly indicated for the premature loss of single primary molar, but this appliance has a number of limitations both for operators and for patients. Presented in this article is an innovative “Tube and Loop” SM (Nikhil appliance) which offers several advantages over the conventional band and loop SM. It is not only easy and quick to fabricate but can also be completed in a single sitting and cumbersome steps like impression making and laboratory procedures namely soldering are eliminated.How to cite this article: Srivastava N, Grover J, Panthri P. Space Maintenance with an Innovative “Tube and Loop” Space Maintainer (Nikhil Appliance). Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2016;9(1):86-89.

Highlights

Loss of dental arch circumference due to premature loss of primary molars is a common presentation in primary and mixed dentitions.[1]
The band and loop space maintainer (SM) is indicated for the premature loss of single, unilateral or bilateral, maxillary or mandibular primary molars.[2]
Though this appliance appears simple and easy both for the the dentist and patient, it has a number of limitations,[2] viz., (1) it requires a minimum of two sittings for final delivery; (2) after band formation, impression making is required which may be difficult in a young or an uncooperative patient or in a patient with severe gag reflex; (3) while transferring the band on the impression, band displacement during cast pouring is common, resulting in ill-fitting appliance in the patient and last (4) the fabrication requires a substantial laboratory work and time including soldering at two points, which is one of the major causes for failure of this appliance.[3]